Order of Exercises - Summer 2025

The Two Hundred Eighty-Second 
Commencement

Memorial Athletic and Convocation Center 
August 9, 2025
10 a.m. 

Welcome
Representative from the Division of Student Life

Call to Order 
Ann Abraham
Macebearer

National Anthem

Introductions
Representative from the Division of Student Life

Trustee Welcome
Member of Kent State University’s Board of Trustees 

President’s Address 
Todd A. Diacon, Ph.D. 
President 

Special Recognitions
Presented by:
Melody J. Tankersley, Ph.D. 
Executive Vice President and Provost

Conferral of Doctoral Degrees
Melody J. Tankersley, Ph.D. 
Executive Vice President and Provost 
Presiding

Degrees Conferred by: 
Todd A. Diacon, Ph.D. 
President 

Presentation of Doctoral Diplomas
Deans of the Colleges

Assisted by:
Chris Dorsten
Associate Vice President of Enrollment Management and University Registrar

Hooded by:
Deans of the Colleges and Students’ Advisors

Music by:
Hugh A. Glauser School of Music String Quartet

Conferral of Master’s and Educational Specialist Degrees
Melody J. Tankersley, Ph.D. 
Executive Vice President and Provost 
Presiding

Degrees Conferred by:
Todd A. Diacon, Ph.D. 
President

Presentation of Master’s and Educational Specialist Diplomas
Deans of the Colleges

Assisted by:
Chris Dorsten
Associate Vice President of Enrollment Management and University Registrar

Turning of the Tassel
Undergraduate Degree Candidates

Closing Remarks
Todd A. Diacon, Ph.D. 
President 

Alma Mater

Recessional

Special Thanks to Our 
School of Music: 
Pianists
String Quartet 
Vocalists

Volunteers and Event Staff: 
Commencement Committee 
Community Members 
Faculty Marshals
Students 
Staff