It is a wonderful example of what can be done here when the University mobilizes its forces and talents toward a common goal. Workers construct the stage on the Oval the week prior to commencement. Frank Gencur, associate director of the Ohio Union and volunteer co-coordinator, said volunteers, which include faculty, staff and students, are an invaluable part of commencement. Another 170 helped set up the Oval, line up the graduates, patrol rest rooms and, once the ceremony ended, assisted with tearing down the staging, tents and chairs. They help take care of guests' needs.
Several volunteers move around during the day to handle various parts of the ceremony.
That is why we need more. This wasn't the first time Cathy Turnbull, an account clerk for physical facilities, helped out during commencement on the Oval, and it probably won't be the last time, either, she said. It takes a lot of work and a lot of people to make commencement happen. Graduation is pretty phenomenal, and it's nice to be a part of it, even if it's a small part. Since the 19th century, Ohio State has graduated people from all walks of life, including the first African-American astronaut and the inventor of Teflon.