The University of Oklahoma family recently gathered in celebration, hosting in-person graduation ceremonies for not only the OU Class of 2021 but also those who completed their degrees in 2020. The first ceremony was held on May 14, and the festivities extended throughout the weekend. With the turning of their tassels, these graduates officially joined the strong OU alumni network found around the globe.
“As we’ve said from the beginning, even in the face of unprecedented sacrifice and adversity, our students have inspired the worldwide OU family through their resiliency, generosity, and compassion,” said OU President Joseph Harroz Jr. “We are enthusiastically looking forward to giving them a memorable graduation experience on campus to celebrate their outstanding accomplishments and to honor their remarkable spirit.”
Read more about five members of the OU Class of 2021, Julie Bahr, Nishit Garg, Margarita Parsamyan, Zack Raines, and Taylor Stephenson, as they share their future plans, how their time on campus impacted them, and more.
Julie Bahr
English & Environmental Sustainability | Brownsburg, Indiana | Oklahoma Water Survey
After taking a medical leave of absence from the University of Oklahoma following a sudden onset of a chronic illness her freshman year, Julie Bahr found solace in nature. The healing process made her realize her desire to pursue a career that would allow her to spend time outside.
Nishit Garg
Biology, Pre-Med | Tulsa, Oklahoma | OU College of Medicine
Having witnessed disparity firsthand, Nishit Garg’s career goal is clear – to advocate for better healthcare for rural and underserved communities. Garg, who grew up in India before moving to Tulsa, Oklahoma, shared he began to think about healthcare disparity after his uncle had a stroke.
Margarita Parsamyan
Vocal Performance | Yerevan, Armenia | University of Miami's Frost School of Music
Margarita Parsamyan loves being on the stage. Her performance life began at 4 years old when her mom took her to join a children’s choir. After Parsamyan watched some operas, she discovered her true calling in life.
Zack Raines
Chemical Engineering | Keller, Texas | Baker Hughes ASPIRE Early Career Development Program
Growing up, Zack Raines played sports, and he has always enjoyed being part of a team, including OU’s rugby one in college. That’s part of what drew him to deciding to pursue a career in the energy industry, which is often a team-based field.
Taylor Stephenson
Meteorology | Stone Mountain, Georgia | 13WMAZ
As a fourth-grader, Taylor Stephenson declared she was going to be a meteorologist. Now, the recent University of Oklahoma graduate is about to fulfill that lifelong dream when she starts as an on-air meteorologist at 13WMAZ in Macon, Georgia, in June.
