We are excited to announce that we will be hosting our annual Commencement at Littick Hall, next to the YMCA on Campus, on Thursday, May 14, 2026, at 6 p.m. For family and friends unable to attend, check out the Facebook Live Stream. Also, from May 11-16, the Advanced Science and Technology Center will be blue for photo opportunities with your regalia and family and friends. This website has all the information for our grads and special guests.
*The construction on I-70 is ongoing. You can stay up-to-date on the I-70 construction and ramp closures here.
Jim Tressel serves as the Lieutenant Governor of Ohio, bringing a distinguished career in education, athletics, and public service. He previously served as President of Youngstown State University and is widely known for his tenure as head football coach at The Ohio State University, where he led the Buckeyes to a national championship in 2002. Throughout his career, Tressel has been recognized for his commitment to leadership, student success, and community engagement.
Originally from Madison, Wisconsin, Jaryn Danz has been playing viola for almost twenty years. She holds music performance degrees from the University of Colorado Boulder and the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire, and has recently performed with Newark-Granville Symphony, the Worthington Chamber Orchestra, and Short North Stage. Jaryn teaches violin and viola lessons at Musicologie studios in Lewis Center and Gahanna, where she prioritizes having fun while learning music. In her free time, Jaryn does a lot of knitting. Aubrey Liston is a cellist and composer creating music under the moniker *xioma*, blending innovative indie pop with introspective storytelling. Holding degrees in Music Performance from Ohio State University and the University of Tennessee-Knoxville, Liston crafts unique soundscapes that explore themes of personal transformation and human complexity. A dedicated music educator and performer, Liston continues to expand the possibilities of cello-driven indie pop, offering listeners an intimate and innovative musical journey. Liz Fisher is a violinist, songwriter, performer, and recording artist based in Columbus, Ohio. She is the frontwoman for alternative rock band, The Cordial Sins, who released their debut album Small Talk in April of 2023. Liz is also one half of the pop violin duo, Devi&Liz, and the recently-formed indie pop duo, Testing Floor. She currently serves as Assistant Concertmaster for the Worthington Chamber Orchestra, performs regularly with the Columbus Gay Men’s Chorus, and teaches as a registered Suzuki violin teacher in Clintonville.
Stephen Morrison, a 2010 graduate of Zane State College, will be joining us for this year’s ceremony. As the composer of our alma mater, Stephen created a piece that reflects the voices and experiences of Zane State graduates, drawing directly from their thoughts and how they felt about their time at the College. We are proud to welcome him back to campus to share his musical talent as part of this special celebration.
Rehearsal begins promptly at 3 p.m. Graduates should arrive at College Hall—not the Campus Center—to check in and receive all necessary information for the big day. Please plan to arrive on time to ensure a smooth start! Immediately following rehearsal, we’ll head over to the Campus Center parking lot for a fun and festive picnic celebration. Here’s the event map for your reference: Grad Picnic Map. Campus will close at 4 p.m. so faculty and staff can join in the celebration with you!
Once you complete the online petition for graduation, you will receive an email letting you know whether it was successfully submitted. Be sure to review and save the email confirmation. Reply if there are any errors.
A current address is required for the mailing of your official diploma and alumni mailings. Update your information by contacting the Registrar’s Office at registrar@zanestate.edu.
Tickets for commencement will be digital this year. The ticket request link has been sent to graduates who have petitioned to participate in the commencement ceremony. Each walking graduate will receive four (4) tickets. Graduates may also request up to five (5) additional tickets, which will be placed on a waitlist. Waitlist ticket requests are not guaranteed, and students will be notified of their status the week of May 4. A livestream of the ceremony will be available on Facebook for those who are unable to attend in person. Children under the age of three (3) do not require a ticket, provided they are able to sit on an adult’s lap. Children age three (3) and older must have a ticket. ADA seating will be available on a first-come, first-served basis for guests. Doors will open for guests at 5:00 p.m.
Commencement regalia may be purchased online for $23.99 at the following link: Click Here Tassels will be provided by Zane State College this year and will be in navy and orange. Please make sure to purchase a black gown. Please place your regalia order at least two weeks prior to the ceremony to allow sufficient time for shipping and proper sizing. Gold honor cords, for students who are eligible, will be available for pickup at the Welcome Center in College Hall. Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) regalia must be purchased through the PTK website. Only Fall 2025 and Spring 2026 grads qualify for honor cords. Those graduating in the summer do not qualify, but a notation will be made on the diploma and transcript, if accolades are achieved.
Make sure your name is spelled correctly before we print the commencement program and your diploma. An email will be sent to your ZSC email account with a Graduate Candidate List. View and proofread your name, program, and graduating term. If corrections are needed email the Registrar’s Office at registrar@zanestate.edu
Diplomas and transcripts will not be released to you until all account holds are resolved. This includes debts to the college, library fines, and incomplete financial aid exit counseling.
Diplomas and transcripts will not be released to you until all account holds are resolved. This includes debts to the college, library fines, and incomplete financial aid exit counseling.
Resolve financial holds with the Business Office. Email businessoffice@zanestate.edu if you have any questions or need assistance.
Complete Financial Aid Exit Counseling at studentaid.gov. This is required by law for students with a Federal Stafford loan and your official transcript will be held until you complete this process. Email financialaid@zanestate.edu if you have questions or need assistance.
The Registrar will review and verify your graduation requirements at the end of the semester when all grades have been finalized. Diplomas and certificates will be mailed to graduates with no account hold approximately six to eight weeks after the end of the graduation term to the address on file. Multiple attempts to mail diplomas will not be made; diplomas returned to the post office will need to be picked up in person at the Registrar’s Office.
Note: Students are not official graduates until the successful completion of the graduating term. An official transcript from the College is the official testimony of a conferred degree.
Following commencement, graduates and their guests are invited to continue the celebration at our After Commencement Celebration in the Campus Center hosted by ZSC Alumni! Join us for a relaxed and festive atmosphere where you can: Capture the moment with photo opportunities to commemorate your achievement Enjoy light refreshments with family and friends Take time to connect, celebrate, and reflect on your accomplishment This is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate your success with those who supported you along the way. We look forward to celebrating with you, congratulations, graduates!
Note: Students are not official graduates until the successful completion of the graduating term. An official transcript from the College is the official testimony of a conferred degree.
