John Gunn, faculty director for the biomedical science major, re-introduces himself to Traci’s family and talks about her future plans. “This major was the main reason I came to Ohio State,” said Traci, who graduated cum laude with honors in medicine. “It’s a rigorous program but it allowed me to learn a lot about the medical field.”
During the African American Farewell celebration in the Ohio Union, Traci cheers as her friend, Virginia Layfield, accepts her diploma. “It was inspiring to see the accomplishments of such a small but tight-knit community be recognized on an individual basis before the big ceremony on Sunday.”
Following the African American Farewell celebration, Traci and her sisters from Alpha Kappa Alpha sing their hymn. “This sorority has meant so much to me. Even though I’m leaving Ohio, these are relationships I’ll have forever.”
Sunday starts with breakfast at the home of one of Traci’s mentors, Amy Ferketich, professor of epidemiology in the College of Public Health. During their more than two years of working together, Traci’s research was highlighted in the Denman Research Forum and published in the peer-reviewed medical journal Preventing Chronic Disease. “She’s not only been great in helping me develop my research skills but was always interested in my life as a student and a person.”
Traci and her family — including her brother, Branden, her father, Doug, and her mother, Tonia — meet with history professor David Steigerwald outside of Thompson Library. Traci, a history minor, visited Europe as part of Steigerwald’s World War II study abroad program. “He was one of the first connections I made on campus, my freshman year. He’s become a really close mentor and has been a big part of my Ohio State support group.”
Walking to RPAC, the Recreation and Physical Activity Center, where students await the procession to Ohio Stadium, the anticipation builds. “I’ve walked this path every day. But this day was different. Seeing everyone in their gowns and robes and caps, it was becoming more real. I was about to graduate.”
Less than an hour to go. Megan Kruze, left, and Traci, close friends since freshman year, reminisce and look ahead to the next steps in their career. Megan is moving on to study physical therapy while Traci begins her marketing internship with the Chicago marketing company Intouch Solutions.
“It was a warm feeling, walking into the stadium,” Traci said. “I didn’t think the stadium would be as full as it was. We were so excited to be here, to be walking in. To see all the different schools with their colored tassels and the props everyone had — it was pretty emotional.”
Within a sea of nearly 10,000 graduates who showed up for the ceremony, and the nearly 70,000 people in the stadium, Traci and her fellow graduates listen to commencement speakers.
“All I did was get handed a diploma, but there was definitely a sense of accomplishment. I had passed this major milestone in my life,” Traci said. “This is the moment we’ve all been working toward and now it’s all over. Four years went by so fast.”
