University of Findlay Will Hold Commencement for 2020 & 2021 Grads

University of Findlay will hold commencement ceremonies for 2020 and 2021 graduates on Friday, May 7 and Saturday, May 8 respectively.

The graduating class of 2021 includes a total of 878 students, ranging from the age of 19 to 65, and has completed a total of 14 associate degrees, 432 bachelor degrees, 260 master degrees, and 172 doctorate degrees. The University is pleased to welcome and offer the opportunity for the 2020 graduates to return to the University and participate in their own ceremony.

Mayor Christina (Terry) Muryn will address the graduating class of 2020. Muryn won the Mayoral election for the City of Findlay in 2019 and began her four-year term January 1, 2020. Mayor Muryn is a Findlay native and graduated Summa Cum Laude from University of Findlay in 2014 with a Bachelor of Science in Economics and Marketing and a minor in finance. She has remained active in the community serving on the board of multiple organizations and has been recognized numerous times for her community service and business leadership. In 2017, Mayor Muryn received the Northwest Ohio 20 Under 40 Award, and she is a recipient of the Zonta International Women in Business Scholarship.

Pastor Ed Brandt ’81 will speak at the morning graduate ceremony for the graduating class of 2021. Brandt’s studies in religion at Findlay prepared him to serve churches for over 35 years, ranging in size from 50 to 2200 members. Along with his studies at Findlay, Brandt received his Master of Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary, his Doctor of Ministry Degree from Lancaster Theological Seminary, and a Masters in Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College. He served in the National Guard as a Chaplain and retired with nearly 32 years of service in March, 2021. Brandt attained the rank of Brigadier General in the United States Army Chaplain Corps and, most recently, was the Chief Chaplain, National Guard Bureau.

A. R. Charnes will speak at the afternoon undergraduate ceremony for the graduating class of 2021. Charnes is a 1966 graduate of, then, Findlay College where he earned a degree in marketing and went on to have a stellar career in the oil industry. After graduation, he began his career with Marathon Oil Co., where he was a manager in a variety of assignments for 22 years. In 1988, Charnes joined Getty Petroleum Marketing’s management team from which he retired in February, 2008. Charnes joined the University of Findlay’s Board of Trustees in 2008 and served as Chair of the Board from 2014 through 2020. Charnes’ UF honors include induction into the University of Findlay Athletic Hall of Fame in 1985 for achievements in men’s varsity basketball and men’s golf, and being named a Distinguished Alumnus in 2008.

Graduates and faculty will attend commencement ceremonies in-person in the Koehler Complex followed by the Arch Ceremony processional. To ensure the health and safety of all involved, families and the public will not be permitted to observe these ceremonies in person. The ceremonies will be broadcast by UFTV on its YouTube Channel, UFTV Productions, and UF’s social media accounts, including Facebook Live streaming of the Griffith Memorial Arch processions. All facial-covering and physical distancing guidelines, as outlined by the Oiler Start Safe & Stay Safe Plan, will be observed. Students will receive important updates about any changes or alterations by email.

For more commencement-related information, visit: https://www.findlay.edu/offices/academic/commencement or contact the Office of Academic Affairs at schafer@findlay.edu.