NKU graduates more than 2,000 students in Fall Commencement ceremonies

Decmber 16, 2024 - Northern Kentucky University honored more than 2,000 graduates over two ceremonies during the university’s 52nd Commencement on Saturday, Dec. 14.

NKU professor Dr. Julie Olberding gave the commencement address at both ceremonies. Dr. Olberding is the director of NKU’s Master of Public Administration program, and in 2024 received the Frank Sinton Milburn Outstanding Professor Award. Before Dr. Olberding’s more than 20-year career at NKU, she worked in government and nonprofit organizations. Her research focuses on nonprofit management, local government, community events, community development, economic development and student philanthropy.

Mikayla Griffith served as student speaker in the morning ceremony for the College of Education, College of Arts and Sciences and the College of Informatics. Mikayla graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor’s degree from the College of Education, specializing in middle school math and social studies. Harrison Perin served as student speaker in the afternoon ceremony for the Haile College of Business and the College of Health and Human Services. Harrison graduated summa cum laude with a Master of Science in clinical mental health counseling.

There are now more than 85,000 Northern Kentucky University graduates living and working in every corner of the Commonwealth of Kentucky and across the globe.