Although the commencement ceremony will look a little different this summer, over 250 graduates will embrace a milestone and walk across the stage at OSU Institute of Technology for the 216th Commencement on Sept. 16, with ceremonies at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. in Covelle Hall. 

Terryl Lindsey, dean of the School of Transportation & Heavy Equipment, and Dr. Pete Brown, a faculty member in the School of Engineering & Construction Technologies, will serve as the keynote speakers. 

Lindsey, who will speak at the 10 a.m. ceremony, shares something in common with these graduates, he also calls OSUIT his alma mater. In 1983 he received an Associate of Applied Science in Diesel & Heavy Equipment Technology from OSUIT.

His educational credentials and industry-specific certifications include receiving an Associate of Arts in General Studies from Connors State College, a Bachelor of Science in Technical and Industrial Education from Oklahoma State and a Master of Science in Teaching, Learning, and Leadership with an emphasis on Administration & Curriculum Development from Oklahoma State University. Lindsey is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Occupational Education from Oklahoma State University.

He also holds an Oklahoma Teaching Certification for Trade/Industrial Education, grades 6-12, a Technology Center Standard Administrator Credential and an Oklahoma Teaching Certification for Secondary Principal.

Lindsey brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the School of Transportation & Heavy Equipment. He has been employed with OSUIT since 1995 and has held many roles, including faculty instructor, lead instruction, assistant division chair and dean. His leadership efforts have served the industry well, also serving in several advisory roles. He is currently serving on the Diesel Technology Advisory Board for Central Technology Center and Kiamichi Technology Center.

Dr. Brown, who will speak at the 2 p.m. ceremony, has been employed with OSUIT for 10 years. He currently serves as an instructor for the Natural Gas Compression Technologies program, teaching basic engines, advanced engines, air fuel systems, programmable logic controllers, engine electrical and Capstone.

He received his bachelor's degree in General Psychology from the University of Central Oklahoma and a master's degree in Career and Technical Education from Concordia University. Dr. Brown recently completed his doctoral studies in Education and received a Ph.D. in Teacher Leadership from Concordia University. 

Dr. Brown also has over 30 years of industry experience in engine and engine electronics. He was formerly a training specialist with Warren Cat of Oklahoma City, has delivered Caterpillar training practices throughout the world and holds many professional certifications relevant to his expertise in the energy and mechanics industry. In 2016, he was awarded the OSUIT Regents Distinguished Teaching Award.

Christopher Jon Gootos, who will speak at the 10 a.m. ceremony, and Tyler Andrew Koshiway, who will speak at the 2 p.m. ceremony, will serve as this summer's student respondents. 

Gootos is receiving a Bachelor of Technology in Information Technologies with a discipline in Cybersecurity & Digital Forensics from the School of Creative & Information Technologies. A member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, Gotoos plans to continue his education this fall and study toward an MBA in Data Analytics from Louisiana State University in Shreveport.

He wanted to inspire his two sons and impart the importance of higher education and knew that the only way to show the importance of a college degree was to obtain one. 

Gootos also holds three jobs, two full-time and one part-time. He serves as the IT director for Jim Norton Toyota of OKC and was recently hired by Rose State College as a faculty member in the Computer Information Technology Department. He also serves as a reserve police officer for the town of Meeker. An animal lover, he finds time to volunteer or to provide donations and supplies to Tiny Paws Kitten Rescue in Stillwater. 

"Through all these positions, I am able to use the education from OSUIT and the training from my sales career, to help everyone learn," said Gootos. 

If Gootos sets his mind to something, he finds a way to achieve it, no matter the task. 

"I wanted to learn how to fly, so I now have a private pilot license," he said. "I respect the police and always wanted to be one, so now I am a reserve police officer. I am also a Federal Firearms Licensed dealer in what little spare time I have left."

Koshiway is receiving an Associate in Applied Science in Electrical Construction from the

School of Engineering & Construction Technologies. As a student, Tyler was a member of Phi Theta Kappa, The National Society of Leadership and Success, Relying on Christ's Knowledge (ROCK), Baptist Collegiate Ministry, Construction Management Professionals and the Student Government Association. He is also a recipient of the Don Porter Construction Management Scholarship.

"I attended OSUIT to better my life," said Koshiway. "I wanted to have a college experience while learning a trade that will help me out for the rest of my life."

This isn't his first time at OSUIT. He initially enrolled in 2011 but quickly found that the program he chose wasn't the right fit for him.

"I wanted to come back to prove to myself that I can graduate from college," he said. "I started again during fall 2018, and now I'm about to graduate. I'm very proud to say that 'I did it!.'"

This fall, Tyler will continue his education and pursue a Bachelor of Technology in Applied Technical Leadership at OSUIT. 

"Everything can be an educational experience if you're willing to learn from your surroundings and the choices made within them."

The summer commencement exercises will be held as private functions only with no guests; Covelle Hall will be closed to the public. Only graduating students and the platform party will be permitted entry.

All ceremonies, however, will be streamed live to the OSUIT Facebook page and made available for on-demand viewing on OState.TV so that friends and family may see their graduate crossing the stage and share in that moment

For more information or updates regarding the 216th commencement ceremonies, please visit osuit.edu/commencement.