Breon Mitchell smiled uncontrollably, secured her new diploma under one arm, and tightly hugged her teary-eyed mother.
The scene was repeated hundreds of times Saturday around the perimeter of University of Toledo’s Savage Arena at the end of its fall commencement ceremony.
Thousands of graduates packed most of the arena’s main floor while cheering mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, grandparents, and other relatives filled the rest of the venue to capacity. After it was over, the graduates scattered to find family and friends.
PHOTO GALLERY: Click here to view more photos
Like many of the other 2,252 UT graduates from 12 of the university’s colleges, Ms. Mitchell, 22, shared optimism for an improving job market coupled with trepidation about a still-delicate domestic economy.
“I am building up my resume right now, landing different internships,” she said. “I have friends who graduated last year and last semester who still do not have jobs. They work at FedEx or at the mall. ... I feel the job market is hard right now, but you have to really have to put yourself out there.”
Of those receiving diplomas, 707 received advanced degrees.
Typical for commencement ceremonies, family members cheered with pride — some holding up bouquets of flowers or other congratulatory items on behalf of the hard work their loved ones put into earning their diplomas.
Erik Meiner, who graduated with a master’s degree in business administration, has an optimistic view of the future for the class of 2014.
“I think the economy is definitely turning around,” Mr. Meiner said, surrounded by his family.
As a UT employee, Mr. Meiner qualified for a tuition waiver.
Ashley Hall, who finished a PhD in experimental psychology after four years at UT, said the psychology field requires that level of higher education.
“It was a lot of work. I know I apply for more than 100 jobs … and I ended up with a tenure-track position at University of Southern Indiana,” Ms. Hall said.
UT Provost John Barrett reminded the graduates their accomplishments would create opportunities, but he also advised them to “have fun” and find a career each would enjoy.
“Obviously, you will do this in your free time and your extracurriculars you pursue, but you should also do so in your career,” Mr. Barrett said. “You are among the most fortunate people on the planet by having earned a college degree. ... My advice to you is to spend your time doing something you love. You will spend more of your waking life at your job than anything else, including the time you spend with your spouse and children.”
After calling for all the graduates to stand, drawing thunderous applause, UT interim President Nagi Naganathan praised them for their accomplishments.
“We are linked forever,” he said. “Our good fortune is your good fortune.”
Graduation ceremonies are usually peppered with inspirational speeches and blunt advice.
As the commencement speaker, Owens Corning Chief Executive Officer Mike Thaman, who also received an honorary doctorate of business administration, did not disappoint.
“I want you to live large, push your limits, see what you can achieve,” Mr. Thaman said.
His remarks centered on advising the new graduates to avoid, or not be trapped by, four things he called “head fakes” — insistence that one have “a grand plan,” that one track one’s progress by comparing to others, that failure is to be avoided, and “where you work is more important than what you do.”
Contact Ignazio Messina at: imessina@theblade.com or 419-724-6171 or on Twitter @IgnazioMessina.
First Published December 21, 2014, 5:00 a.m.
