On Saturday, April 30, 2016, Ohio Christian University held its 66th Commencement Ceremonies at the university’s main campus in Circleville, Ohio. A record 810 associate, bachelor, and master level graduates participated a total of four ceremonies: three in Ohio and one in Georgia earlier this month.
Kelvin J. Cochran of Atlanta, Georgia, was the 2016 Commencement speaker. Originally from Shreveport, Louisiana, Cochran followed his childhood dream and became a firefighter in 1981. Working his way through the ranks, he was appointed Fire Chief of the Shreveport Fire Department in 1999. In 2008 he was appointed Fire Chief for the Atlanta Fire Rescue Department under Mayor Shirley Franklin. In August 2009 he was appointed by President Barack Obama to head the United States Fire Administration in the Department of Homeland Security. In June 2010 he was recruited back to serve as Fire Chief under Mayor Kasim Reed and served until January 2015.
Kelvin is a member of the Elizabeth Baptist Church in Atlanta, Georgia where he serves as a deacon and teacher/facilitator. He has been married to Carolyn Marshall for thirty-two years. They have three adult children and one granddaughter.
Mr. Cochran’s speech to the graduates addressed the importance of dreams in reaching one’s full potential, saying, “Dreams provide the schematic – the road map – for our future.” Cochran also emphasized that hard work and dedication are crucial components for achieving those dreams.
“Dream big dreams and rehearse those dreams throughout your life. God is not afraid of big dreams. After all, he’s the one who places them in our hearts,” he said.
The crowd came to its feet to honor the life and legacy of Josias Rodriguez, whose parents were awarded an honorary degree in his name. Josias was a ministry student at OCU in 2013, when he was tragically killed in a hiking accident. Each year the community comes together for a 5k run in his memory. All proceeds from the annual event towards the Josias Rodriguez scholarship fund.
Each year, OCU Honor Graduates are selected by the faculty. These graduates represent all the ideals of Ohio Christian University and must have distinguished themselves in academic achievement, Christian service, and leadership potential. Six 2016 Honor Graduates for the traditional program were selected, representing each academic discipline: Nancy Ann Wilcox, Religion; Whitney Condit, Psychology; Alyse Copeland, Music; Jacob Gideon, Business and Government; Joshua Harshbarger, General Studies; and Allyson Jones, Teacher Education. Kay Ringhiser was chosen as the Honor Graduated representing the AGS program.
View photos from the 2016 Commencement Ceremonies on Facebook or join the OCU Alumni Network on LinkedIn.
Articles of Interest
File the FAFSA in just 22 minutes
Published: February 3, 2021
Filing the FAFSA isn’t as complicated or time-consuming as it seems – you
only need about 6 documents and 22 minutes! In the time it takes you to catch
up on your social media feed, you can take the critical first step in getting
the money you need to attend college.
Here’s a checklist of everything you need:
An FSA ID. Your FSA ID allows you to log in to your account, sign the FAFSA
and make changes or add schools. You and your parent must create separate FSA
IDs. Create this first!
You and your parent’s Social Security or Alien Registration number.
Here’s what to do if your
Filing the FAFSA isn’t as complicated or time-consuming as it seems – you
only need about 6 documents and 22 minutes! In the time it takes you to catch
up on your social media feed, you can take the critical first step in getting
the money you need to attend college.
Here’s a checklist of everything you need:
An FSA ID. Your FSA ID allows you to log in to your account, sign the FAFSA
and
Filing the FAFSA isn’t as complicated or time-consuming as it seems – you
only need about 6 documents and 22 minutes! In the time it takes you to catch
up on your social media feed, you can take
Dr. Melvin Maxwell Graduates to Glory
Published: July 4, 2020
Melvin Maxwell was known as a powerful man of God and prayer warrior by those
who knew him. On Saturday, July 4, 2020, Dr. Maxwell graduated from this life
to his eternal home and was united with his Savior whom he loved. He was born
in Georgetown, Ohio, on November 15, 1921, and grew up during the Great
Depression. Though his mother died at an early age, his father was a godly
man and raised him and his brother Millard to follow Christ no matter how
hard the situation.
On August 25, 1942, Maxwell married his wife, Laura. They had three children
together: Lawrence (Larry), John, and
Melvin Maxwell was known as a powerful man of God and prayer warrior by those
who knew him. On Saturday, July 4, 2020, Dr. Maxwell graduated from this life
to his eternal home and was united with his Savior whom he loved. He was born
in Georgetown, Ohio, on November 15, 1921, and grew up during the Great
Depression. Though his mother died at an early age, his father was a godly
man and
Melvin Maxwell was known as a powerful man of God and prayer warrior by those
who knew him. On Saturday, July 4, 2020, Dr. Maxwell graduated from this life
to his eternal home and was united with
Tree of Life Assists Displaced Students
Published: March 19, 2020
As the COVID-19 outbreak continues to surge, Ohio Christian University has
transitioned to all online courses through the end of the semester. In the
midst of these trying times, many businesses have found ways to support those
impacted by the repercussions of the measures taken to slow down the spread
of the virus.
During this disruptive time for the university, Tree of Life worked hard to
contribute in a way that ensures that students have access to the materials
they need to succeed in their courses. This is especially important with the
transition to online learning. The company
As the COVID-19 outbreak continues to surge, Ohio Christian University has
transitioned to all online courses through the end of the semester. In the
midst of these trying times, many businesses have found ways to support those
impacted by the repercussions of the measures taken to slow down the spread
of the virus.
During this disruptive time for the university, Tree of Life worked hard to
As the COVID-19 outbreak continues to surge, Ohio Christian University has
transitioned to all online courses through the end of the semester. In the
midst of these trying times, many businesses
Ohio Christian Prepares for Potential Coronavirus Outbreak
Published: March 13, 2020
In response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) international outbreak, Ohio
Christian University (OCU) has taken strides to ensure the safety of our
students, staff, and faculty through a variety of measures, including moving
classes online and canceling events on campus. The health and safety of our
OCU family is our utmost concern and we’re committed to doing all that we
can to ensure that we follow the guidelines set out by our state and national
leaders in response to this developing situation.
Our athletics programs are part of the National Association of
Intercollegiate Athletics (
In response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) international outbreak, Ohio
Christian University (OCU) has taken strides to ensure the safety of our
students, staff, and faculty through a variety of measures, including moving
classes online and canceling events on campus. The health and safety of our
OCU family is our utmost concern and we’re committed to doing all that we
can to ensure that we
In response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) international outbreak, Ohio
Christian University (OCU) has taken strides to ensure the safety of our
students, staff, and faculty through a variety of
Education Summit Draws Local and State Representatives
Published: November 30, 2019
On Friday Nov. 15, teacher education students and professionals gathered on
the campus of Ohio Christian University where they discussed Ohio’s new
“Each Child Our Future” education plan. The event featured government and
education professionals with insight on the new plan and how it will affect
education now and in the future.
The Ohio Department of Education’s vision for the plan is for each child to
be challenged to discover and learn, prepared to pursue a fulfilling
post-high school path, and empowered to become a resilient, lifelong learner
who contributes to society. The plan
On Friday Nov. 15, teacher education students and professionals gathered on
the campus of Ohio Christian University where they discussed Ohio’s new
“Each Child Our Future” education plan. The event featured government and
education professionals with insight on the new plan and how it will affect
education now and in the future.
The Ohio Department of Education’s vision for the plan is for
On Friday Nov. 15, teacher education students and professionals gathered on
the campus of Ohio Christian University where they discussed Ohio’s new
“Each Child Our Future” education plan. The event
Archived Articles of Interest
OCU Improves Retention Through Persistence and Completion Academy
Published: July 18, 2019
Ohio Christian University has participated in the Higher Learning
Commission’s Persistence and Completion Academy for the past two years.
This group of around 20 institutions collaborate on ideas to improve
retention and graduation rates. Through this collaboration, Ohio Christian
has worked on several initiatives for both the Adult
Ohio Christian University has participated in the Higher Learning
Commission’s Persistence and Completion Academy for the past two years.
This group of around 20 institutions collaborate on ideas to improve
retention and graduation rates. Through this collaboration, Ohio Christian
has worked on several initiatives for both the Adult
Ohio Christian University has participated in the Higher Learning
Commission’s Persistence and Completion Academy for the past two years.
This group of around 20 institutions collaborate on ideas
Atlanta Site Honored by the Clayton County Chamber of Commerce
Published: July 16, 2019
Last week, Ohio Christian University’s Atlanta site in Georgia was awarded
Member of the Week by the Clayton County Chamber of Commerce for outstanding
commitment and service to the community. President of the Chamber Monica
Colbert presented the award with two other members of the chamber to the
campus. The Atlanta site has been a member of the Chamber for four years and
has worked hard to impact the surrounding community, which boast over 6000
businesses.
In an effort serve their community, the Atlanta site has opened up their
chapel for community events, including several job fairs
Last week, Ohio Christian University’s Atlanta site in Georgia was awarded
Member of the Week by the Clayton County Chamber of Commerce for outstanding
commitment and service to the community. President of the Chamber Monica
Colbert presented the award with two other members of the chamber to the
campus. The Atlanta site has been a member of the Chamber for four years and
has worked hard to
Last week, Ohio Christian University’s Atlanta site in Georgia was awarded
Member of the Week by the Clayton County Chamber of Commerce for outstanding
commitment and service to the community.
Remembering D-Day 75 Years Later
Published: June 6, 2019
On June 6th 1944, more than 160,000 Allied troops landed on the shores of
Normandy to fight Nazi Germany. General Dwight D. Eisenhower described the
operation as a crusade in which “we will accept nothing less than full
victory.” The bravery and strength shown on this day allowed soldiers to
infiltrate Europe and work to combat Adolf Hitler. D-Day commemorates the
first day of the Normandy landings and is still honored and remembered 75
years later.
Still the largest seaborne invasion in history, D-Day serves as a solemn
reminder of the sacrifices of soldiers and the international
On June 6th 1944, more than 160,000 Allied troops landed on the shores of
Normandy to fight Nazi Germany. General Dwight D. Eisenhower described the
operation as a crusade in which “we will accept nothing less than full
victory.” The bravery and strength shown on this day allowed soldiers to
infiltrate Europe and work to combat Adolf Hitler. D-Day commemorates the
first day of the Normandy
On June 6th 1944, more than 160,000 Allied troops landed on the shores of
Normandy to fight Nazi Germany. General Dwight D. Eisenhower described the
operation as a crusade in which “we will accept
Memorial Day
Published: May 22, 2019
By Dave Hirschler, Director of Brand Identity
Ohio Christian University is grateful for those who paid the ultimate price
for our freedom. It is with appreciation that we celebrate with our fellow
Americans in observing Memorial Day. Previously known as Decoration Day,
Memorial Day is a federal holiday for remembering and honoring persons who
have died while serving in the United States Armed Forces.
On a personal level, I love history and all things patriotic, as does my
wife. As such, our family has developed a tradition of attending a Memorial
Day service each year. We generally
By Dave Hirschler, Director of Brand Identity
Ohio Christian University is grateful for those who paid the ultimate price
for our freedom. It is with appreciation that we celebrate with our fellow
Americans in observing Memorial Day. Previously known as Decoration Day,
Memorial Day is a federal holiday for remembering and honoring persons who
have died while serving in the United States
By Dave Hirschler, Director of Brand Identity
Ohio Christian University is grateful for those who paid the ultimate price
for our freedom. It is with appreciation that we celebrate with our fellow
Remembering Sarah Dorsey
Published: May 10, 2019
The wife of Rev. Morton Dorsey, Ohio Christian University’s 5th president,
Sarah Dorsey, passed away at Fox Run Manor in Findlay, Ohio on Monday, May
6th, 2019. Rev. Dorsey served as the president from 1959-1964. During
Dorsey's years at Ohio Christian University, the Ohio Board of Education
awarded the University its first State Charter.
Sarah became very involved with the University while her husband was
president. She taught music and was the choir director during their time
here. We are grateful for everything Sarah and Rev. Morton Dorsey did for
Ohio Christian University. Our
The wife of Rev. Morton Dorsey, Ohio Christian University’s 5th president,
Sarah Dorsey, passed away at Fox Run Manor in Findlay, Ohio on Monday, May
6th, 2019. Rev. Dorsey served as the president from 1959-1964. During
Dorsey's years at Ohio Christian University, the Ohio Board of Education
awarded the University its first State Charter.
Sarah became very involved with the University while
The wife of Rev. Morton Dorsey, Ohio Christian University’s 5th president,
Sarah Dorsey, passed away at Fox Run Manor in Findlay, Ohio on Monday, May
6th, 2019. Rev. Dorsey served as the president
