Order of Exercises - Spring 2025

Advanced Degree Ceremony

The Two Hundred Eighty-First 
Commencement

Advanced Degree Ceremony 
Memorial Athletic and Convocation Center 
May 8, 2025
6 p.m. 

Welcome
Representative from the Division of Student Life

Call to Order 
Tracy Laux 
Macebearer

National Anthem

Introductions
Representative from the Division of Student Life

Trustee Welcome
Member of Kent State University’s Board of Trustees 

President’s Welcome 
Todd A. Diacon, Ph.D. 
President 

Commencement Address
Melody J. Tankersley, Ph.D. 
Executive Vice President and Provost

Special Recognitions
Presented by:
Melody J. Tankersley, Ph.D. 
Executive Vice President and Provost

Conferral of Doctoral Degrees
Melody J. Tankersley, Ph.D. 
Executive Vice President and Provost 
Presiding

Degrees Conferred by: 
Todd A. Diacon, Ph.D. 
President 

Presentation of Doctoral Diplomas
Deans of the Colleges

Assisted by:
Chris Dorsten
Associate Vice President of Enrollment Management and University Registrar

Hooded by:
Deans of the Colleges and Students’ Advisors

Music by:
Hugh A. Glauser School of Music String Quartet

Conferral of Master’s and Educational Specialist Degrees
Melody J. Tankersley, Ph.D. 
Executive Vice President and Provost 
Presiding

Degrees Conferred by:
Todd A. Diacon, Ph.D. 
President

Presentation of Master’s and Educational Specialist Diplomas
Deans of the Colleges

Assisted by:
Chris Dorsten
Associate Vice President of Enrollment Management and University Registrar

Closing Remarks
Todd A. Diacon, Ph.D. 
President 

Alma Mater

Graduate Recessional

Special Thanks to our 
School of Music: 
Pianists
String Quartet 
Vocalists

Volunteers and Event Staff: 
Commencement Committee 
Community Members 
Faculty Marshals
Students 
Staff 

 

Undergraduate Degree Ceremonies

The Two Hundred Eighty-First 
Commencement

Undergraduate Degree Ceremonies 
Memorial Athletic and Convocation Center 
May 9-10, 2025
10 a.m., 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. 

Welcome
Representative from the Division of Student Life

Call to Order 
Tracy Laux 
Macebearer

National Anthem

Introductions
Representative from the Division of Student Life

Trustee Welcome
Member of Kent State University’s Board of Trustees 

President’s Address
Todd A. Diacon, Ph.D. 
President

10 a.m. Commencement Address
Br. Rogério Renato Mateucci
Rector Pontifical Catholic University of Paraná

Student Reflection 
Jessica Lynn Starkey  
Student Body President

Recognition of Honors
Presented by:
Melody J. Tankersley, Ph.D. 
Executive Vice President and Provost 

Conferral of Undergraduate Degrees
Melody J. Tankersley, Ph.D. 
Executive Vice President and Provost 
Presiding

Degrees Conferred by:
Todd A. Diacon, Ph.D. 
President

Presentation of Diplomas
Deans of the Colleges

Assisted by:
Chris Dorsten
Associate Vice President of Enrollment Management and University Registrar 

Turning of the Tassel 

Closing Remarks 
Todd A. Diacon, Ph.D. President 

Alma Mater

Graduate Recessional  

Special Thanks to our 

School of Music:
Pianists 
String Quartet
Vocalists

Volunteers and Event Staff: 
Commencement Committee
Community Members
Faculty Marshals
Students
Staff