Summer 2026 Commencement

We Salute Our Summer 2026 Graduates

Franklin University’s 183rd Commencement Ceremony (September 13th) honors the achievements of 771 graduates, who represent 41 states and 26 countries.

Earning a degree is a significant accomplishment – and doing so while balancing family, work and other life commitments make this milestone even more meaningful. While the diploma certifies our graduates’ new-found knowledge and skills, it is also a testament to the abilities they relied on to reach the finish line – hard work, dedication, and perseverance.

We are proud to celebrate the successes of our Summer 2026 graduates. Congratulations!

Planning to Attend?

The Summer 2026 Commencement Ceremony will take place on Sunday, September 13, 2026, at 2 p.m., at the Greater Columbus Convention Center.

Get helpful details about attending the ceremony here.

Watch Spring 2026 Commencement

Graduating Student Speaker
 

Linda Ramunni

Linda Ramunni is the Executive Assistant to the President of Centro Benefits Research. Throughout her career, she has supported senior executives across retained executive search, legal, and employee benefits organizations. More than three decades after beginning her college journey, Linda is earning her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Franklin University, reflecting her belief that learning is a lifelong pursuit. She hopes her journey inspires her grandchildren--and others--to pursue the dreams placed on their hearts, persevere through life's challenges, and embrace education at every stage of life.

Outstanding Graduation Honorees

 

Dr. Megan Randall

With 18 years of nursing experience, including 13 years as a Family Nurse Practitioner, I currently provide primary care to veterans at a rural Arizona VA primary care clinic. My clinical career includes 10 years in private practice and the past 2 years serving the Veteran population. As I complete my Doctor of Nursing Practice degree with honors, my quality improvement project increased referrals to the lung cancer screening program by 770%. Recognized with a VA Good Catch Award and a DAISY Award nomination, I remain committed to advancing evidence-based practice, quality improvement, and exceptional care for our nation's veterans.

Cindi Stokes

Cindi Stokes is graduating with a Master of Science in Accounting from Franklin University, where she maintained a 4.0 GPA while working full-time as an Assistant Controller for SB360 Capital Partners. She is a commissioned Ohio Notary Public and plans to continue her education by pursuing a Master of Business Administration at Franklin University while working toward earning her CPA license. Passionate about service, Cindi volunteered with her certified therapy dog, Molli, visiting hospitals and participating in children's literacy programs. She aspires to become a Chief Financial Officer and is committed to lifelong learning, leadership, and serving her community.

Norah Kline

Norah Kline is a Bachelor of Science in Social Sciences candidate at Franklin University who is passionate about education, leadership, and student success. As an English as a Second Language teacher, she has worked with learners of all ages while fostering confidence and communication skills. Her experience also includes serving as a peer mentor, tutor, teacher’s aide, and administrative assistant, where she supported students and educational communities. Through service, adaptability, and a commitment to lifelong learning, Norah strives to create meaningful opportunities that empower others to reach their full potential.

Bailey Award Winners

 

Dr. Lydia Forsythe

Dr. Lydia Forsythe has extensive healthcare leadership and administrative experience that includes nearly 20 years as a Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education team leader. She has been a part of academia for 20 years at all program levels of nursing with a specific focus on the Doctor of Nursing Practice. Her professional and academic skills span strategic leadership and planning, assessment, organizational systems, interprofessional communication, accreditation, online teaching, qualitative research, doctoral project development, and curriculum and course design. With a student-centric focus, Dr. Forsythe guides students to develop into scholar-practitioners who will help change healthcare for the better. Seeing students gain confidence and expertise is the most fulfilling aspect of her experience as a faculty member.

Dr. Anna Haston

Dr. Anna Haston’s passionate teaching style helps students take real ownership of their education while she facilitates their journey. An adjunct professor at Franklin since 2014, Dr. Haston is dedicated to maximizing Franklin’s student-centric active learning pedagogy. She heightens student motivation by guiding and encouraging student interaction. In addition to receiving her first Robert L. Bailey Teaching Award in 2019, Dr. Haston has also received a Franklin University Teaching Excellence Award. She stays active in the business world working for a world-renowned car manufacturer. Anna holds a doctorate in instructional design leadership from Franklin and a master’s degree from Tiffin University.  

Doctoral Achievements: Dissertations & Scholarly Projects

Taking on a doctoral program is no easy task – as any doctoral student will tell you. This trimester, 26 determined Franklin doctoral students crossed a finish line that statistically only 2% of the world’s population ever will. Over the course of their studies, they advanced their knowledge, solved real world challenges and made significant contributions to their disciplines. It was our honor and privilege to support them.

Interested in taking a closer look at their remarkable work? Dissertations and scholarly projects showcase practical solutions to real-world challenges in business, healthcare, education, instructional design and nursing. 
 

Capture Your Cap Contest

Summer 2026 Graduates – Join the #CaptureYourCap Contest!

Before Commencement, stop by the registration table to have a photo of your decorated cap taken and enter our #CaptureYourCap Contest for a chance to win a Franklin Grad Pack.

We’ll share your cap photo on Franklin University’s Facebook page (@FranklinUniversity). Then it’s time for you to spread the word to your friends and family – every like and reaction counts.

The cap with the most likes/reactions by Wednesday, Sept. 16 at 10 a.m. (ET) will take home the Grad Pack prize.

Social Media Toolkit

Below, you will find our official Franklin-branded commencement social media toolkit. Please feel free to download a graphic and share your Franklin pride on your social media to commemorate this milestone! Be sure to tag us and hashtag: #DreamsComeTrueAtFranklinU!

Online Spirit Store

Searching for Franklin alumni gear to congratulate your favorite new grad? 

The online Franklin University Spirit Store offers a wide array of items to meet your needs. As an added benefit, you can feel good knowing that a portion of the purchase price for every item goes toward funding Franklin University scholarships.

Visit Store

The Alumni Award for Professional Excellence

The recipient of the Alumni Award for Professional Excellence will be announced at Sunday’s Commencement Ceremony. The Alumni Award for Professional Excellence will be awarded to an outstanding alumnus who has achieved sustained success throughout their career that is noteworthy and exceptional, demonstrated sustained contribution to their profession at local, national and international levels.

Past Commencement Information