Findlay, Ohio, April 27, 2004 — Louis Ricciardi, who will earn a degree in technology management at The University of Findlay on Saturday, May 1, has overcome some sizeable obstacles in his pursuit of a degree.

The Canfield, Ohio, native, was born deaf but was committed to continuing his education. He chose The University of Findlay, passing up a full scholarship to Youngstown State University, because of the treatment he received from the Office of Disability Services.

Leah Brant, an interpreter and graduate assistant, has worked with Ricciardi during his four years at UF.

“It has been wonderful to watch him change, grow up and mature in four years. He has always been very serious about what he is doing here. He is very smart. I don’t know anyone who does not like him. And he is always smiling,” she said.

In addition to involvement in numerous student organizations, Ricciardi was a member of the UF football team for two years and worked as an assistant to the running back coach for one year. He also has been an intern in the Office of Web Services during the past year.

Ricciardi is just one of 787 graduates from UF this spring. A total of 301 graduate degrees will be awarded. These include 116 master of business administration degrees, 76 master of arts in education degrees, 39 master of physical therapy degrees, 29 master of science in environmental, safety and health management degrees, 17 master of occupational therapy degrees, 16 master of TESOL (teaching English to speakers of other languages) and bilingual education degrees and eight master of arts in liberal studies degrees.

A total of 486 undergraduate degrees will be conferred, including 289 bachelor of science degrees, 92 bachelor of arts degrees, 31 bachelor of science in business management degrees, seven bachelor of science in environmental management degrees, one bachelor of science in criminal justice degrees and 66 associate of arts degrees. There are 178 honors graduates.

The commencement speaker is Elaine Hairston, chancellor emerita of the Ohio Board of Regents. Her address is titled “The Power of One.” Hairston was with the Ohio Board of Regents for 19 years, serving as chancellor for eight years. She now is a consultant in higher education with Academic Search Consultation Service in Washington, D.C.

Also at commencement, the recipients of the Founders’ Academic Excellence Award for Faculty and the Founders’ Son and Daughter Award will be announced.