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Number of Graduates Hits 8-Year High at YSU
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio -- The number of students receiving degrees from Youngstown State University hits an eight-year high at spring commencement Saturday in Beeghly Center.YSU's Records Office reports that 2,047 students graduated during the 2003-04 academic year, which includes commencements in the summer, winter and spring. That's nearly 10% more than the previous academic year and the highest number since 2,068 received diplomas in 1995-96."The growing number of graduates is certainly reflective of a progressive institution that is making its mark on the region," said David C. Sweet, YSU president. The number of YSU graduates has skyrocketed in the last four years. Sweet noted. In the 2000-01 academic year, 1,822 students received degrees. This year, 2,047 earned diplomas, a 12% increase.Cynthia Anderson, vice president for student affairs, said there are several reasons for the jump, including an increase in overall enrollment from 11,787 in 2000 to 12,858 this academic year, a 9% hike. Anderson said efforts of the Center for Student Progress also have helped boost graduation numbers. The center provides tutoring and mentoring services aimed and helping students be successful in the classroom. "The increased enrollment, combined with our stepped up intervention services, means more students are moving on and completing their degrees, which is one of our major goals as an institution," she noted.Thousands of families, friends and graduates are expected to fill Beeghly Center for Saturday's spring commencement ceremonies. Judy G. Hample, chancellor of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education, will receive an honorary degree and give the keynote address. Hample is the chief executive officer of the Keystone State's 14-university system.The student speaker for the ceremony will be Heather Voris, a 1993 graduate of Central Christian High School in Kidron, Ohio. Voris is receiving a bachelor's degree in medical illustration. Adrienne Tomczyk of Pulaski, Pa., receives a bachelor's degree in psychology on Saturday and is the first undergraduate student to receive a certificate in American Humanics at YSU. The certificate program operates under the umbrella of the Center for Nonprofit Leadership at YSU and prepares students to become leaders in nonprofit organizations.Also on Saturday, the first 10 students in YSU's new associate degree program in technical studies will graduate. The program started in fall 2002 in cooperation with FirstEnergy Corp. to train students to work as line-workers for the utility company.Visit Youngstown State University at www.ysu.edu"