A class heralded for its resiliency in the face of unprecedented challenges walked across the stage at Ohio State’s 2024 Commencement ceremony. Included among the 12,555 graduates were 2,080 Business Buckeyes representing Fisher College of Business.

A record 1,876 undergraduate students earned bachelor’s degrees on Sunday. They heard from alumnus Christopher Pan, who graduated from Ohio State in 1999 and has since gone on to establish himself as a social entrepreneur, musician and inspirational speaker.

At Fisher’s Pre-Commencement ceremony a day earlier, 199 students representing the Full-Time and Working Professional MBA programs, the Master of Accounting and Specialized Master in Finance programs were celebrated at Mershon Auditorium. The event, which drew family and friends of the graduates, celebrated the graduate students’ many academic and leadership accomplishments.

Dean Anil K. Makhija congratulated the Class of 2024 on becoming part of Fisher’s alumni family ― 90,000 individuals around the world:

“These graduates join a group that is much more than a professional network. They are now part of a family that represents the very best that Fisher has to offer. They embody the power and the potential that principled leadership can provide ― no matter the business, organization or industry. I wish these graduates the very best and look forward to the positive impact each is destined to make in our world!”

Parag Shah, chief ethics officer at Nationwide, delivered the keynote at Fisher’s graduate Pre-Commencement ceremony. Shah, who earned an undergraduate degree specializing in accounting, oversees Nationwide’s ethics, including its code of conduct compliance, helpline administration and internal investigations for its more than 26,000 employees.

He spoke of his journey to his current leadership role and how staying focused on principles and ethics is critical to every career ― no matter the industry.

The weekend’s events capped days of celebration and reflection on Fisher’s campus.

Many students spent time throughout the week leading up Commencement participating in the college’s Graduation Celebration on the Alutto Quad. The event, hosted in concert with Fisher’s Undergraduate Programs Office, its Graduate Programs Office and the college’s alumni relations team, provided students with opportunities to connect with classmates, decorate their graduation caps, learn how to stay connected as new alumni, and to pick up Fisher-branded gifts.

Graduating senior Neha Pramod reflected on all the experiences that led to the weekend’s celebrations ― and to the start of her post-graduate career.

“I came in as a freshman knowing nothing about what I wanted to do in the future,” she recalled. “Through the advisors, Fisher’s Office of Career Management and student organizations, I was able to polish up my resume, learn how to interview and meet alumni who would provide resources to accomplish getting into big tech. I no longer doubt myself when it comes to my career, and I am so excited to see how in grow professionally at Cisco as a project manager.”