Owens graduation

Several hundred students and their families packed the gym at the Student Health and Activities Center on Dec. 14 for commencement at Owens Community College. CLICK ON ANY IMAGE TO ENLARGE PHOTO, START SLIDESHOW.

Enlarge | Buy This Photo Kent Euler customized his cap before joining his fellow graduates. THE BLADE/KATIE RAUSCH

Enlarge | Buy This Photo Antionette Green, of North Toledo, center, laughed with her family while getting ready for commencement. THE BLADE/KATIE RAUSCH

Graduates proceed to their seats Friday evening at the beginning of the 32nd Fall Commencement at Owens Community College.

Enlarge | Buy This Photo Graduates proceed to their seats Friday evening at the beginning of the 32nd Fall Commencement at Owens Community College. THE BLADE/KATIE RAUSCH

Enlarge | Buy This Photo Graduates line up before the processional. THE BLADE/KATIE RAUSCH

Enlarge | Buy This Photo Michelle Weber, of West Toledo, left, shares a word with Owens dean of enrollment services Betsy Johnson. THE BLADE/KATIE RAUSCH

Christina Courtney, of Perrysburg, had a few of the children from the class where she student teaches put handprints on her gown. Courtney received an associates degree in early childhood education.

Enlarge | Buy This Photo Christina Courtney, of Perrysburg, had a few of the children from the class where she student teaches put handprints on ... THE BLADE/KATIE RAUSCH

Vice president of student government Marlissa Nordhaus, center, works with Nicole Buccalo, right, to sell flowers to the families of graduates.

Enlarge | Buy This Photo Vice president of student government Marlissa Nordhaus, center, works with Nicole Buccalo, right, to sell flowers to the families of ... THE BLADE/KATIE RAUSCH

Enlarge | Buy This Photo Careigh Hand, of Maumee, customized her cap to reflect the degree she earned as a registered nurse. THE BLADE/KATIE RAUSCH

Christina Courtney, of Perrysburg, right, waits with other graduates for the start of Friday evening's 32nd Fall Commencement.

Enlarge | Buy This Photo Christina Courtney, of Perrysburg, right, waits with other graduates for the start of Friday evening's 32nd Fall Commencement.... THE BLADE/KATIE RAUSCH

Enlarge | Buy This Photo Assistant professor of nursing Karen Wehman hands out noise-makers to her program's graduates. THE BLADE/KATIE RAUSCH

WEBPerry owensgrad14p Careigh Hand, of Maumee, right, snaps a picture just before the start of the ceremony Friday evening during the 32d Fall Commencement at Owens Community College in Perrysburg Township. Several hundred students and their families packed the gym at the Student Health and Activities Center for commencement. THE BLADE/KATIE RAUSCH

Enlarge | Buy This Photo WEBPerry owensgrad14p Careigh Hand, of Maumee, right, snaps a picture just before the start of the ceremony Friday evening during ... THE BLADE/KATIE RAUSCH

Enlarge | Buy This Photo Graduates read their programs. THE BLADE/KATIE RAUSCH

Enlarge | Buy This Photo Sumer Abdulhadi, left, joined other graduates in wearing ornate shoes. THE BLADE/KATIE RAUSCH

Enlarge | Buy This Photo Michelle Weber, of West Toledo, center, smiled at her fellow graduates as they took their places. THE BLADE/KATIE RAUSCH