Meet our Commencement and Candlelight Ceremony Speakers!
These four graduating seniors will be sharing their Buckeye stories during commencement weekend. Attend Candlelight Ceremony on May 4 on the Oval near Thompson. Pre-event festivities will begin at 7:30p.m. The Commencement Ceremony will take place on May 5 beginning at noon.
Name: Deborah Makari
Major: History
Hometown: Olmsted Falls, Ohio
What is your favorite Buckeye experience?:
There are so many to choose from but nearly all have to do with the friends I’ve made through OUAB, being an Office Assistant in Taylor Tower, and Buck-i-SERV trips!
What are your plans after graduation?:
I’m seeking out a public service position with a non-profit or advocacy organization, hopefully in Washington D.C!
If you could give incoming Buckeyes one piece of advice, what would it be?:
Take advantage of every opportunity you have and utilize all the resources OSU has to offer! You’ll meet tons of exceptional people and learn about yourself and the world if you expose yourself to different ideas and areas!
Name: Melissa Martínez
Major: Early Childhood Education
Hometown: Mexico and Paulding, Ohio
What is your favorite Buckeye experience?:
One of my favorite Buckeye experiences was Homecoming Week. I spent a lot of time with wonderful people and it was awesome to see the Buckeye community coming together, whether we were students, alumni, or staff and faculty. That was also my first time ever at the Horseshoe. Getting to walk on the field of the stadium was amazing and breathtaking to say the least!
What are your plans after graduation?:
I plan on teaching at the Elementary level in Ohio. I love that I get to shape young minds as well as share my diversity, knowledge, and experiences. As an added bonus I also get to share with students my love for the Buckeye nation and yell “OH” only to have a group of kids respond “IO” at any point during my day.
If you could give incoming Buckeyes one piece of advice, what would it be?:
Get involved! Try new things, meet new people, and challenge yourself. Your experience in OSU will be so full and rewarding because of that! Learning occurs inside and outside of the classroom so allow yourself to take on every opportunity you get.
Name: Nathan Grine
Major: Strategic Communications
Hometown: Liberty Center, Ohio
What is your favorite Buckeye experience?:
My favorite Buckeye experience would be the interactions I have had with alumni. Whether a recent graduate, or someone who is well established in their career, a warm and welcoming face is sure to greet you wherever you go. There is something magical about sharing experiences from one generation of Buckeyes to the next. The genuine interaction, investment, and adoration that alumni have for this institution is inspiring. No matter where I am, I know that when I throw out an O-H an I-O will shortly follow.
What are your plans after graduation?:
Following graduation, Nathan plans to pursue a master’s in Higher Education and Student Affairs. He is excited to encourage the continued growth and development of the students he will be working with.
If you could give incoming Buckeyes one piece of advice, what would it be?:
My advice to incoming Buckeyes would be to seize every opportunity that presents itself. The possibilities at this university are truly endless, and you never really know what great memories, extraordinary experiences, or life-long friends may lie beyond every chance taken. If a helping hand is ever needed, a simple ask is all it takes as there will always be someone to guide you in the right direction. Because of all the paths one could explore at Ohio State, I have been able to make my wildest dreams come true, and for that, I am forever grateful.
Name: Nick Frankowski
Major(s): Economics and Political Science
Hometown: Cincinnati, Ohio
What are your plans after graduation?:
I’m heading home to Cincinnati to begin a rotational leadership development program with Park National Bank. I also plan to stay active in Ohio State activities and community organizations.
What is your favorite Buckeye experience?
My favorite Buckeye experience would have to be the Ohio State-Michigan football game in 2016. After the game, everyone rushed the field and sang “Sweet Caroline” at the top of our lungs. It was absolutely incredible to look around at a sea of 100,000+ of my closest friends dressed in scarlet and gray, everyone singing and smiling and enjoying the win over our rival. Thankfully, I took a video of this on my phone, and sometimes I’ll look back at it and reminisce. It was a surreal experience!
If you could give incoming Buckeyes one piece of advice, what would it be?:
If I could give incoming Buckeyes one piece of advice, it would be this — fearlessly try everything. A school of Ohio State’s size and prestige can be intimidating, but it offers infinite opportunities to pursue your passions and develop your talents. Take advantage of every opportunity — even if you’re not sure you’ll enjoy it. You’ll learn so much about yourself and others. I guarantee your biggest regret will be not trying. Take chances, make mistakes, and learn from it!
