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The Office of Alumni Engagement at ���Ҵ�ý is hosting the Alumni Experience Series, where attendees hear alumni share their stories and engage in hands-on activities. The next event in the series will feature alumnus Micah Barga on Thursday, April 16, 2026, from noon to 1:30 p.m. in the Robinson Theater at the Piqua Campus.

During the event, “Driven by Code, Inspired by Advocacy,” attendees will discover how Barga’s experience at ���Ҵ�ý and his information technology degree continue to fuel his passion for coding and logical thinking. He’ll guide attendees through his animation design process, and after, guests will have the chance to participate in a hands-on activity creating their own animation. An Edison State information technology faculty member will also be available.

A graduate of Arcanum High School, Barga decided to attend Edison State as it was close to home. “Being able to commute from home while majoring in my desired field gave me the best of both worlds,” he said. Barga still applies the experience gained through his degree in his animation. “For my video games, I’ve been applying some of the coding methods I learned at ���Ҵ�ý, such as if/else statements, variables, and logic.”

April is Autism Acceptance Month, and Barga is a passionate advocate for autism acceptance, dedicated to increasing understanding and support for individuals on the autism spectrum. Through engaging radio and podcast appearances and dynamic public talks, Barga emphasizes the critical importance of early diagnosis and intervention.

Barga was diagnosed with autism at four years old. He said, “Growing up, resources were scarce, which often led to actions such as ostracizing, misinterpretation, or stereotyping. I hope my work for autism awareness will help societies and employers get a better understanding of what challenges we face and what assets we bring.”

His advocacy work began after a family friend published an article in a local paper in 2020 about Barga’s autism and accomplishments. That led to him partnering with the Darke County Board of Developmental Disabilities, with Barga speaking at a S.A.L.T. (School to Adult Life Transition Series) Resource virtual conference, completing a video in October 2022 about National Disability Employment Awareness Month, and speaking at local schools like Arcanum and Franklin Monroe Elementary.

Radio shows “The Kayden Gordon Show” and “KBOO Community Radio” (“Let’s Talk!”), the podcast “Adult Autism: A Spectrum of Uniqueness,” and the magazine “Adult Parenting Magazine” have all featured Barga. In November 2024, Barga spoke with students with disabilities at Sinclair College’s TOPS (Transition Option to Post-Secondary Education) program.

To current and future students, Barga encourages them to “never give up. No matter what obstacles come your way, whether it’s naysayers or tough classes, keep your eyes on the prize and enjoy the ride.”

The Alumni Experience Series events are free and open to Edison State alumni, current students, faculty, staff, and friends. The Office of Alumni Engagement will offer free lunch to the first 50 guests to arrive. Visit to learn more and register.