������Ƶ

������Ƶ Southern celebrated the achievements of its graduates during the 46th Annual Graduation Recognition Ceremony, held May 1 in Bowman Auditorium due to inclement weather.

The event honored students earning degrees in the 2024–25 academic year, with a total of 128 degrees awarded across associate, bachelor’s, and master’s programs. 

Stephan Harris, manager of workforce development at UK King’s Daughters and an ������Ƶ alumnus, delivered the keynote address. A lifelong Lawrence County resident and current graduate student in the Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Service, Harris encouraged graduates to embrace their personal growth, adapt to change, and lead with purpose.

“You don't have to be who you were at 19—or even 39,” he said. “Life will evolve, and so will you.”

Drawing on his own journey from student to civic leader, Harris underscored the importance of showing up for one’s community and continuing to learn.

“Greatness doesn’t require a big city,” he told the graduates. “It just requires big intentions.”

Vice Provost for Regional Higher Education Dr. Lewatis McNeal and ������Ƶ President Dr. Lori Gonzalez also shared video messages with the class, commending their resilience and reminding them that they will always be part of the Bobcat family.

In addition to recognizing graduates, the ceremony honored several individuals for their outstanding contributions to the campus community:

• Mary Brady received the Spirit of Southern Award, which honors a graduating student who exemplifies Bobcat pride through service, leadership, and commitment. A senior in the social work program, Brady was recognized for her openness about her recovery journey, her advocacy for others, and her support of fellow students.
• Megan Rookard, an alumna of the Human Services Technology and Studio Art programs, was named the 2025 recipient of the Dr. Dan Evans ������Ƶ Southern Alumni Leadership Award. Rookard currently serves as an educator and advocate at Pathways’ Porchlight Sexual Assault Resource Center and has led training sessions across the region on gender-based violence and social justice.
• Dr. Allorah Henson, assistant professor of instruction in biology, received the Outstanding Faculty Award for her innovative teaching, enthusiastic campus involvement, and student-focused advising—most recently stepping into the role of advisor to the Southern Esports team.
• Mike Donley, applications support analyst and IT coordinator, was honored with the Outstanding Staff Award for his reliability, technical expertise, and calm, solution-oriented support of students, faculty, and staff.

Dean Deborah Marinski opened and closed the ceremony, recognizing not only the graduates’ achievements but also the strength of their support systems.

“Graduates, you have shown us what it means to strive for excellence, to overcome challenges, and to embrace opportunities,” Marinski said. “You stand poised to embark on new journeys equipped with the knowledge and skills acquired during your time at Southern.”

Outstanding Graduates

Outstanding Graduates were also recognized across multiple degree programs, including:

• Merinda Webb, Associate in Arts – Social Science Emphasis
• Katelyn Hicks, Bachelor of Technical and Applied Studies
• Justin Mount, Associate in Applied Business – Business Management Technology
• Andrew Kleinman, Associate in Applied Business – Computer Technology
• Cheyenne Riedel, Associate in Applied Science – Electronic Media
• Rachel Miller, Associate in Applied Science – Human Services Technology
• Delaynee Burkhart, Associate in Applied Science – Nursing
• Carly Young, Bachelor of Science in Business – Business Studies
• Renee Marcum, Bachelor of Science in Education – Early Childhood and Elementary Education
• Jeremy Smith, Bachelor of Science in Education – Middle Childhood Education – Mathematics and Science
• Emma Whaley, Bachelor of Social Work

The Graduation Recognition Ceremony is a longstanding Southern Campus tradition that allows family, friends, faculty, and staff to celebrate the academic accomplishments of students in a more intimate setting. For many graduates, the event marks not only the completion of their degree but also a new chapter of service, leadership, and lifelong learning.

Ohio Graduates

CHESAPEAKE: Matti Adkins, Delaney Blackwell, Alana Burnside, Abby Frye, Brayden Gilpin, Sam Heffner
COAL GROVE: Will Sites
CROWN CITY: Justin Theiss
FRANKLIN FURNACE: Emily Bailey, Ali Herrforth, Melissa Stapleton, Whitney Stapleton, Merinda Webb
IRONTON: Morgan Beasley-Dodson, Alexis Bentley, Victoria Boyer, Mary Brady, Jessica Breece, Brittany Clark, Eden DaVania, Diana Davis, Eric Day, Sarah Dempsey, Harlea Fitzpatrick, Collin Freeman, Melinda Johnson, Macy Malone, Mattie Malone, Holly Maynard, M'Kenzie McMaster, Tate Munion, Cheyenne Riedel, Mariah Rotter, Rylie Schwab, Dylan Stephens, Bishop Strait, Emma Whaley, KaCee Wilson
KITTS HILL: Jacob Bentley, Justin Mount, Tracy Schuh, Luke Thompson
LUCASVILLE: Abby Blevins, Emily Loop
OTWAY: David Dunlap
PEDRO: Paige Watson
PORTSMOUTH: Lance Hatten, Courtney Hylton
PROCTORVILLE: Retzel Ansell, Emily Arthur, Lailah Holbrook, Skylar Jefferson, Robert Lockhart, Skyla Wiley, Natalie Wireman
SCOTTOWN: Connor Franklin
SOUTH POINT: Hannah Adams, Alyse Giffin, Andrew Kleinman, Chase Lynd, Renee Marcum, Tessa Mitchell, Allison Riddle, James Riley, Ben Walls, Chloe Walter
WEST PORTSMOUTH: Kenny Hawkins
WHEELERSBURG: Casey Bester, Ricky Nash, James O’Leary, Liz Shupert, Chelsea Swords, Morgan Willoughby, Carly Young
WILLOW WOOD: Christian Taylor

Kentucky Graduates

ASHLAND: Hannah Day, Steven Grimm, Katelyn Hicks, Calli Smith, Melody York
FLATWOODS: Delaynee Burkhart, Blake Fowler, Kaleb Fry, Jeremy Smith, Brianna Stricklen
GREENUP: Claire Jordan, Gene Rhoden
RUSSELL: Daniel Davidson
SOUTH SHORE: Rachel Miller
ULYSSES: Abby Vannatter

West Virginia Graduates

CHARLESTON: Brittney Marinich
HUNTINGTON: Laykin Stiltner
ONA: Danielle Hagley-Yates