Celebrating Commencement for the Class of 2024

By Alissa Paolella, Communications Manager
Posted May 13 2024
central state university class of 2024 on the football field with a packed stadium

Early morning clouds and intermittent storms gave way to stunning sunshine and clear blue skies over Wilberforce on May 11 as Central State University celebrated the remarkable achievements of the Class of 2024 with the spring Commencement Ceremony. 

Excitement filled the air at William Patrick McPherson Memorial Stadium with the jam-packed home stands and nearly full visitor seating across the field. The day began with the annual alumni breakfast and networking for the Golden Class of 1974 and faculty and staff volunteers who assisted with the ceremony.  

This year’s Commencement was even more special than usual. The Class of 1974 showed up in great numbers, with approximately 30 classmates in attendance — an impressive showing for a class celebrating a 50th anniversary. They are survivors of the devastating April 3, 1974, Xenia tornado, which threatened Central State’s very existence. However, the class joined with administrators, faculty, staff, alumni, and others who love CSU to rebuild and continue graduation plans for that June. Their resilience laid an indestructible foundation for generations to come.  

Those celebrating 50 years since their induction as Centralians have much in common with the Class of 2024, known as “the COVID class.” These recent graduates were high school seniors during the first year of the coronavirus pandemic, which led to the cancelation of their high school graduation ceremonies and many activities during their first semester at college. Their transition to college was anything but typical as they found creative ways to connect while keeping one another safe. Their bond is strong today.  

Each of these classes persevered with determination and grit, never giving up hope. On May 11, that hope was on full display, transformed into pride at all they’ve accomplished and the love of their alma mater they share.  

Use the left and right arrows below to browse through photos from Commencement activities from May 9-11 and observe the joy and excellence permeated from these scholars. See more photos.

Scenes from the festivities

central state university class of 2024 graduates on the football field at william patrick mcpherson memorial stadium in wilberforce ohio
central state university baccalaureate speaker dr. d'angelo taylor at speaker podium
central state university student body president jordan mcmahon at podium with interim president Dr. Alex Johnson seated to his right
baccalaureate ceremony platform guests seated on stage
platform guests and central state university administrators on stage at the 2024 baccalaureate ceremony
central state university commencement processional
central state university class of 2024 graduate in regalia
central state university graduate raises arms in celebration
dr. donovan livingston at podium as 2024 commencement speaker
members of the golden class of 1974 at commencement
two central state university graduates hold their diplomas
a student holding their diploma
central state university graduate with dr. morakinyo kuti incoming president at central state university on stage at commencement
a graduate wearing regalia smiles with three people wearing shirts showing his photo
a big group of supporters with a central state university graduate

Central State University Class of 2024 graduates sit in chairs on the football field during the Commencement Ceremony.

Dr. D’Angelo Taylor, vice president for Hope, Unity and Belonging at Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee, was the keynote speaker at the Baccalaureate Ceremony.

Jordan McMahon, Class of 2024 president, speaks during the Baccalaureate Ceremony on May 10.

L-R: Central State University Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. F. Erik Brooks, Miss Central State University Raven Golliday, Class President Jordan McMahon, and Student Government Association President Sydney Grayson.

L-R: Senior Class Scholar Kayla Smith, incoming President Dr. Morakinyo Kuti, and keynote speaker Dr. D'Angelo S. Taylor.

The processional for the 2024 Commencement Ceremony begins its march to William Patrick McPherson Memorial Stadium. 

Dr. Donovan Livingston, keynote speaker, gives his address during Commencement. 

Members of the Golden Class of 1974 wear gold robes during Commencement. 

Charles Hill, a native of Detroit, is pictured with his fan club wearing matching shirts featuring his face.