Commencement 2026 was a jubilant celebration

The Cincinnati State Commencement ceremony held May 9, 2026, at Cintas Center, was a joyful experience for graduates, their family members, and the employees and friends of the College in attendance.

• This year’s graduating class included over 1,300 students who collectively earned nearly 1,500 credentials, including bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, or certificates.
• The graduating class included 46 high school seniors who earned a record of 56 associate degrees through the Ohio College Credit Plus program.

In his Commencement address, FC Cincinnati Co-Owner Jeff Berding congratulated graduates for “deciding to do hard things” and persevering to achieve their academic goals. “Sometimes in life you will fail at something that matters,” Berding said, “But how you behave when things fall apart is what’s most important.” 

Berding encouraged the graduating class members to “dream big” and “be stubborn in your goals and your vision, but be flexible while you’re on the journey.” He also advised the graduates to “ask for help when you need it,” and to “serve others, first in small ways, so later you can serve in big ways.”

Berding concluded by saying the Cincinnati State Class of ‘26 will “strengthen Greater Cincinnati and make it a better place” and that the community “can’t wait to see what you do next.”

Student speaker Gabriel Ludke, who received an Associate of Applied Science degree in Audio/Video Production, advised his fellow graduates to follow paths that will let them “do something because you are obsessed with it and it makes you happy.” He noted that “going to college wasn’t easy, but the long hours were fulfilling,” and allowed him to “pursue creative work that captured what I was feeling.” 

Ludke also thanked his teachers, advisors, and peers for their “conversation and inspiration,” saying “I wouldn’t be here without all of you.”

Board of Trustees Chairperson Jane Garvey presented an honorary degree to Barbara Gould, a civic leader and community advocate who serves as an officer of the Cincinnati State Foundation Board of Directors. Garvey introduced Gould as a “champion of meeting the needs of others,” including starting the Career Closet service that allows Cincinnati State students to obtain professional work attire at no cost. Garvey praised Gould for her “leadership, vision, and generosity.”

The Distinguished Alumni Award was presented to Dillon Ruby (’13, Culinary Arts). Alumni Association President Randy Kappesser, ‘81, described Ruby’s accomplishments “working his way up” in the restaurant industry to his current role as Executive Vice President of Jeff Ruby Culinary Entertainment, and praised Ruby’s philanthropic efforts and community service, including serving as vice president and then president of the Cincinnati State Alumni Association and serving as a member of the Cincinnati State Foundation Board of Directors. 

“Dillon lives the motto ‘learn, earn, and return,’” Kappesser said. 

Members of the Commencement platform party included President Monica Posey and College senior leaders, the academic Deans, several members of the College’s Board of Trustees, and several members of the Ohio legislature: State Senator Catherine Ingram, State Senator George Lang, and State Representative Cecil Thomas.

Keep scrolling to see more images from the day of celebration, provided by Cincinnati State Web & Digital Marketing Manager Brittany King.

Click to see a photo gallery published by the Cincinnati Enquirer on May 10.