Terra State Community College Celebrates 55 Years of Transforming Lives
T
erra State Community College marked a major milestone by honoring its 55th graduating class at commencement ceremonies on Friday, May 10, 2024. The celebration highlighted the College's enduring legacy and long-standing commitment to providing high-quality, accessible education.
For the 55th graduating class, Terra State awarded associate degrees and certificates to 310 students. The diverse class represented a range of ages, backgrounds, and academic journeys unified by their drive to learn and grow.
"This commencement ceremony is a time for recognizing the strong leadership that each of our graduates has exhibited in the accomplishment of their goals,” said Terra State President Dr. Ronald Schumacher.
The Student Commencement speaker, Ms. Brittany Goeller, a nursing graduate and Fall 2023 Student Nurses Association President, was nominated to speak for her leadership, motivation, and mentoring of fellow students, qualities highlighted by Dean of Student Success Mr. Tim Shaal in his introduction. “Success is not defined by the absence of failure, but by the courage to persevere in the face of adversity. It often comes from pushing through difficult times, staying determined, and never giving up,” said Ms. Goeller. “Our experiences are what we make of them, and we are what we make of ourselves. However, the journey of becoming the best version of ourselves is far more important than anything we might achieve along the way.”
The Commencement Speaker was LTC Timothy M. Adair, Commander, U.S. Army Recruiting Battalion-Cleveland. He was born and raised in Northeast Ohio and graduated from John Carroll University in 2003. His military career included platoon leader deployed in Operation Iraqi Freedom, company commander deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, and chief for Base Operations Support-Integrator for Commander US Forces Afghanistan deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Resolute Support. LTC Timothy M. Adair earned a Bachelor of Arts, Sociology, a Master of Public Administration, and a Master of Military Arts and Science. “As new graduates, your commitment speaks volumes about your character, your values, and your dedication; something not everyone in our Nation is capable of or willing to do,” said LTC Timothy M. Adair when addressing the graduates. “Each of you has made the choice to be part of something bigger than yourself. And it is due to amazing students like yourselves—who are willing to put in the work—that allow our Nation to remain the greatest in the world. So, I commend every graduate here today for making the decision to make a difference.”
Terra State's 55th graduating class represented the institution's commitment to empowering students from all walks of life. Among the graduates were high school students, veterans, parents, and career-changers—all united by their dreams of a brighter future through education.
With over 21 fields of study, 29 degrees and 40 certificates for today’s in-demand programs, Terra State continues to transform lives across northwest Ohio. As this graduating class culminates one journey, they embark on new paths as leaders, innovators, and lifelong learners, making a positive impact. To learn more about Terra State's degree offerings and admission process, visit terra.edu.
To view the Terra State 55th annual commencement photo gallery click here