Youngstown State University is proud to announce the Spring 2025 Commencement ceremony. The ceremonies will take place as follows:
All ceremonies will take place in the Beeghly Physical Education Center on YSU’s campus.
The Spring 2025 Commencement speakers will be as follows:
BCHHS Speakers
Colonel Sarah Evans, serving as both Commander and Medical Training Facility Director of the 82nd Medical Group at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas, Col. Evans oversees health services for over 65,000 trainees and 21,000 beneficiaries annually. She leads a team of 335 personnel supporting the base’s dual mission of technical and flying training, including the Euro-NATO Joint Jet Training Program. Originally from Youngstown, Col. Evans began her military career in 1985 as a combat medic in the U.S. Army and was later commissioned into the Air Force Nurse Corps in 2000. Her diverse career spans leadership roles across multiple continents, including deployments in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom and Inherent Resolve. A graduate of YSU, she holds advanced degrees and numerous military honors, including the Meritorious Service Medal with five oak leaf clusters. Col. Evans is recognized for her distinguished service and continued dedication to advancing military healthcare and readiness.
Student speaker Yvonne Uwamahoro, a seasoned mental health professional with two decades of international consulting experience in mental and public health, is graduating with her Master of Social Work degree. Uwamahoro recently provided trauma-informed counseling for both survivors and perpetrators of the Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda. She has also led mental health awareness campaigns across Africa and internationally. With six years in senior management and a strong research background, Uwamahoro specializes in training others in mental health and well-being. Her work emphasizes empowering teen mothers, women and people with disabilities. Currently, she mentors and supervises emerging mental health professionals in Rwanda.
BCLASSE Speakers
Suzanne Barbati, a longtime advocate for education and community development, Barbati holds a bachelor's degree in Conflict Studies and Education from YSU. She is the founding director of OH WOW! The Roger & Gloria Jones Children’s Center for Science & Technology, where she led its transformation into a regional science and technology hub. Barbati also served as Director of Planned Giving before retiring. Her diverse career includes roles with the Neil Kennedy Recovery Clinic, Mahoning County Commissioners and as a nonprofit consultant. She has additional expertise in mediation and conflict resolution, working with the Ohio Department of Education.
Jordan Pintar, a graduating Sokolov Honors College student, majoring in philosophy with a minor in political science. Pintar has held numerous leadership roles in student government, including president, vice president, parliamentarian and senator. She has contributed to the YSU campus community through active involvement and leadership, including her role on the Ethics Bowl team, which earned top regional honors and placed fourth nationally. Her dedication has been recognized with the Cynthia Anderson Lifetime Achievement Award and the YSU Pin Award. Committed to the University’s mission of opportunity, Pintar champions education as a means of personal and community empowerment. She remains passionate about lifelong learning and inspiring others through service and academic excellence.
STEM Speakers
Chris Ciolli, director of Data & Technology Process Excellence at The Lubrizol Corporation, leads a global team focused on enhancing innovation through advanced data management and process optimization. A Youngstown native and Fitch High School graduate, Ciolli earned his chemistry degree from YSU and a Ph.D. in organic chemistry from the University of Wisconsin–Madison. His career spans over 20 years across the diagnostics, pharmaceutical and specialty chemicals industries, with leadership roles at Abbott Laboratories, Ricerca Biosciences and Lubrizol. At Lubrizol, Ciolli has progressed from research chemist to director, contributing to patents and spearheading global initiatives. Ciolli has remained deeply connected to YSU, serving on the STEM College Advisory Council since 2011 and receiving the 2009 Outstanding Young Alumnus award. He is committed to inspiring future STEM leaders and proudly represents the values of his hometown and alma mater.
Elena Zandier, a graduating YSU student, majoring in civil engineering with a minor in mathematics. Also a member of the Sokolov Honors College, Zandier has excelled in academics and leadership in organizations such as the Society of Women Engineers, the American Society of Civil Engineers and Tau Beta Pi. She has also served as an undergraduate assistant, mentoring first-year engineering students and fostering their academic success. Zandier’s two internships in civil engineering allowed her to apply classroom knowledge to real-world projects, strengthening her professional skills in the field. She looks forward to contributing her expertise while continuing to learn from experienced professionals.
WCBA/CCCA Speakers
Meghan Borsic is the head of design and senior vice president for Disney Entertainment and ESPN, bringing over two decades of creative leadership to one of the world’s most iconic brands. Renowned for transforming bold ideas into reality, Borsic champions innovation and human-centered design across Disney’s expansive media landscape. Her career includes influential roles at Meta and Amazon, where she led teams that developed groundbreaking global products. A YSU alumn with a Bachelor of Fine Arts, she remains deeply rooted in the value of creative expression. As a passionate advocate for design's transformative power, Borsic frequently speaks on its role in inspiring innovation.
Jacob Sylak is a graduating student, majoring in business administration. Balancing academics with NCAA Division I athletics, he maintains a strong GPA while leading the YSU Men’s Golf Team as captain. Sylak has hands-on experience in sales and business development through his role as a Hospitality Sales Intern at P3 Hotel Software, where he supports U.S. market expansion and leads strategic client initiatives. He further honed his sales skills through the Cleveland Cavaliers’ Virtual Sales Academy. With a strong foundation in market research, negotiation and CRM systems, Sylak is known for his adaptability and results-driven mindset. His leadership, competitive spirit and commitment to excellence make him a promising talent in today’s evolving business landscape.
For more information on all Spring 2025 Commencement ceremonies, visit https://ysu.edu/commencement.
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