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Step in. Stand out! That was a common theme among student speakers and graduates at this year's ������'s Regional Campus spring graduation ceremonies.

From the shores of Lake Erie to the banks of the Ohio River, more than 1,600 Regional Campus students graduated with master's, bachelor's and associate degrees, along with certificate programs certifications.

Marissa Lemasters, who earned an associate of arts and two bachelor's degrees in business and psychology, spoke at Trumbull's ceremony. She shared her hesitation to enter college because she lacked confidence.

"Cost and convenience were huge factors in my decision to attend ������ Trumbull," Lemasters said. "I made the right decision because I quickly gained faith in myself and began making lifelong friends and taking advantage of every experience."

Wayne Nieh, a bachelor of science in nursing graduate from the Geauga Campus, expressed gratitude toward nursing faculty for encouraging him to go the extra mile.

"The opportunities I had through ������ Geauga paved the way for me as a senior BSN student to recognize the importance of research in clinical settings,” he noted. “These opportunities also provided tools to pursue and implement evidence from nursing research in future clinical practice for the advancement of the nursing profession, patient safety and overall quality of care."

The eight campuses in Northeast Ohio include Ashtabula, Columbiana County (East Liverpool and Salem), Geauga (along with the Twinsburg Academic Center), Stark, Trumbull and Tuscarawas.

View coverage and photos and from the Regional Campus commencement ceremonies:

For more information about ������'s Regional Campuses, visit www.kent.edu/regional-campuses.