COLUMBUS -- Since the 19th century, The Ohio State University has graduated people from all walks of life, including the first African-American astronaut and the inventor of Teflon. This year, Ohio State will mark yet another milestone in the university's 130-year history when the 500,000th diploma is awarded on Friday.

Ebony Bonner of UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS will take her place in Ohio State's history books when she receives a master of social work, her second degree in two years from Ohio State.

"I'm really excited about it," said Bonner, who will begin a career as a social worker with Netcare Access in Columbus after graduation. "My parents are both social workers, and I grew up learning the values of the profession. I feel like God has something in store for me."

Bonner is latest addition to a long list of notable, and often famous, Ohio State alumni. Over the years, Ohio State has been home to several outspoken and dedicated students, including Faye Wattleton, past president of Planned Parenthood; Judy Miller, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist for the Miami Herald; Jesse Owens, Olympic track champion; Roy Lichenstein, contemporary artist; and William Batten, former president of the New York Stock Exchange.

"Ohio State is much more than the chimes in Orton Hall, the Fisher College complex or even Ohio Stadium. This university could never have become what it is today without the more than 500,000 students who have called it home," said President William E. Kirwan. "Their contributions both as students and as graduates are what make Ohio State such a great university."

Ohio State's 352nd commencement includes many other interesting and accomplished graduates.

Maria Stancil Spence of COLUMBUS will receive a Ph.D. in social work. In 1984, two years after her last child was born, Spence's husband suffered a fatal heart attack, leaving her the sole provider for eight children. To support her family, she returned to school after more than 20 years and, in 1990, received a B.A. in psychology. Her education didn't stop there. She went on to earn a master of social work degree from Ohio State in 1993, thanks in part to a Critical Difference for Women Coca-Cola Re-entry Scholarship. Spence's determination and drive have made her an ideal role model for her children, four of whom have decided to attend college.

Ohio State's youngest graduate, Ron Pavlov Jr. of REYNOLDSBURG, will graduate with honors in mathematics at the age of 17. Pavlov started taking classes here when he was 11. He also served as an undergraduate teaching assistant.

Midge Petraglia of WORTHINGTON, who will receive a bachelor's degree in psychology, is another "nontraditional" student. Petraglia came back to school in her 30s when her son was in middle school. During her time at Ohio State, she was the captain of the women's varsity crew team and a true role model for her teammates. She is a three-time scholar athlete and a two-time Academic All-Big Ten recipient.

Also among the graduates are 11 students who have earned 4.0 grade point averages.

"The students are why we are here. This is a very important time in their lives -- not just to pursue academics, but to experience life lessons in a safe and nurturing environment," Kirwan said. "It is our job, as the staff and faculty who work on their behalf, to create an atmosphere in which they can fully express themselves and grow as individuals."

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