Cincinnati State To Hold First-Ever Virtual Commencement August 9

This virtual commencement will honor 1,100 graduates during the college's 50th anniversary year.

(Cincinnati, Oh.) - Cincinnati State Technical and Community College's 2020 Commencement ceremony was originally scheduled for May. But like so many other activities, it had to be delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Now, graduates will be recognized in a virtual ceremony on August 9 that will feature U.S. Senator Rob Portman as the keynote speaker.

"We are so pleased to have Sen. Portman help us honor our 2020 graduates," said Dr. Monica Posey, president of Cincinnati State. "With the pandemic, this group of graduates has endured a lot to reach the finish line, and we will have a commencement ceremony that will be meaningful and fun for them and their families."

To produce the August 9 virtual commencement event, the college is partnering with Storyocity, a commercial production and motion design studio founded by Cincinnati State graduates that has done work for Procter & Gamble, JobsOhio, CET and other clients.

In addition to Sen. Portman delivering the keynote address, the Cincinnati State 2020 Commencement will also include the following:

· An honorary degree will be presented to Barbara A. Turner, president and chief operating officer of Ohio National Financial Services, Inc., and member of the Cincinnati State Board of Trustees. (See separate release about Ms. Turner)

· The 2020 Distinguished Alumnus Award will be presented to Jason Asic, a 2004 graduate of the medical laboratory technology program who is now the chief operating officer for Mercy Health West Hospital in Cincinnati and a board member of the Cincinnati State Alumni Association. (See separate release about Mr. Asic.)

· An address to graduates by Dr. Monica Posey, president of Cincinnati State.

· Three students will address their fellow 2020 graduates: Judith Kafando, who is graduating summa cum laude with an Associate Of Applied Business In Accounting Technology; Lynda Monteith, who is graduating summa cum laude with an Associate of Applied Science in Surgical Technology; and Harrison R. Perin, who is graduating with a Certificate in Addiction Studies.

· Each of the college's 1,098 graduates for 2020 will see their name highlighted as part of the ceremony.