Spring College of Liberal Arts and Applied Science Graduate Recognition Ceremony
The College of Liberal Arts and Applied Science (CLAAS) is honored to recognize your academic and personal accomplishments and will be holding the Divisional Recognition Ceremony on Sunday, May 18, 2025.
The CLAAS ceremony will be Sunday, May 18 at 3 p.m. at Goggin Ice Center, Oxford Ohio.
At this ceremony you will receive your diploma cover, be individually recognized as your name is read, and be professionally photographed.
Please note that ceremony attendance is not mandatory. Your diploma and an official academic transcript will be mailed separately to you approximately four to six weeks following the commencement date, provided there are no holds on your academic record and you have met degree requirements. One Stop - Diplomas.
Ceremony Resources
Graduates are required to wear academic attire to their graduation ceremony. Caps, gowns, tassels and other graduation items can be purchased in-person and online at the Brick & Ivy Campus Store. Please allow 3-5 Business Days for your order to be processed and note that all purchases are final sale; there are no exchanges or returns.
Visit the Brick & Ivy Campus Store to order or pick up items during regular store hours, Monday through Saturday.
Miami University is committed to providing an inclusive and equitable commencement experience. If disability-related accommodations are needed to facilitate full participation, please contact the Miller Center by phone at 513-529-1541, TTY-TDD: 7-1-1 or SDS@MiamiOH.edu.
Accessible Parking & Seating
Accessible parking will be available in each of the parking lots designated for event parking near Yager Stadium for all ceremonies. A valid state-issued disability placard is required to park in accessible parking spaces. Accessible shuttle buses will be in operation from each of the parking lots designated for event parking to assist guests to and from the designated drop-off areas at the northwest entrance of Yager Stadium. Please observe the directions on signs approaching event parking areas as guests will be directed to the next available parking location as they fill. All commencement venues are wheelchair accessible. Upon request, wheelchairs are available for transportation to and from seating areas. Guest sitting in the accessible seating area are permitted one companion to accompany them in the accessible seating area.
Deaf/Hard of Hearing Access
American Sign Language interpreters and Real-Time captioning will be provided. Live captioning for each ceremony can be accessed on a mobile device.
Keynote Speaker: Brandi Brewer
Brandi Brewer’s journey is a powerful testament to perseverance, adaptability, and entrepreneurial spirit. She began her academic path at Miami University in 1994 as a nontraditional student, earning an Associate of Arts in 1997. She continued her studies and earned a Bachelor of Arts - Political Science in 2001.
With over fifteen years of experience in human resources, Brandi built a dynamic career across corporate, nonprofit, and mid-sized business sectors, holding key roles at respected organizations such as Coca-Cola, IKEA, and The Hillman Group. Her work in talent management, compliance, and operational efficiency shaped deep expertise that would later fuel her entrepreneurial success.
In 2018, Brandi took a bold step by acquiring Fastest Labs North Cincinnati, a drug and DNA testing service provider known for speed, accuracy, and reliability. Drawing on her HR background, she reimagined industry standards by improving service delivery, enhancing accessibility, and driving operational excellence.
After seven years of steady growth, Brandi expanded her business by opening a second FASTEST Labs location in Central Cincinnati in March 2025. Her continued commitment to innovation and excellence has solidified her reputation as a respected leader in human resources and business ownership.
Student Speaker: Sarah McKillop
An Applied Biology major at Miami University Regionals, Sarah McKillop didn’t take the traditional path to college. As a young mother in her teens, she thought of college as a luxury. McKillop never imagined that she would one day graduate from college, but also make lifelong friends and follow her research interests to a summer undergraduate research program in upstate New York.
“She is among the strongest students within the strong cohort of Applied Biology students,” wrote her nominator, David Berg, University Distinguished Professor and chair of Biological Sciences. “Sarah has achieved academic excellence and pursued cutting edge research while remaining a mother to her daughters and working several jobs. I have no doubt that in the future, we will consider inviting her to another CLAAS divisional ceremony as one of our distinguished alumni.”
Once she graduates, McKillop hopes to work in conservation with a non-profit organization or government agency.
Live Streaming
The CLAAS Divisional Recognition Ceremony will be live-streamed on YouTube. You can share this link with friends and family that want to tune in.
