Composing A Legacy: Class Scholar Pablo Oquendo Graduates Summa Cum Laude with Dual Music Degrees

For Central State University Class Scholar Pablo Oquendo II ’26, the road to graduation was shaped by faith, leadership, and a rediscovery of purpose through music.

Now graduating Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Music Technology and a Bachelor of Music in Music Education, Oquendo leaves Central State as the Class of 2026 Class Scholar, the graduate with the highest grade point average, and as a student whose impact has extended far beyond the classroom.

“My journey at Central State has been anything but ordinary,” Oquendo said. “In many ways, it’s been unexpected, challenging, and deeply transformative.”

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A Path that led Back to Music

A native of Lorain, Ohio, Oquendo spent his senior year of high school during the COVID-19 pandemic auditioning for music schools and colleges. Although he was accepted into every school he applied to, the process left him burned out and questioning whether music was still the right path for him.

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When he was selected as one of Central State University’s first Presidential Scholars, Oquendo chose to enter the university as a computer science major. Even then, music remained a constant part of his life.

During his freshman year, he performed at several campus events, including the Honors groundbreaking event, the Mr. Rhoméo pageant, and his candlelight ceremony. Those experiences helped him realize music was more than an interest.

“Music wasn’t just something I did; it was who I was,” Oquendo said.

By the beginning of his sophomore year, he officially changed his major to music and committed fully to the path he once considered leaving behind.

Finding Family and Purpose

Once in the music program, Oquendo immersed himself in performances, honors recitals, and leadership opportunities. He showcased his versatility as a musician by performing on violin, drums, piano, and bass throughout his college career.

Still, Oquendo said the most meaningful part of his Central State experience was the people who supported him along the way.

“The most meaningful part of my experience at Central State has been the people,” he said. “More than anything I’ve learned or accomplished, it’s the connections I’ve built that have truly shaped who I am.”

He described his section within the marching band as his first family on campus, providing a place where he felt supported and encouraged to grow.

Long rehearsals, performances, and shared challenges also inspired Oquendo to become a mentor for younger musicians. During his sophomore year, he became drumline section leader for the university marching band.

“It gave me the chance to mentor others, to be a big brother, and to guide younger students,” he said.

Built Through Brotherhood and Belonging

Oquendo said his junior year became one of the most meaningful periods of his life. During that time, his younger brother, Celestino Oquendo-Richey, joined him at Central State. He also became a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. through the Delta Xi Chapter in the spring of 2024.

“The brothers of the Delta Xi chapter showed me what true brotherhood looks like: real support, real accountability and real love,” Oquendo said. “They helped me grow not just as a student or musician, but as a man.”

He also credited faculty mentors, particularly Dr. Alvin Level, for helping him develop as a musician, educator, and leader. Oquendo said those mentors pushed him to think creatively and step confidently into leadership roles.

That growth became especially important during his fourth year at Central State, when he balanced serving as drumline section leader, fraternity president, and student arranger for the marching band while completing 21 credit hours during both semesters.

“It was exhausting, but it forced me to grow mentally, spiritually, and emotionally,” he said.

Despite the demanding workload, Oquendo continued to excel. He presented what he considers one of his strongest senior recitals, earned another solo award at Jazz at Lincoln Center, and met renowned jazz musician Wynton Marsalis.

Through every challenge, he said his faith remained his foundation.

“Through it all, I leaned on my faith, trusting that the Holy Spirit was guiding me every step of the way,” he said.

Inspired to Reach Higher

In his fifth and final year, Oquendo was selected to serve as student assistant band director for the 2025–2026 academic year. In the role, he led rehearsals, arranged music, and gained firsthand experience in collegiate band leadership.

He also earned recognition for holding the highest GPA in the District of Ohio, as well as the entire Midwest Region for Alpha Phi Alpha and said his leadership experiences strengthened his student teaching journey.

“I am forever grateful to Dr. Level for believing in me and giving me the space to grow beyond just being a performer,” Oquendo said.

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A Transformative College Experience

As he prepares to graduate Summa Cum Laude with a 4.0, Oquendo reflected on how much he has changed since arriving on campus. He described his college experience as one filled with growth, struggle, learning, and purpose.

“Central State didn’t just educate me, it gave me a family, a foundation and a future,” he said. “And for that, I will always be thankful.”

Carrying Central State Forward

After graduation, Oquendo plans to attend graduate school to continue studying music education while growing as a performer, composer, arranger, and music engineer.

His long-term goal is to become a high school band director who impacts students both inside and outside the classroom.

“One day, I hope to stand in front of a classroom as a high school band director, not just to teach music, but to change lives,” Oquendo said. “I want to take everything that was poured into me at Central State and pass it on to the next generation.”

He also hopes to one day return to Central State University as the university’s head band director.

Beyond music education, Oquendo said he feels called to ministry and hopes to encourage others through both his work and faith.