Columbus State’s 199th Commencement

Update | Tuesday, December 17, 2019

Merideth gives address
Columbus State held its 199th Commencement Ceremony Friday. More than 1,400 students petitioned to graduate from the combined summer and autumn semesters. Merideth Sellars, associate professor of Biological and Physical Sciences at the College, provided the commencement address. She said, “I always tell my students, ‘you never pass up an opportunity.' That is my first message to all of you. When someone opens a door for you, even a crack, take it! Open that door.”

Graduates included 20-year-old Michael Kopechek. He received an Associate of Science degree with plans to transfer to Ohio State University to pursue a Civil Engineering degree. And while it’s common for one sibling to follow another on a path through Columbus State, Kopechek’s family may hold the record. He is the ninth of ten brothers and sisters in a row who have attended classes at the College. He is the second to earn an associate degree from the College. Seven of his siblings have gone on to earn bachelor’s degrees at Ohio State, and another will graduate there next year.

Following in their footsteps was no problem. Kopechek said, “Why not follow their successful paths?” What’s more, his younger sister, a high school senior, is currently taking College Credit Plus classes through the College, making her the tenth Columbus State student in the family.

Watch the commencement video here.

Below, scroll through images from commencement.