Staff photo /Chris McBride Youngstown State University graduates head to their seats for the beginning of the fall commencement ceremony on Sunday at Beeghly Center. About 700 students received diplomas.

YOUNGSTOWN — Approximately 700 new graduates of Youngstown State University were reminded by President Jim Tressel that no matter where they go from here, do three things: “give back, make a difference and strive for excellence.”

One graduate taking in the message was Katie Dillworth, who received a degree in finance. She finished her schooling despite being pregnant and giving birth all in her final semesters at YSU.

“The harder part was near the end of my pregnancy when I was going to lots of doctor’s appointments. Thankfully, my teachers were understanding and allowed me to turn in assignments from home,” Dillworth said.

Dillworth works from her home for Novogradac and Co., LLP, where she makes finance forecasts for investors in multimillion dollar companies.

She said she plans to continue in her role upon graduating. As she continues into the next stage of her life, she does so with her daughter in the back of her mind, hoping to set an example that there’s nothing she can’t accomplish.

Presiding over his final commencement ceremony, Tressel, along with his wife, Ellen Tressel, were honored with a surprise thank you message from administrators.

The president and first lady of YSU were given a standing ovation as they were credited for their contributions and commitment through the years at YSU.

On Wednesday during a private ceremony, Tressel presented posthumous degrees to families of four deceased YSU students: Kevin Sobnosky, Bradley Boerio, Abbey Lipinsky and Desiree Bramer — some of whom would have walked across the stage Sunday evening.

During his speech Sunday, Tressel urged students to continue their hard work.

Speaking for the students was Kendall Bartles, who graduated with a bachelor’s degree in forensic science, with a concentration and minor in chemistry.

Her time at YSU saw Bartles serving as the “delight dates” coordinator for Delight Ministries, a tutor for organic chemistry students and a forensic teaching assistant.

Barles never imagined herself speaking at graduation, and during her speech she recalled moments of doubt, not believing she could overcome the obstacles of college at her previous school.

She credited her family, friends and transferring to YSU as helping reinstill her confidence to strive toward her dreams.

To those graduating, she highlighted the words of Eleanor Roosevelt reading, “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams; never give up on those dreams that seem achievable.”

David Lee Morgan Jr., an award-winning sportswriter, author and high school English teacher, gave the keynote address.

Morgan has authored more than 11 books. One of his most notable works, “LeBron James: The Rise of a Star,” gave an in-depth look into the early years of LeBron James, following his life from sixth grade up to his high school years at St. Vincent / St. Mary in Akron.

His other work includes “More Than a Coach: What It Means to Play for Coach, Mentor, and Friend Jim Tressel.” His latest book, “Breaking the Lines: The Marion Motley Story,” will be released nationwide next summer.

Morgan reminisced on how his upbringing and the sense of community he experienced in Youngstown in the 1980s shaped his adulthood.

Morgan urged students not to let anyone tell them they can’t do anything, believe in themselves and forge forward — before declaring that the large crowd of graduates with newly earned degrees now makes them a family, one capable of achieving whatever graduation holds next for them.

Looking over the graduates, Tressel told them as they departed campus to remember the faculty and staff that inspired them to new explorations.

Closing the ceremony, Tressel led the graduates in the symbolic moving of their tassels from right to left.

cmcbride@tribtoday.com