The ˿Ƶ Class of 2023 moved their graduation tassels to the left as President Nagi Naganathan, Ph.D., concluded the 75th Annual Commencement Ceremony held at John F. Moehl Stadium. The Class of 2023 includes 712 individuals, some who received multiple degrees, and another 78 who are expected to complete requirements this summer.
President Naganathan opened the event by welcoming attendees and applauding graduates for their resilience and determination.
“Regardless of your degree program, you believed in your ability to make positive and meaningful change in the world,” President Naganathan said. “You became an agent of change, first for yourself, and now for others. Your accomplishment is a testament to your determination and resilience. Through uncertainty, isolation, and adapting to new modes of learning, through a multi-year pandemic, you maintained your studies and sought new ways to adapt and see the world. Now, as graduates, that drive is what will make you the successful leaders of tomorrow.”
˿Ƶ Tech was honored to welcome ˿Ƶ State Treasurer, Tobias Read, as the keynote speaker this year. Treasurer Read was a champion for college affordability in the state legislature, leading efforts to expand Open Educational Resources. He has continued this leadership as Treasurer, helping families save for college through the ˿Ƶ College Savings Plan.
As thanks for speaking at the ceremony, President Naganathan presented Treasurer Read with a 3D owl mounted on wood recovered from the Learning Resource Center at the Klamath Falls campus after an earthquake damaged the building in 1993. Professor Tim Pasang worked with senior Aiden Williamson on the owl and Facilities Services Maintenance Supervisor Jim Lake donated time to prepare the wood mount.
Students Ashley Ripplinger (Dual Civil Engineering and Environmental Sciences) and Trent LaMont (Mechanical Engineering) served as Class of 2023 graduating speakers at the event.
˿Ƶ Tech also honored staff and faculty who have been at ˿Ƶ Tech for at least 10 years with distinction. This included:
- 15 years of service: Kelly Caleb, Head Athletic Trainer
- 24 years of service: Erin Foley, Ph.D., Vice President of Student Affairs and Dean of Students
- 14 years of service: Lloyd Parratt, Associate Professor, Natural Sciences
- 28 years of service: Maureen Sevigny, Ph.D., Distance Education Program Director, Management
- 22 years of service: Michael Spektor, Ph.D., Executive Director for Industry Partnerships, The Boeing Company
- 26 years of service: Sherry Yang, Ph.D., Professor, Computer Systems Engineering Technology
Congratulations ˿Ƶ Class of 2023.
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