Central Ohio Technical College (COTC) hosted commencement on May 2, celebrating 360 graduates who completed their degree and/or certificate requirements in the spring 2025 semester.

“This is by far our largest class coming out of COVID,” said COTC President John M. Berry, PhD.

COTC Provost Greg Ferenchak, EdD, and President Berry opened the ceremony by encouraging graduates to look upon their accomplishments with pride. They also acknowledged the ceremony’s mace bearer Thomas Comisford, an assistant professor who has served the college since 1994.

After uplifting comments from COTC Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees Andrew Guanciale, the overflowing crowd heard from the evening’s first keynote speaker.

Jessica Kinser, despite dire circumstances, graduated with her bachelor’s degree in diagnostic medical sonography (DMS). Kinser is a mother of two and has a learning disability. She once had a substance abuse disorder and an abusive partner. While a part of the program, one of her DMS professors detected a cancerous tumor in her neck.

Kinser’s keynote address reflected on all these seemingly “insurmountable” difficulties and her inspiring journey to earning a degree.

Where you get your education matters,” she said. “I can honestly say that being a student at COTC saved my life. Now, I am committed to using this life to save others and make a difference.

Kinser closed her stirring speech with a simple, resounding reminder to her fellow graduates.

“Your past does not define you. Your challenges do not have to defeat you,” she said. “We are all here today because we chose to succeed.”

COTC chose Timothy Young to take the next turn at the podium. A 1990 graduate of the college’s business management technology program, Young is now the president and CEO of Licking/Knox Goodwill Industries. He put the definition of intelligence under a microscope in his keynote speech, arguing the definition applies to more than just a letter grade on a transcript.

Real intelligence is about how you think. It’s curiosity with a purpose. It’s creativity with intention. Each of you is an intelligent graduate because you grew,” Young said. “Intelligence isn’t just about what’s in your head. It’s about how you use it to turn your goals into action.

President Berry offered the closing remarks. He made one last appeal to the group of graduates – which included his own son – before the official tassel transfer.

“I challenge you to take the success that you have exhibited one step further. Can you, and will you, move beyond success to significance?” he asked. “You have demonstrated your ability to change your lives. You have added to the success of your communities. Now, I want you to take that gift and make the world a better place.”