LIMA, Ohio, May 2, 2025 – Rhodes State College is proud to announce that Avi Zaffini, President and CEO of the Ohio Association of Community Colleges (OACC), will deliver the keynote address at the College’s 55th annual commencement ceremony. The event will take place on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at 10 a.m. This year, more than 275 students are graduating from Rhodes State College, with 144 expected to participate in the commencement ceremony.
As the leader of the OACC, Zaffini represents Ohio’s 22 community colleges and more than 200,000 students statewide. The organization advocates for policies and initiatives that expand access to high-quality education in technical fields, foundational baccalaureate studies, developmental education, and continuing education. Zaffini’s distinguished career spans public service, business engagement, and state government leadership. Prior to his role at the OACC, he served as Director of Business Engagement and Strategic Initiatives at the Ohio Business Roundtable and previously worked nearly a decade in Ohio government and politics, including serving as Chief of Staff to Lt. Governor Jon Husted.
A veteran of the United States Marine Corps, Zaffini completed combat deployments to Iraq in 2006 and 2009. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from The Ohio State University. Rhodes State College is honored to welcome Avi Zaffini as the 2025 commencement speaker. His dedication to student success and advocacy for community colleges reflects the mission and values of Rhodes State. The College looks forward to celebrating the accomplishments of its graduates at this momentous occasion.
