Nearly 300 students will become OSU Institute of Technology’s newest alumni following two graduation ceremonies Friday, Aug. 26, in Covelle Hall on the Okmulgee campus.
Students from the Schools of Arts & Sciences, Construction Technologies, Culinary Arts, Engineering Technologies, Information Technologies, Nursing & Health Sciences, and Visual Communications will graduate during the 2 p.m. event.
Students from the Schools of Automotive Technologies, Diesel & Heavy Equipment, and Energy Technologies will graduate during the 7 p.m. ceremony.
The commencement speaker at both ceremonies will be Tim Reggio, president of Submar Inc., a Louisiana-based company that serves clients in energy, civil infrastructure and government.
Reggio is also an OSUIT alum who graduated in 1978 with an Associate in Applied Science from the School of Diesel & Heavy Equipment.
“For me, the chance to return to OSUIT is always enjoyable. I’ve been back many times over the years,” Reggio said. “I have such an appreciation for the quality of the education I received from the university, it was an education easily transferable into industry. The opportunity to speak to the graduating class is both inspiring and challenging.”
The student respondents from the 204th graduating class are John Carver, who will speak at the 2 p.m. ceremony, and Jake Sickels, who will address his fellow graduates at the 7 p.m. ceremony.
Carver, who served 11 years in the U.S. Navy and earned the rank Chief Petty Officer, will graduate with an Associate in Applied Science in Construction Management from the School of Construction Technologies.
“I came to OSUIT because I wanted to quickly transition from my military career into a career in construction management. The best part about being a student here are the internships— applying what you learn in real-world applications increases the learning opportunities,” he said. “The faculty will do everything they can to help you succeed at building an excellent foundation for your future career.”
Sickels will graduate with an Associate in Applied Science in Industrial and Farm Equipment from the Western Equipment Dealers Association Technician Training program.
“I chose OSUIT for the state-of-the-art, incomparable technical training offered here alongside the resources and equipment needed for me to become a well-rounded and professional person. OSUIT has given me the blueprints and educational background to become a successful individual in the agricultural industry,” he said.
Sickels will next pursue a bachelor’s degree in plant and soil science with a minor in precision agriculture from OSU Stillwater.
“Coming to this campus has made the biggest impact on my life. Though it is only the first steppingstone on my educational path, it has been one that I wouldn’t change for anything,” he said.
Since his own graduation nearly 40 years ago, Reggio has gained experience in areas of gas compression, power generation, maritime manufacturing and offshore service markets. He has traveled the world during his expansive career, venturing to more than 40 countries.
He has also given back to his alma mater by facilitating equipment donations and classroom aids from his former employer Motortech Americas LLC.
“The students attending the university today are tomorrow’s leaders in industry. OSUIT offers them an incredible foundation to build their career upon,” he said. “My message to the graduating class will be simple. You’ve been taught by some of the best in the industry. On the other side of that door there’s a world hungry for new leadership. Have a ball along your journey.”
For more information about this event visit osuit.edu/commencement.