A feeling of the familiar returned for the 2022 commencement season as, for the first time since 2019, the Fisher College of Business community celebrated its class of graduates in-person.

Over the course of two days, 1,859 undergraduate and graduate business students were honored for their achievements as students and formally welcomed as the newest members of the Fisher alumni family. The ceremonies wrapped up a commencement season that began in April with the graduation of 26 Executive MBA students.

“This time certainly marks a finish line of sorts for our Class of 2022 graduates. But it also represents a return to the familiar — as well as the start of something new,” said Anil K. Makhija, dean and John W. Berry, Sr. Chair in Business. “Because if the last two years have taught us anything, it’s that change — be it driven by emerging markets, new technologies or a pandemic — is a constant.”

“But how we respond to this change, understand it, and learn from it, is the true measure of our growth as business professionals and global citizens. This is what has me excited for our future, because in this graduating class, I see in them the resiliency and adaptability that will transform how we work, live and grow.”

Lisa Ingram (MBA ’00) delivered the keynote address to graduate students at Fisher’s Pre-Commencement ceremony at Mershon Auditorium. Ingram, the CEO of White Castle and chair of the company’s board, spoke to students about her journey as a fourth-generation leader of her family’s iconic brand and the key experiences and perspectives that shaped her leadership ethos.

“I’m going to challenge you to hone your knowledge and skills that you’ve learned here, but also your caring skills to get really good at three things: one, value your teams’ work and show it; two, create opportunities for others to achieve their dreams; and three, celebrate memorable moments along the way.”

Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger spoke to all Ohio State graduates, their family and friends at the university’s commencement ceremony at Ohio Stadium. Gelsinger shared his history and the long, winding journey that first brought him to Intel, took him away to lead other businesses for 11 years and then brought him back to the company as its CEO.

Intel hopes to continue building partnerships the Ohio State and other organizations throughout the region as it begins construction on a $20 billion factory in Licking County. Gelsinger spoke about the role technology would continue to play in the lives of graduates. He said they were part of a generation that could find tomorrow’s “magic.”

“Today, every aspect of human existence is becoming digital. And technology in itself, is neither good nor bad. It’s largely neutral,” he said. “It’s our jobs to shape technology as a force for good. Because when it is good, it’s magic.”