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Celebrating the Class of 2025
Special Edition
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| Central State University honors Class of 2025 at Commencement | | Cheers, tears, and echoes of proud footsteps marked a day of celebration at Central State University as more than 600 graduates crossed the stage at the 2025 Commencement Ceremony, held on the campus grounds in Wilberforce, Ohio. The time-honored tradition recognized the culmination of years of academic dedication, community impact, and personal perseverance. | | Relive the unforgettable moments of joy, unity, and achievement by watching the 2025 Commencement Ceremony video. From the stirring processional to the final tassel turn, it captures the energy, pride, and spirit of the Marauder community as graduates embark on the next chapter of their journey. | | Messages of unity, growth, purpose | | |
Central State University’s 2025 Commencement Ceremony was a powerful celebration of resilience, leadership, and community. The event featured inspiring speeches from student leaders Mer’Kyah Warren and Denzel McCoy, who reflected on perseverance and the transformative impact of their CSU experience.
Keynote speaker Dr. Myron L. Rolle — a neurosurgeon, Rhodes Scholar, and former NFL player — shared his philosophy of “The 2% Way,” encouraging graduates to pursue consistent, incremental growth. Xenia Mayor Will Urschel also addressed the Class of 2025, reinforcing themes of unity and purpose.
The ceremony included musical performances by the CSU Chorus and Robeson Chamber Winds, and concluded with President Dr. Morakinyo A.O. Kuti conferring degrees and welcoming graduates into the CSU National Alumni Association.
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Walking by faith and numbers: Top Scholar Tristin Fernandes
With a perfect 4.0 GPA and a double major in mathematics and computer science, Wilberforce native Tristin Fernandes was named Central State’s Top Scholar for the Class of 2025. But his journey is defined by more than academic excellence — it’s a story of faith, mentorship, and transformation.
From College Credit Plus courses and research presentations before high school graduation to internships with the Air Force Research Laboratory and Air Force Institute of Technology, Fernandes credits CSU’s supportive faculty and close-knit community for shaping his future.
Now heading to graduate studies at AFIT, Fernandes offers this advice to future Marauders: “Don’t make excuses. And don’t underestimate the value of community.”
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| | | Dar'Neja Skipper triumphs over brain surgeries to graduate on time | | |
Dar’Neja Skipper’s journey at Central State University is a powerful story of perseverance. As a first-generation college student, she overcame personal and academic challenges to earn her degree. Her story reflects CSU’s supportive community and the determination it takes to succeed.
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| | Honors College celebrates transformative faculty mentor | | |
Central State University’s Honors College recently honored Dr. Theresa Aikens, Assistant Professor of Psychology, for her exceptional mentorship and lasting impact on students.
A 2016 alum, Dr. Aikens has guided over 40 independent honors projects and supported organizations like Psi Chi and the Golden Key International Honour Society. Her dedication has profoundly influenced students, including graduating senior Ibrahima Jarjou, who credited her guidance during the 2025 Honors College Ceremony.
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| | Class of 1975 honors the past, strengthens the future | | | | |
Fifty years after crossing the stage at Central State University, the Class of 1975 returned to campus to celebrate their Golden Anniversary and reaffirm their enduring commitment to its mission, values, and future.
Held as part of Commencement Weekend, the dinner brought together classmates, University leadership, and longtime supporters for an evening of reflection, inspiration, and renewed purpose.
The night’s stories reflected the transformative power of a Central State education and the unshakable community it creates.
Meet the Class of 1975.
| | | Student leadership in agriculture and sustainability | | Chantinae Gray, a senior at Central State University, is making strides in sustainable agriculture.As president of CSU's MANRRS chapter, she leads initiatives to empower underrepresented communities in agriculture.Her research on hemp-based fish feed and aquaculture systems aims to bolster food security in regions like her native Bahamas, which heavily rely on food imports. | | Central State University's chapter of Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences (MANRRS) earned national recognition at the 39th annual conference in Memphis. Twelve students attended, securing over $20,000 in scholarships. The chapter also received a Chapter of Excellence Award, highlighting its rapid growth since re-chartering in January 2024. | |
Impact of 1890 David Scott Scholars Program | |
At Central State University, we are proud to celebrate the transformational impact of the 1890 David Scott Scholars Program — a powerful engine of opportunity that propels students toward academic excellence, research innovation, and meaningful careers in agriculture, science, and engineering. The following student success stories highlight how the program empowers Central State students to pursue groundbreaking research, engage in national and global scientific conversations, and gain professional experience through competitive internships.
Meet Royalty Hightower, Joel Christopher Barhorst, and Thando Mawasha — an exceptional Marauder and two Centralians who exemplify the power of scholarship, service, and science in action.
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Central State University Alumni Association 2025 Annual Meeting
Hosted by the Greater Carolinas Alumni Chapter
June 26–29 | Charlotte, North Carolina
Reconnect, reflect, and celebrate Black excellence at CSU Alumni Weekend! Enjoy a welcome reception, alumni breakfast, and legacy luncheon, honoring our shared achievements. Join us for a weekend of unity, inspiration, and connection!
| | Catch up on the latest news | | For God, For Central, For State! | | The Ambassador is a University Communications publication designed to keep students, faculty, staff, alumni, donors, friends and others informed about news and developments at Central State University. To share your story ideas, questions and comments, contact Communications Manager Alissa Paolella, Editor, at apaolella@centralstate.edu. | | | | |
