UC Commencement: 186 Years of Academic Excellence

The 2005 graduating class of the University of Cincinnati joins a group of alumni that includes a president and chief justice (William Howard Taft), a speaker of the house, whose portrait was featured on the first issue of Time Magazine (Joseph G. Cannon), a Nobel Peace Prize winner and U.S. Vice President (Charles G. Dawes), and celebrated artists including this year’s Commencement speaker, award-winning Broadway producer and CCM graduate Kevin McCollum.

Commencement celebrates the accomplishments of the people who came to the university to pursue success and opportunity. Each of these graduates has a personal story of how they traveled that pathway to success. Here’s a special look at some of the graduates of the University of Cincinnati Class of 2005:

Daria “Dasha” Lezina first came alone to Cincinnati from Russia at the age of 15. The talented art student thought she would miss out on college by being forced to return to her home country, but a UC scholarship helped her achieve her dream in the nick of time. Her mother is coming in from Russia to see Dasha march in the morning Commencement ceremony.

David Arps, a single father, will celebrate the achievement of his nursing degree, plus pick up two more degrees from UC this summer. Two decades ago, he dropped out of the medical field, but then he returned to medicine – after nearly dying.

Beth Wilhelmus, a UC employee, has worked behind the scenes to make Commencement an unforgettable experience for graduates and their families. As she puts together the final details of the ceremony, she’ll get to experience marching in the ceremony herself.

Janet and Ebony Warren are a mother-daughter team of history grads. Mother Janet just planned to take some courses in moral support of her daughter. Now, Janet is graduating magna cum laude.

Samantha Cronier’s real-world experience at UC included conducting research in Japan. She’s the recipient of the C-Ring Award, which recognizes UC’s most outstanding female graduate.

Justin Shafer’s ties to UC run very deep. After all, he proposed to his future bride on the steps of Tangeman University Center. He’s the 2005 recipient of the Mr. Bearcat Award, which honors an outstanding male graduate for his academic success and Bearcat spirit.

Paul Bessire’s flair for numbers resulted in a thesis that adds a new twist to sports talk.

Selena Heman-Ackah set out to change the face of healthcare, one degree at a time — no, make that two degrees at a time.

The Presidential Leadership Medal of Excellence honors UC graduates who exemplify leadership and service on campus and in the community. This year, three graduates will proudly wear the medal during Commencement exercises.

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