YSU announces Spring 2026 commencement ceremonies and speakers

Youngstown State University will hold four commencement ceremonies over two days, Friday, May 1, and Saturday, May 2, in Beeghly Center on the YSU campus. The ceremonies will celebrate the accomplishments of more than 2,000 graduates, in total, and will feature keynote and student speakers.

The ceremony for students graduating from the Bitonte College of Health and Human Services will begin at 5:30 p.m., Friday, May 1. Tickets are required for guests attending this ceremony.

On Saturday, May 2, the Beeghly College of Liberal Arts, Social Sciences and Education will graduate at 10 a.m., the College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics will graduate at 1:30 p.m, and the Williamson College of Business Administration and the Cliffe College of Creative Arts will graduate at 5 p.m.

The Bitonte College of Health and Human Services ceremony will feature a keynote address from Matt Kresic. Kresic brings more than 30 years of experience in nonprofit child welfare and behavioral health. Through his leadership at Cadence Care Network, he has overseen significant organizational growth and expanded services supporting thousands of children and families across Ohio. He also serves as an adjunct faculty member in the university’s Bitonte College of Health and Human Services.

Student speaker Terrance Childress-Harris, who is earning a master’s degree in athletic training, will also deliver remarks. During his time at YSU, he gained clinical experience working with high school and collegiate athletes and developed a strong interest in injury rehabilitation and patient-centered care. Childress-Harris plans to pursue certification and begin his career as an athletic trainer in Ohio.

The city of Youngstown’s 52nd mayor, Derrick McDowell will deliver the keynote address for the Beeghly College of Liberal Arts, Social Sciences and Education. McDowell is known for his leadership in community engagement, economic development and neighborhood revitalization. A Youngstown native, he has built a career focused on improving quality of life for residents and advancing initiatives that strengthen the city’s future.

Student speaker Sofia Myers is a Sokolov Honors College student, graduating with Bachelor of Arts degrees in political science, communication studies and philosophy, with a minor in marketing. She has held multiple leadership roles in the Student Government Association, including president and executive vice president, and has served as an academic senator. Myers has also competed on the Intercollegiate Ethics Bowl Team and completed internships in Washington, D.C., with the United States House of Representatives. Her work reflects a strong commitment to service, leadership and advocacy, which she plans to continue in a career in government.

The College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics ceremony will feature a keynote address by Peyman Givi. Givi, a distinguished professor and endowed chair at the University of Pittsburgh, is an internationally recognized researcher in aerospace and mechanical engineering. A YSU alumnus, he has received numerous national honors, including NASA’s Public Service Medal, and is known for his work in computational fluid dynamics and high-performance computing.

Lydia Noble, who is graduating with the highest level of distinction in industrial and systems engineering, will deliver the student remarks. Noble, a member of the Sokolov Honors College, has been active in Student Government Association leadership and served as president of the YSU Dance Club. She will begin her career as a systems engineer following graduation.

The Williamson College of Business Administration and the Cliffe College of Creative Arts will feature Bob Hannon, president of the United Way of Youngstown and the Mahoning Valley for the keynote address. Hannon has led the organization since 2008, guiding its transition to a community impact model and expanding programs that support families and children across the region. Under his leadership, the organization has grown its annual campaign and launched initiatives such as Success After 6 and the Centofanti Volunteer Resource Center.

Student speaker Lauren Barrett is graduating with a degree in interdisciplinary studio art and a minor in marketing. Her work focuses on abstract painting and printmaking, alongside research in consumer behavior. She plans to pursue graduate study in entertainment technology at Carnegie Mellon University.

All ceremonies will be live streamed on the University’s YouTube channel for those who cannot attend.

CONSTRUCTION REMINDER: For guests coming from the South, Northbound I-680 in Youngstown is closed between South Avenue and SR 193. Please allow extra time to account for increased traffic in the area.

Youngstown State University’s commencement ceremonies celebrate the achievements of its graduates while highlighting leaders and students who exemplify academic excellence, service and innovation.