Celebrating the Class of 2025

For many graduates the days leading up to commencement are a time for reflection and the realization of the next chapter in their lives. At Fisher, students from the Class of 2025 gathered to say goodbye to favorite professors, get one final hug from their classmates and Brutus Buckeye, put the finishing touches on decorating their graduation caps and take their first steps as soon-to-be-alumni.

“The fact that I’m graduating hasn’t sunk in yet,” said Prateeksha Prabhakar (BSBA ’25). “It didn’t really hit me until there were 20 of us taking photos together. These last several days have been bittersweet but represent a culmination of my journey as a Buckeye.”

Prabhakar was one of hundreds of undergraduate students who stopped by Fisher’s Graduation Celebration in the days leading up to Commencement to spend some time reflecting, as well as looking ahead to a new future.

“While it’s bittersweet saying goodbye to friends, I am happy to be moving on to my dream of living in Chicago and starting my career in investment banking,” said Jessica Chivini (BSBA ’25).

Saray Guevara, who is graduating and will be joining Nationwide’s rotational program as a senior accountant, agreed. A first-generation student, Guevara said she’s looking forward to the rewards that her Fisher experience will yield for herself and her family.

“Being a Buckeye gave me the opportunity to forge my career that will help me help my parents retire earlier,” said Guevara (BSBA ’25).

The gathering, along with a graduate student picnic for students and their families, was a prelude to an exciting weekend that saw a total of 1,710 undergraduates and 220 graduate students earn degrees from Fisher.

At Fisher’s annual Pre-Commencement ceremony, students in the Full-time MBA, Master of Accounting (MAcc), Specialized Master in Finance (SMF), Master of Supply Chain Management and Working Professional MBA programs earned their degrees at Mershon Auditorium.

The new graduates heard from Pre-Commencement speaker Rachel Friedman (EMBA ’02), founder and CEO of TENFOLD, a creative firm building brands through the lens of culture, and TENSPACE, a retail space creating real-life experiences for online brands. Friedman, who received Fisher’s 2021 Entrepreneurship Alumni Award, shared her insights as an Ohio State graduate and successful entrepreneur.

“My experience at Fisher Colllege of Business changed the trajectory of my career,” Friedman said. “My EMBA gave me both the education and confidence to take a huge leap of faith 22 years into my career to jump into the world of entrepreneurism."

“Purpose, passion and principles have been what’s gotten me through some of the most challenging and difficult times in business. When staying true to that, you can overcome anything and achieve your potential.”

Listening to Friedman, Specialized Master in Finance graduate Sérgio Ribeiro Da Silva was reflective about his time at Fisher.

“The entire experience was both intense and enriching,” he said. “I truly cherish every moment I’ve experienced during this school year. These moments have shaped me, making me stronger and better prepared — both professionally and personally.”

(Hover over photo to access photo gallery.)

The ceremony preceded the university’s commencement held at Ohio Stadium on May 4, where more than 12,000 graduates heard from keynote speaker Charles Frank Bolden Jr., a former astronaut and NASA administrator, before receiving their diplomas and becoming Buckeyes for life.

“You are the ones who will build and strengthen bridges of understanding and cooperation here in America and around the world. It’s not always an easy thing to do, but it’s worth the effort,” Bolden said. “You never know where your friends and allies are going to come from. But you must allow yourself to be surprised and receptive to others not like you.”

Among those who chose to walk during the university’s commencement were members of the Executive MBA (EMBA) Class of 2025, who earned their degrees at a ceremony at the Blackwell Inn & Pfahl Conference Center in April.

The program included a presentation of two special EMBA Student Recognition Awards to Christopher Judd and Steve Oznowich for their outstanding leadership and contributions to the Class of 2025, followed by a few words by class valedictorians Subbu Annamalai, Todd Cooper, Christopher Judd and Garrett Knappe.

“I’ve always believed that growth comes from pushing yourself into new experiences, and for me, the EMBA program was exactly that,” said Judd (EMBA ’25). “The past 18 months have completely broadened my perspective, giving me a much more holistic understanding of how different parts of a business interconnect and how decisions ripple across functions. The program has truly expanded both my confidence and my capability as a leader.”

Finance graduate Nataliya Kallergis says the celebration leading up to commencement capped her choice to transfer to Ohio State and change her major from pre-medicine.

“These past several years helped me know I made the right decision to attend The Ohio State University,” said Kallergis (BSBA ’25). “I am now able to use my talents and abilities as an extrovert in a much better way as a consulting analyst.”

For new graduate Bri Harris (BSBA ’25, MAcc ’25) graduation marked the end of her time as a student, but not her desire to continue learning.

“Being a Business Buckeye means being value-driven, leading with integrity and always being willing to keep learning,” said Harris. “It is a title that carries responsibility and pride, and I am grateful to be part of a community that challenges me to be the best version of myself every day.”