WESTERVILLE, OHIO – A total of 61 Otterbein University student-athletes representing 17 teams took part in the 2012 Spring Commencement ceremony, held Sunday, May 20 in the Rike Center.

In addition, nine student athletic trainers received their undergraduate degrees while the Athletic Department saw eight of its graduate assistant coaches earn their master’s degree.

“My experience at Otterbein has taught me time management and to have confidence in my abilities,” said softball player Casey Clarridge, a two-time Academic All-American who plans to pursue a career in teaching. “I’ve become part of a second larger family with teammates and coaches, and I know they will always be there to support me.”

“It’s special to be an athlete, but even more special to be a student,” added men’s soccer player JP Lococo, who recently took a sales position with the Columbus Crew. “You don’t always know what may come your way, but I think we’re better prepared after being able to live and learn in college. The relationships I’ve made here through athletics are ones that I will cherish and always remember.”

The graduating class represented a variety of majors, including physical education, business administration, environmental science, early and middle childhood education, accounting, nursing, history, psychology, health promotion and fitness, life science, public relations, mathematics, spanish, political science, international studies, sport management, allied health, actuarial science, athletic training, and chemistry.

“Our student athletes, student trainers, and graduate assistant coaches dedicate an incredible amount of time to their academic and athletic pursuits,” Athletic Director Dawn Stewart said. “The Otterbein family is proud of what they have accomplished and we wish them well as they pursue opportunities beyond the University.”