Hiram College presented degrees to 298 undergraduate and graduate students on May 17, 2014, at the 164th Commencement ceremony. President Chema, who will retire on June 30, 2014, after 11 years of service, shared the milestone with the Class of 2014, as he delivered the commencement address.
Chema discussed the value of Hiram’s liberal arts education, and how they – he and the graduating class – are now prepared to change the world.
“It is up to us who leave this magnificent college to use what we have learned – intellectually, morally, ethically to make the world better,” he said in his address. “Each of us will travel a different path from Hiram Hill. Each of us will have to take up the mantle of James A. Garfield in our own way, but we each must do it. Our education here; our friendships here; our tradition here demands it – and you are ready.”
During the ceremony, the Board of Trustees also recognized Chema and retiring Vice President and Dean of Students Eric Riedel, for their commitment and service to Hiram College.
View a video stream of the ceremony.
The Hiram College community congratulates the Class of 2014, Riedel and Chema, for their outstanding achievements, and wishes them the best of luck in whatever the future holds.
All photos by Kasey Samuel Adams.
Nursing Pinning Ceremony
Baccalaureate Service
Commencement Ceremony
Alexis Alvarado ’14 leads the singing of the national anthem.
Chairman of the Board of Trustees Ken Moore presents a resolution honoring President Chema.
Chairman Moore presents a resolution honoring Eric Riedel, vice president and dean of students.
Shane Young ’14 introduces Commencement Speaker President Tom Chema.
