OUS graduates get ready for next stage

Andrew Lykins was assessing the job market with a buddy as he waited in the Shafer Courtyard for the start of his graduation from Ohio University Southern-Ironton on Friday evening.

Lykins of Ironton was graduating with a bachelor’s degree in education with integrative social studies. That means he can teach seventh to 12th grades in social studies, political science or geography.

“I’m passionate about history and education seemed the way to go,” he said.

With three aunts and several cousins as educators, he knew he had good examples of what makes a good teacher.

Around his neck were the silver cords signfying he was magna cum laude, meaning he has a 3.75 or better grade point average.

A lot of his success in college came, he said, from knowing how to be “diligent and always get your work in on time.”

As the courtyard filled up with graduates and parents, many carrying bouquets of red roses or balloons cheering on the students, Lykins said he was looking forward to the night.

“I’m excited to get out and earn some money,” he said.

There were almost 250 students ready to get their diplomas in disciplines as diverse as accounting technology, deaf studies, equine studies, psychology and criminal justice.

Josh Dillon graduated with a dual major in criminal justice and communications with the goal of getting into law school.

“I have mixed feelings,” Dillon said. “It is good to be graduating, but I’m going to miss it. Four years go by pretty fast.”

Dillon also wore the silver cords as well as a medallion signifying he was the outstanding graduate in criminal justice.

The ceremony started with words by Dr. James Payne, chair of the coordinating council of OUS, followed by an invocation and pledge of allegiance by Shane Humphrey, 2015 outstanding student. Then came remarks from Payne and Nicole Pennington, OUS dean.

Also looking forward to going on to the next stage of life was Jacklyn McIntyre who studied child development and would like to own her own business some day.

“I feel really excited,” she said. “I made a lot of friends. This is a really good university.”