Central Ohio Technical College (COTC) hosted commencement on Dec. 12, celebrating graduates who completed their degree and/or certificate requirements in the summer and autumn 2025 semesters. COTC President John M. Berry, PhD, presided over the ceremony and presented each of its passionate speakers.

Berry and COTC Provost Greg Ferenchak, EdD, opened the event by congratulating the graduates and advising them to carry on with confidence. They also acknowledged the ceremony’s mace bearer Thomas Comisford, an assistant professor who has served the college since 1994.

COTC Chair of the Board of Trustees Rob Montagnese offered some supportive comments of his own. “Tonight is not an ending,” Montagnese reminded graduates. “It’s the beginning of a wonderful opportunity for you to share your talents with your world.”

Then the crowd got the opportunity to hear from the evening’s keynote speakers.

Nicholas Townsend took advantage of COTC’s copious resources on his way to graduating with an associate degree in business management technology — plus six additional business certificates. Berry introduced him as a “true example of dedication and early success.”

But it wasn’t always that way. Midway through Townsend’s journey, his grades hit what he called a “devastating low point.” He sought help from academic success coaches and the tutoring center, and their guidance taught Townsend the necessary time management and study skills. “My grades skyrocketed, he said. “I ended up passing a class I surely thought I was going to fail.”

Now, he’s continuing his education by pursuing a bachelor’s degree. “I only have four courses left,” he noted. Townsend aspires for a career in supply chain management, and he’s confident his alma mater prepared him for that path. “I’m excelling with the education and the learning strategies I received from COTC,” he said. “I’ve enjoyed being part of the COTC community so much. They are here to help you cross that finish line.”

Terry Bertiaux took the podium next. The 1984 graduate of the college’s industrial engineering technology program got emotional when starting his commencement speech. He recounted a 42-year career with the federal government, which once took him to Iraq to help move U.S. military assets out of the country. His career has culminated in a mediator position for the Defense Finance Accounting Service in Columbus.

Bertiaux, COTC’s most recent Outstanding Alumni Award winner, admired the graduates’ resolve to succeed. He ended by encouraging them to step outside their comfort zone as they move through their own careers. “It teaches us communication, empathy and resilience. It makes all of us better teammates,” he said. “As graduates of COTC, you have the skills, knowledge and confidence to build the future — your future.”

Closing the ceremony and channeling the holiday spirit, Berry followed the tassel transfer with his take on a Christmas classic — a video version of ‘Twas the Night Before Commencement. Then the president concluded the ceremony with his familiar challenge for the graduates to go beyond success and reach significance. “That’s our final mission for each and every one of you,” he said. “You all have amazing abilities, and your journey has just begun. We couldn’t be more proud of what you have accomplished.”