Largest Graduating Class Features Oldest and Youngest Grads in School History

Sinclair College celebrated commencement on Friday, May 6, 2016 at 7 p.m. at the University of Dayton Arena.

While the event is a celebration for the students and their families and a reflection of the hard work of the students, faculty, and staff that make up Sinclair, it is also a sign of a tremendous benefit to our community. The degrees and certificates awarded to Sinclair’s 4,700 graduates will result in increased earnings and opportunities for these students and their families and help expand the workforce of the Dayton Region. Nearly 90% of Sinclair graduates stay in this community. This is the largest graduating class in the history of Sinclair College.

This year’s class represents the latest in a strong line of Sinclair graduating classes. Over the past ten years, students have earned over 33,000 degrees and certificates from Sinclair College.

Some distinguishing features of this year’s class:

• 1,693 students will earn an associate degree – another nearly 3,000 will earn a certificate
• 12 students will earn an associate degree and a high school diploma in the same year
• 64 veterans will earn a credential from Sinclair as a part of this year’s class
• 40 students earned a 4.0 GPA
• The top degrees earned by this year’s graduating class are: Nursing, Liberal Arts, Business Administration, and Visual Communications

The ceremony featured remarks from Dayton Mayor Nan Whaley, and over 900 students will directly participated in this important annual event.  Additionally, at this year’s ceremony the oldest graduate in Sinclair’s history, Ms. Vinie Dean Walker (at 89 years young), received a standing ovation from her fellow graduates and was escorted to receive her diploma by the youngest graduate, Caleb Garman at 14 years old. Caleb’s mother, Amanda, also completed this year and received her degree with her son.

Sinclair is recognized as a local and national leader in delivering high-quality and affordable higher education. One of the oldest and best known community colleges in the nation, Sinclair was founded in 1887 and is a board member of the prestigious League for Innovation in the Community College. Sinclair offers over 220 accredited degrees and certificates.