CELINA, OH – Wright State University–Lake Campus held its 52nd Annual Commencement Ceremony on Thursday evening, April 25, 2024. Degrees conferred upon the 183 members of the Class of 2024 included 142 bachelor’s degrees and 41 associate degrees. Dr. Andrea Faber, Lake Campus Vice Provost & Chief Administrative Officer, presided over the ceremony.
Over 100 graduating students participated in the ceremony, where graduate Zachary Pleiman of Ft. Loramie provided student remarks. Pleiman earned a bachelor’s of science degree in mechanical engineering, achieved a perfect GPA in his studies, and was nominated by the Lake Campus faculty. Pleiman was also the recipient of the 2024 Lake Campus Top Scholar.
In his remarks, Pleiman encouraged his fellow graduates to remember those who helped them along the way, not to just be a number and go out and make a difference in the world as well as learn from prior experiences. 
Wright State University President Sue Edwards provided the Commencement Address.
In her address, President Edwards acknowledged that many of the graduates began their college career four years ago during a global pandemic.
"I am sure you have faced your challenges and triumphed to get to this point. However, I'm sure that you did not do it alone. You were no doubt helped, supported and encouraged by people who care for you deeply.
"Visualize where you are going and make a plan for turning your vision into your new reality. Go out there and always be your best self, said Edwards."
As the recipient of 2024 Lake Campus Outstanding Alumnus Award, Luke VanTilburg provided remarks to the graduating class of 2024. He earned his associate, bachelor's and master's degree from the Lake Campus. He is the Chief Financial Officer of the VTF Family of companies which consists of VanTilburg Farms, VTF Excavation, VTF Sunrise, and MVP Dairy. He and his two brothers have proudly grown the family business from 14 employees to 135 in the last 20 years. VanTilburg also serves as a member of the Western Ohio Educational Foundation. 
"Graduates, as you go forth from the Lake Campus on your future endeavors, I hope you will begin with the end in mind. I hope you will have same impact and ripple effect on not just the Lake Campus, but your entire community, country, and world. Here is to you, and here is to long lasting impacts, said VanTilburg."
The Mercer County Firefighters Honor Guard presented the colors for the event. Dr. Dane Daniel, Pianist and Associate Professor of History and Sam Gudorf, Lake Campus Alumnus, provided music for the evening.
Highlights of the 2024 Graduate Class of Wright State University–Lake Campus
- 41 associate degree candidates
- 142 bachelor’s degree candidates
- The youngest graduate is 18 and the eldest graduate is 66
- Over 80% of the class is from Mercer, Auglaize, Darke, Shelby or Van Wert county
PHOTO IDENTIFICATION:
TOP: Luke VanTilburg, 2024 Lake Campus Outstanding Alumnus Award recipient addresses the graduates.
MIDDLE: A group of education students gather before the 2024 Commencement Ceremony
BOTTOM: Zachary Pleiman, Lake Campus graduate addresses his fellow classmates.
