Correspondent photos / Sean Barron Matt Kresic of Cadence Care Network delivers the keynote address for Friday night’s spring commencement in Youngstown State University’s Beeghly Center for students in the university’s Bitonte College of Health and Human Services. Three additional commencements are set Saturday in Beeghly Center.

YOUNGSTOWN — Lexi Blakeman and Imani Griffin’s educational paths, career goals and diplomas differ considerably, though they are bound by deep faith in a higher guiding force.

“I’m a Christian and I believe in Jesus, who probably helped me get through all four years,” Blakeman, a 2022 Columbiana High School graduate, said. “It’s a big part of the decision I made.”

She was referring to having completed four years as a Youngstown State University student, the end result of which was a Bachelor of Science degree in dental hygiene.

Blakeman also was among those in YSU’s Bitonte College of Health and Human Services who earned degrees during the first of four spring commencements Friday evening in Beeghly Center.

The other ceremonies Saturday are for students in the university’s Beeghly College of Liberal Arts, Social Sciences and Education, the College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, the Cliffe College of Creative Arts and the Williamson College of Business Administration.

Scheduled keynote speakers are Peyman Givi, a distinguished professor and endowed chairman at the University of Pittsburgh; Bob Hannon, the United Way of Youngstown and the Mahoning Valley’s president; and Youngstown Mayor Derrick McDowell.

A total of more than 2,000 graduates and undergraduates are to receive diplomas, Rebecca Rose, university spokeswoman, noted. Friday’s ceremony was the largest of the four, she added.

Blakeman recalled having grown up with a “good dental office,” which produced a positive atmosphere and experiences for her — and solidified her decision to enter the dentistry field “with no backup plan.” Career-wise, she intends to be a dental hygienist and perhaps consider a long-term goal of selling dental equipment, she added.

Also, Blakeman was part of a 24-student cohort in YSU’s dental program. In addition, this semester marked the first time in many years that all of the students in a single cohort graduated from the program.

“I definitely feel God guided me. I’ve turned pain into purpose,” Griffin, of Boardman, said, adding, “I wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for him.”

Griffin, who graduated in 2022 from Lakewood High School near Cleveland, earned a bachelor’s degree in social work, with a goal of working to aid troubled teens. More specifically, she hopes to form a nonprofit organization, part of which would include a safe space and outlet for them to receive needed services, said Griffin, on whose graduation cap was inscribed, “My story is his grace.”

Also on her radar is the possibility of returning to college to earn a master’s in social work, perhaps from Cleveland State University or Case Western Reserve University, Griffin added.

Perhaps her most crowning achievement and proud moment during her four years at YSU came during Griffin’s sophomore year. Despite her father suffering a serious illness, she was able to earn straight-A’s, she said.

Friday’s keynote speaker was Matt Kresic of Cadence Care Network, who has more than 30 years of experience in nonprofit child welfare and behavioral health.

Kresic gave the grads three “nuggets” of advice he said he hopes will guide them to successful and fulfilling journeys and futures, saying that it’s important they realize most paths through life are rarely straight lines, but have detours on which “you can learn the most.” In his personal example, Kresic recalled having worked for $5 per hour at a factory the summer after he graduated from high school, then made the decision to attend YSU.

It’s also vital the graduates seek mentors from whom they can learn and derive inspiration, Kresic said, adding that a YSU professor and mentor encouraged him to consider a career in social work.

“You’re never too old to find a mentor,” said Kresic, who also serves as an adjunct faculty member in the Bitonte College of Health and Human Services.

In addition, he advised the grads to find their “tribe,” by which he meant keeping positive people near them, as well as seeking their guidance and support.

Delivering the student address was Terrance Childress-Harris, who earned a master’s degree in athletic training and encouraged his fellow graduates to place courage over comfort. Many people instinctively equate courage with grand acts or moments, but it also lies more often in small, everyday feats, such as studying to make it through college, he said.

In addition, courage, as it relates more closely to his area of study, includes injured athletes who continually work on rehabilitation efforts toward healing instead of giving up, Childress-Harris added.

“Always advocate for yourself, and always know your worth,” he continued.

YSU President Bill Johnson urged the hundreds of grads to recognize that taking home diplomas is not an endpoint in their journeys, but the start of a new chapter in their lives. It’s also critical to supplement future endeavors with a strong character, hard work combined with excellence and integrity, and a willingness to accept accountability when necessary, he told the grads.

Along those lines, it’s important for the students to “engage, participate and lead” in their communities, Johnson said, adding that a cornerstone for a free society in the U.S. was education.

During his remarks Friday, Johnson also asked the grads who are veterans and wearing special patriotic red, white and blue cords to stand and be recognized. He asked the same of veterans and current military personnel in the audience. Both were met with applause.

“Ladies and gentlemen, you’re looking into the faces of freedom,” he said, referring to the standing graduates.