Photography by Colbis Photo
For Stautzenberger College’s class of 2026, graduation came at a moment when Northwest Ohio employers are looking for exactly what they have to offer.
That was the message Wendy Gramza, president and CEO of the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce, brought to this year’s commencement ceremony.
Her message was clear: Stautzenberger College graduates have the skills, determination and potential to make an immediate difference in their communities.
She recognized the sacrifices behind each diploma, including the challenge of balancing school with work, family and life’s many responsibilities. “Today represents far more than just earning a diploma,” Gramza told the graduates. “It reflects countless hours of studying, hands-on learning, perseverance and determination.”
Building a Future in Northwest Ohio
Gramza reminded graduates that they do not have to leave the region to build meaningful careers. “Your future doesn’t have to begin somewhere else,” she said. “It can begin right here.”
Northwest Ohio is home to world-class manufacturers, nationally recognized healthcare systems, innovative technology companies, entrepreneurs and growing small businesses. These employers are adopting new technologies, expanding their operations and creating opportunities.
Gramza encouraged graduates to invest in the community that helped shape them by volunteering, supporting local businesses, joining professional organizations and mentoring those who follow.
“Great communities don’t happen by accident,” she said. “They are built by people who decide to contribute their talents to something bigger than themselves.”
She also added that every graduate brings unique gifts to the table.
“Talent is people,” Gramza said. “People like you.” And she underscored the importance of building talent within the local community. “The Toledo region needs your talent,” she said. “We need your ideas. We need your energy. We need your leadership.”
Celebrating the Past, Looking Ahead
This year’s commencement carried special significance as Stautzenberger College celebrates its 100th anniversary, and the United States marks 250 years since its founding.
Gramza connected these milestones to the new chapter beginning for the Class of 2026.
“Every generation inherits something valuable,” she said. “But every generation also has the responsibility to leave something even better to those who follow.”
For Stautzenberger graduates, that responsibility begins as they enter careers in healthcare, business, skilled trades, information technology, veterinary technology and other important fields.
Through her leadership at the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce, Gramza works with employers across Northwest Ohio. She regularly meets with business owners, healthcare leaders, manufacturers, entrepreneurs, educators, nonprofit organizations and innovators investing in the region’s future.
Although their organizations may be different, they share an urgent need.
“They need talented people,” Gramza said. “Not someday—today. And some of them would say yesterday.”
Each graduate represents new skills entering the workforce, a fresh perspective entering an organization and new energy entering the community.
“You are exactly the kind of talent that our region needs,” she told the class.
Commencement is just the beginning
As graduates prepared to begin their careers, Gramza left them with one final challenge: never stop learning.
“Your diploma is not the finish line,” she said. “It’s an invitation.”
As technology advances and industries transform, the professionals who thrive will be those who remain curious, embrace change and continue developing their skills.
Stautzenberger College’s graduates have already demonstrated that they can overcome challenges and accomplish difficult goals. Gramza urged them to carry that perseverance, resilience and determination into every stage of their careers.
She concluded by welcoming the Class of 2026 into the workforce and expressing confidence in the future they will help create.
“The future is waiting,” Gramza said. “And I know our community is in really good hands with our graduates this evening.”
Must be logged in to Facebook to view video. Wendy’s key note begins at 29 minutes in