Commencement Resources
Submit a shout-out, see what's next for our upcoming graduates, or share your accomplishments with our press release template!
Graduate Shout-Outs
Elizabeth Tidball
Professional Accountancy major from Edgemont, SD
What are your plans after graduation?
After graduation, I plan to head back to my hometown of Edgemont, where I’ve accepted a position as Finance Manager at Ranchers Feed and Supply, a local feed mill, as well as the role of assistant girls’ basketball coach at the high school.
What was your favorite class and why?
At BHSU, I would have to say my favorite class was Drawing I with Micheal Baum. Not to say that I did not enjoy all of my other classes, especially accounting, but this was just one of those classes where I was able to relax and do something that I really enjoyed, which is creating art.
What are you most excited about for your future?
What I’m most excited about in my future is all the possibilities opening up for me. I’m stepping into some really meaningful roles, both as a Finance Manager and as the assistant girls’ basketball coach, which I know will help me grow, build confidence, and make a difference in my community. I’m also looking forward to having the freedom to shape my career, try new things, and start building financial independence. This stage of my life feels like a chance to learn, explore, and create a future that truly fits who I am and what I care about.
Dillan Patterson
Human Services and Sociology major from Hartford, SD
What are your plans after graduation?
I will be continuing my education at USD's Knudson School of Law. Go Yotes!
What clubs, organizations, sports were you involved in?
I was student director of Thompson Diversion for 3 years.
How has your time at BHSU changed your life?
BHSU gave me lifelong friends that I could not imagine my life without. It gave me so many connections through school personally and professionally.
What are you most excited about for your future?
I am most excited about getting to meet even more people at law school and broaden my connections more. I am excited to be one step closer to my dream job as a family attorney.
Kalie Wielenga
Psychology major from Alcester, SD
What are your plans after graduation?
Continue working at Canyon Hills Center here in spearfish until the fall semester of 2026 in which I plan to attend University of Norther Colorado for my masters in Marriage, Couples, and Family Counseling.
What clubs, organizations, sports were you involved in?
Campus Ventures, Lost & Found, Concert Choir, Psyc Club, Health Psyc Research, and Residence Life.
What was your favorite class and why?
Psyc of Trauma, This class was very beneficial to my journey in becoming a counselor. Dr. Flint demonstrated counseling technics and practices while providing information about trauma in an understandable way.
How has your time at BHSU changed your life?
The greatest impact was finding Campus Ventures, the club that shaped the way I connect with others, love the Lord, and serve people around me. I have met the friends I will connect with for the rest of my life. BHSU also helped me find my passion and gave me the tools to make it happen!
What are you most excited about for your future?
I am most excited to see where my passion for families and couples takes me and the impact I can have on people through my God given purpose.
Mya Guptill
Biology-Forest and Grassland Ecology major from Rapid City, SD
What are your plans after graduation?
I would love to continue my education with a research-based master's program focused on ecological restoration or find a job in that field.
Who was your favorite professor and why?
The Ramseys, for sure! I thoroughly enjoyed their classes, and I liked all the field trips that we went on. They are very knowledgeable and want you to succeed.
How has your time at BHSU changed your life?
It was rewarding to take classes in subjects that interest me and find new topics that I am curious about. I’ve also met some people that I know will be lasting connections, which is something that I am incredibly grateful for.
Claire Hery
Business Administration major from Portland, OR
What are your plans after graduation?
I am excited to continue to work with Korn Ferry, a global organizational consulting firm, as an Associate Recruiter in their Military Division, helping veterans find jobs when they transition out of the military.
What clubs, organizations, sports were you involved in?
Unfortunately because I live in Rapid City and worked full-time while in school I didn't have time to join as many clubs/organizations as I would've liked but I am a proud member of BHSU's Beta Gamma Sigma chapter!
What was your favorite class and why?
My favorite class is BADM 482 Business Policy & Strategy because it's a truly great capstone course to round out someone's business education. It captures and utilizes all critical elements that one learns in the business school at BHSU, from accounting and finance to marketing to business law and everything in between. Each week we got to analyze different case studies of real companies, the different issues they faced, what strategies and policies they employed, and whether or not they were successful. It was one of the better ways to see the different components of business interact and give students and idea of how those concepts play out in the real world. The analysis we employed gave us tangible experience on how we might analyze business problems in the future, preparing us to be effective future business leaders. Additionally, my sections was taught by Andrew Buks who is a fantastic mix of humorous and down to earth as well as extremely knowledgeable in the realm of business so it was a very fun class to have lively discussions in.
Who was your favorite professor and why?
This was a very difficult choice, but I'm going to say Laura Prosser was my favorite professor because she made me fall in love with accounting and was an influential advocate for me joining Beta Gamma Sigma. Even though I am not an accounting major, I decided to pursue an extra accounting certificate at BHSU which was all thanks to Laura and her passion for accounting that she exemplified in her teaching. The support she offered each and every one of her students as they worked hard to get through intermediate accounting was incredible and she was always willing to take extra time to help me better understand the material and give me insights into where I might take my studies/career should I decide that I want to pursue accounting further. Her knowledgeable, positive, and passionate approach made something that may outwardly be considered one of the more boring subjects something that I fell in love with.
I also want to give a shout out to Scott Hawkins as his passion for accounting and approach to teaching also helped me fall in love with the subject. Additionally, some honorable mentions of professors who were very high on my favorite list are Muhammet Dinc for his continued support in helping me explore all aspects of HRM and for giving me the amazing opportunity to participate in academic research as an undergrad, as well as Susan Dana for her fundamental business law expertise and her amazing support as I worked through my internship this past semester.
What are your plans for graduation day?
Seven members of my immediate family will be flying in for my graduation, so we will be going to Sear Steakhouse after the ceremony for lunch and then gathering as a family at my mom's Airbnb to celebrate. Most likely we'll be playing board games, enjoying good food and drinks, and walking down memory lane, just generally enjoying each other's company.
How has BHSU prepared you to achieve your future goals?
BHSU has given me a vast repertoire of business knowledge and tangible skills that will allow me to be successful in the corporate world. The level of depth that each class provides and the individual support that professors can offer is like no other. I have already been able to use the concepts and tools I've learned from my courses at BHSU in my current role as an Associate Recruiter, and I know I'll continue to employ them as I grow in my career at Korn Ferry. Moreover, the genuine connections I've been able to make with business minded professors and peers alike will be something I know I can lean on and will continue to support me wherever my career takes me. I am forever grateful for my time at BHSU and I can't wait to see what the future holds!
Jeff Wiesmaier
Psychology major from Voorheesville, NY
What are your plans after graduation?
After graduation I will be attending the Counseling and Human Resource Development - Clinical Mental Health Counseling (M.S.) program through SDSU at the Rapid City Campus.
What clubs, organizations, sports were you involved in?
I was involved with Lost & Found as the Vice-President, and a member of Psi Chi.
Who was your favorite professor and why?
Lesliegh Owen. I took every one of her classes that I could at BHSU-RC beginning with Social Deviance. On my first day at the campus, a fellow veteran recommended taking her classes, which I did, and then took every other one I could. I loved the open discussions and that people could have differing viewpoints and everyone learned from them. I appreciate consistency, and having the same professor for multiple awesome classes was fantastic.
Sydney Haynes
Elementary Education major from Clearmont, WY
What are your plans after graduation?
After graduation I will be subbing throughout the district and then plan to begin
teaching the next fall!
What was your favorite class and why?
My favorite class was Music Methods with Dr. Roberts! I loved how joyful and alive
the class was; she was always encouraging us to step out of our comfort zones and
to really connect music to life! She didn't just teach us about how to play the recorder
or teach music to students, she showed us how music unites all of humanity and brings
us hope and joy!
How has your time at BHSU changed your life?
Being a student at Black Hills State allowed me to truly get to know myself, to see myself clearly for the first time. It allowed me to have so many incredible adventures and to develop my hobbies and interests! It has grown my faith and dependence on God and deepened my love of nature and the outdoors! And it has prepared me well to step into my role as an educator!
Brooklyn Andersen
Elementary Education major from Hurley, SD
What are your plans after graduation?
After graduation, I’ll be long-term subbing in a second-grade classroom in Moorcroft,
Wyoming through May. I’m really excited to stay in the area and get even more classroom
experience. My goal is to apply for a permanent teaching position for the 2026–2027
school year, and I’m hoping this opportunity helps me take that next step.
What clubs, organizations, and sports were you involved in?
I stayed very involved at BHSU, and each role helped me grow in a different way. I started in the Student Engagement and Leadership Center, helping plan events and support student groups. Being a TRIO peer mentor for two years was one of my favorite experiences. Helping new students and often becoming their first friend on campus meant a lot to me. Chi Alpha helped me grow in my faith and build close friendships. As AGC secretary, I helped organizations get funding for their events, and through FTA I loved helping future teachers and organizing things like the Kiddie Carnival. SWARM Homecoming Days let me be creative with posters and campus events. On top of that, I was a Community Council rep, an RA, worked athletics events, assisted in the Career Development office, and worked as a camp counselor and lead for two summers at BH.
What was your favorite class and why?
My favorite class was Reading and Content Literacy with Dr. Turner. I took it while
working on my reading minor, and it honestly brought back my love for reading. She
pushed us to look deeper into stories, pictures, and writing, and it reminded me why
I loved reading in the first place.
Who was your favorite professor and why?
I can’t choose just one because a few really made a difference in my life. Dr. Sydney Haugland, Dr. Faye LaDuke Pelster, Dr. John Alsup, Breon Derby, and Mary Anne Fleury all supported me and pushed me to grow. They saw my passion for teaching and believed in me, even on the days I doubted myself.
How has your time at BHSU changed your life?
My time at BHSU has changed my life in ways I never could’ve imagined when I first stepped on campus. I grew into someone I’m genuinely proud of; more confident, more organized, and more sure of my purpose. BHSU gave me a place where I wasn’t just another student; people here knew my name, cared about me, and pushed me to see the potential they saw in me. Through every leadership role, class, study session, and organization meeting, I learned how to trust myself, step up, and lead with kindness. I built friendships that feel like family and found mentors who believed in me even before I believed in myself. This campus became the place where I found my voice, my passion for teaching, and the confidence to chase the future I want. Looking back, I can truly say BHSU didn’t just give me an education, it helped shape the person I am today.
What are you most excited about for your future?
I’m most excited to start teaching right away. I’ve loved working with kids since high school, and I’ve always had a clear picture of the kind of teacher I want to be. I can’t wait to build a classroom where students feel safe, supported, and excited to learn.
How has BHSU prepared you to achieve your future goals?
BHSU prepared me for my future in all the ways I really needed. Through my classes, the mentors who believed in me, and all the roles I took on, I learned how to be patient, communicate better, and support students the way I want to in my own classroom. My professors and supervisors didn’t just teach me, they encouraged me, pushed me, and helped me see the teacher I can become. Everything I was involved in, like TRIO, FTA, and my campus jobs, showed me what it feels like to help others and make a difference. Because of BHSU, I’m stepping into teaching feeling ready, confident, and excited to build a classroom where kids feel safe, supported, and inspired.
Tam Smith
Studio Art major from Arvada, WY
What are your plans after graduation?
After graduation, I plan to move to Cleveland, Ohio to pursue my master’s degree in
Art Therapy. My goal is to work with adolescents and support them as they heal from
traumatic experiences, using creativity as a pathway toward recovery and empowerment.
What clubs, organizations, and sports were you involved in?
I was involved in several clubs and organizations that helped shape who I am.
I participated in Art Club, where I learned that my art holds value and that creativity
can build connections. In Psych Club, I grew in my desire to help my community and
learned more about advocacy and mental health. Through Residence Life, I met people
who genuinely changed me and taught me the meaning of community, compassion, and working
with purpose. I also participated in Connection College, where I deepened my faith
and strengthened my relationship with God. Off campus, I trained in jiu-jitsu, which helped me understand the strength my body
holds and taught me to never quit, even when faced with challenges bigger than me.
How has your time at BHSU changed your life?
BHSU has changed my life by showing me the true value of community. During my time here, I found incredible people—professors who believed in me, friends who supported me, and mentors who guided me. The campus and the surrounding area also gave me a sense of peace and grounding I didn’t know I needed. Altogether, BHSU became more than a place to study; it became a home that shaped who I am.
To mark this important milestone, we encourage you to email a personalized news release to your local newspapers, town/city website, high school alumni office, or workplace. You can use the template below to develop a customized news release about yourself (or your student), including major(s), academic honors, volunteer or internship experiences, study abroad trips, and/or plans for the future.
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Copy the sample news release below.
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Replace bracketed information with your personal details.
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Prepare an email with the subject line “Local resident graduates from Black Hills State University.”
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Paste the personalized release directly into an email message addressed to the media or other places you wish to notify. Don’t forget to include a photo!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
[Name of your city] Resident Graduates from Black Hills State University
[City, STATE – May XX, 20XX ] — [First and Last Name] of [City, State] graduated from
Black Hills State University (BHSU) with [a/an Degree or Certificate] in May 20XX.
While at BHSU, [Last name’s] activities included [clubs, sports, volunteerism, service
learning, work, jobs, honor societies, etc.] In addition, [s/he completed a senior
thesis, titled…, or s/he studied abroad at XYZ institution in X country].
[Last name] plans to [work at ABC Company in City, State, or attend XYZ graduate school,
or travel, volunteer, etc.] after graduation.
OPTIONAL: A [year] graduate of [Name of High School] in [City, State], [Last name] is the [son/daughter]
of [parents’ names].
About Black Hills State University
Black Hills State University, located in Spearfish, S.D., is a masters-level state
university with more than 3,400 students. The campus maintains top academic programs
in business, education, exercise science, natural sciences, social sciences, the arts,
mass communication, and health sciences. The University, founded in 1883, leads the
region in sustainability efforts and has been recognized nationally for outdoor recreational
opportunities. BHSU, a member of NCAA Division II athletics, offers 16 athletic programs.
###
Contact: [Your name, phone number and email address – so media may reach you if they are interested in asking questions.]
Graduate Features
Chemistry major from Auburn, WA
What are your plans after graduation?
Attending Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, IA. Classes start on November 4, 2025 and I'll graduate around March of 2029!
What clubs, organizations, sports were you involved in?
I was highly involved with Campus Ventures for my entire four years at BHSU. As of Spring 2024, I've also been a charter member of our chapter of the American Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB)! In my last semester I got the chance to be President, which has been a wonderful challenge and chance to grow.
Who was your favorite professor and why?
I've had wonderful professors here, and I can't speak highly enough of the chemistry faculty. I especially want to mention Dr. Dan Asunskis, Prof. Amy Asunskis, and Dr. Katrina Jensen for their patience, hands-on instruction, personal relationships with students, and kindness (especially while I tutored for Amy and Katrina's classes). Additionally, Dr. Yun-Seok Choi deserves high praise for his role as a professor, research mentor, and club sponsor! He is available for students, meets us where we are, and always provides chances for us to grow (especially when we're not sure we can do it). Dr. Choi is amazing, and I am so grateful for his impact in my life.
Who was your best friend on campus?
Her name is Abigail Goebel, and she is one of the most incredible people I've ever met. Abby is honest, funny, determined, and firm in her beliefs. We met during our second semester when we became lab partners for General Chemistry II, and ever since we've been as close as sisters. I hope everyone meets someone like Abby: someone who's willing to grow, change, and explore life even when times are hard.
What are you most excited about for your future?
I'm looking forward to coming back to practice chiropractic in the Black Hills. My plan is to open my own clinic one day! I think it will be a wonderful chance to help people improve their health and quality of life, plus contribute to the thriving community here.
Exercise Science major from Sheridan, WY
What are your plans after graduation?
This summer, I plan to move to Salt Lake City, Utah, to continue my education at the University of Utah, where I am attending their Occupational Therapy Graduate program.
What clubs, organizations, sports were you involved in?
I have competed for BHSU for the last four years by being a part of their cross-country, Indoor, and Outdoor Track & Field Programs.
What was your favorite class and why?
My favorite class was Vertebrate Anatomy. Though it was one of the more challenging classes I have taken at BHSU, the hands-on learning and content we covered will be invaluable as I continue my education.
Who was your favorite professor and why?
My favorite professor has to be Dr. Ashley Pfeiffer. Her teaching style and enthusiasm when teaching were truly special, and I was grateful to have multiple classes with her. She made the class fun and engaging, and I felt like I could learn any content, no matter the difficulty with her teaching.
Psychology and Human Services major from Cheyenne River Sioux Reservation, SD
What are your plans after graduation?
I plan to ultimately pursue a PhD is Clinical Psychology, with an emphasis in trauma. During my PhD, I also hope to further my research examining childhood trauma, religion, and religious trauma. I desire to work with individuals in low-income and rural areas.
What’s your favorite memory at BHSU?
One of my favorite memories from BHSU was spending two amazing years on the third floor of Heide Hall, in room 318. During this time, I got the chance to live next door to my dearest friends. Several times a week, we’d all leave our dorm doors open, gather in the hallway with tons of snacks, and talk for hours about anything and everything. I will forever cherish those late-night conversations.
What are you most excited about for your future?
I am most excited for the chance to further my education in the field of psychology. Coming into undergrad, I already knew that I loved psychology, but the more I study it, the more I have fallen in love with it. All of the professors at BHSU are so wonderful, and they have fostered a desire to learn and constantly ask questions about the world. I also can’t wait to keep exploring my interests in grad school and in my career, especially when it comes to learning how to provide trauma-informed care. AND I’m also getting married, which is so exciting!
Biology major from Aberdeen, SD
What are your plans after graduation?
I'm looking forward to starting PA (physician assistant) school at MCPHS in Manchester, NH this upcoming January. Moving to New Hampshire will be a big change, but I'm excited to experience and explore a different area of the country!
What was your favorite class and why?
Surprisingly, my favorite class at BHSU was Organic Chemistry. It was challenging, but Dr. Jensen structured the class very well, and I feel like it helped me better understand topics in many of my other classes.
Who was your favorite professor and why?
My favorite professor I had at BHSU was Dr. Choi. He really cared that all of his students were understanding the information and tried his best to make class engaging. I also had the opportunity to work in his lab, in collaboration with genomics grad student, Min Kyung Park, which allowed me to learn a lot about a cool biotechnology tool called biosensors. Working in Dr. Choi's lab also helped me understand topics we were learning in Biochemistry much better.
Who was your best friend on campus?
My best friend that I made at BHSU is Jennifer Steele. We met during my freshman year when we lived two doors down in the Thomas dorms. We were both pretty shy people, but once we got to know each other, we figured out that we are basically the same person. We did essentially everything together and made so many fun memories. Jen graduated last spring and moved back to AZ, but we are still super close and she's coming to see me graduate this year!
What are you most excited about for your future?
I'm excited to be a healthcare provider!
Math and Science Education Composite major from Winner, SD
What are your plans after graduation?
I will be teaching middle school math at Dickinson Middle School in Dickinson, ND!
What clubs, organizations, sports were you involved in?
My freshman year I was involved in Campus Activities Board (CAB), Theatre Society, and Jacket Catholic. My sophomore year I was involved in Campus Activities Board (CAB) as the Activity Grants Committee (AGC) Director and Jacket Catholic as the Vice President. My junior year I was involved in Campus Activities Board (CAB), Activity Grants Committee (AGC) as the Director, and Jacket Catholic as the Secretary. My senior year, I was involved in Jacket Catholic as the Promotions Officer. I was also a TRIO student, mentor, and tutor, and I tutored at the Math Assistance Center (MAC) all four years that I was at BHSU.
What was your favorite class and why?
My favorite class was makeup class with Casey Hibbert and my directing class as a close second with Bert. My minor is theatre, and my theatre classes were always so enjoyable, fun to learn, and filled with personality. I am not a makeup girl, so I was very nervous to start this class, but by the end of the semester, I was so happy I got the opportunity to try all kinds of different makeup styles every week. My theatre classes always felt like a breath of fresh air being a math and science major, and I am so much more confident because of them.
Who was your favorite professor and why?
Dr. Jensen is my favorite professor because I could see her passion for teaching every day. She is very knowledgeable about organic chemistry but tries to convey in a way that her students can understand. She is always willing to help, answer any questions, and accommodate with a smile on her face. I especially enjoyed her lessons where she would connect the concepts that we were learning to how it affected our everyday lives. I can tell that she deeply cares about her students and about the content she teaches.
How has your time at BHSU changed your life?
My time at BHSU has made me the person I am today. There was a time in college where I didn’t think that college was for me, and my advisor and friends helped me realize that BHSU is exactly where I was supposed to be. BHSU gave me opportunities to observe and practice in the teaching field, test out conducting research through BRIN, and lead a club on campus. Through the people I met here to the experiences and opportunities that I was given, I believe that I have grown more confident in my ability to teach, to lead, and to communicate with others. My experiences at BHSU will stay with me forever, and I am forever grateful.
What are you most excited about for your future?
I am most excited to have my own classroom and try new hobbies! In the fall, I will be teaching middle school math in Dickinson, North Dakota. I am excited to join a new community and meet new students, teachers, and parents and just keep on learning. I am excited to form new relationships and enjoy the aha moments from my students (and me) in my classroom.
What are your plans for graduation day?
I plan to attend graduation and walk across the stage with all my classmates and be so proud of how far we have all come. I am the first one in this generation of my family to graduate from a four-year university, so I will be celebrating after graduation at the BHSU Newman Center with my family and friends.
How has BHSU prepared you to achieve your future goals?
BHSU has prepared me to teach in my future classroom by giving me the experience in the classroom through practicums. At the college, you can only learn so many philosophies and strategies to teaching, but it’s when you get into the classroom and try it yourself when you find out what’s best for you. Through participating in clubs and organizations at BHSU, I have learned how to effectively communicate with others, manage personal, social, and classroom life, and organize and plan for events. All these skills are very important for the life of a teacher.
Studio Art major from Lead, SD
What are your plans after graduation?
I will continue working as the Executive Director at Northern Hills Alliance for Children, along with continuing my art practice in my home studio and entering my work into multiple calls for entry across the state and country. I will be exhibiting a solo show at the Lead Art Council and Gallery October 20th to November 21st of 2025.
What was your favorite class and why?
I don't think I can say I had a favorite class because the entire art department is so amazing. Through taking a variety of art classes, I learned to problem solve, how to be innovative and use new skills that I was learning on the spot, along with collaborating, and gaining conceptual knowledge in process based learning. I also had a great experience with all my general classes. The professors were helpful, knowledgeable, and very supportive. My math professor changed my mind about my ability to do math, which is huge. My overall experience at BHSU was amazing, supportive, encouraging, and life changing! I met my best friends here and will continue to use my experiences and skills I have learned into my future!
How has your time at BHSU changed your life?
My time at BHSU has changed my life in so many impactful ways. It's grown me as a person, allowing me to have confidence in myself professionally and personally. I am the director of a childcare center with 57 families and 15 employees, and I'm a working artist with a private studio. My work will be on display in an upcoming solo show at the Lead Art Center in October. If my now self-walked by my 5 years ago self I would have said wow that person has something's figured out! Education was the foundation of my inner growth! It widened my circle of peers, friends, and community!
Psychology major from Nikko City, Japan
What are your plans after graduation?
I am planning to take a gap year and work for a year in a psychology-related field while I keep working on my research project with Professor Cockrell and publish our study, as well as being a research assistant for the SLAP Lab. I want to use this year to prepare for applying to graduate schools and visit my family back home in Japan.
What was your favorite class and why?
I love many of my psychology classes, but general psychology and social problem classes mean the most to me because these two classes piqued my interest in the psychology field when I was a freshman, and if it wasn’t for these classes, I would not have changed my major to psychology. Changing my major was the best decision I have made and I love every part of being a psychology major.
How has your time at BHSU changed your life? How has BHSU prepared you to achieve your future goals?
As a first-generation and international student coming to BHSU, I was still unaware of career goals or interests and struggled to navigate college life. The faculty here at the BHSU guided me in the right direction, always offered help when I needed it, made my college experience invaluable, and brought out the potential I never knew existed. I am always grateful to the psychology faculty for pushing me to get out of my comfort zone and providing me with opportunities to explore new experiences, such as research, conferences, and internships. The experiences I gained at BHSU made me confident in myself that I am capable of pursuing further higher education and achieving goals.
Business Administration major from Rapid City, SD
What are your plans after graduation?
I will work at the same job I have been at for 5 years. I will be taking on the role of marketing manager for Black Hills Helicopters. I will also be working as a reservations agent.
Who was your favorite professor and why?
My favorite professor that I’ve had throughout my time at BH has been Pat Mackin. Although I only had Pat for two classes, I still see him every now and then and he’s always rooting for my success. Pat has been my favorite professor, not only because he cares but also because he puts time and effort into his student
How has your time at BHSU changed your life?
I think I could go on and on about how my time at BHSU has changed my life, but to keep it short. When I first got to BH, I was scared as a freshman, and I thought about transferring but I’m so glad I didn’t. Being at a small school, BH has given me so many opportunities that I wouldn’t have gotten anywhere else. From internships within the local community to working for the marketing and communications office on campus. I have met some of the best people here and I have learned so much and I will truly miss this college and Spearfish. I’m going to miss the small-town vibes and the friendliness of everyone. I truly am so happy about my time at BH and I’m really going to miss this place.
Professional Accountancy and Business Administration major from Akron, CO
What are your plans after graduation?
After graduation, I will be moving to Colorado to be closer to family. I accepted a job offer as a tax associate at CohnReznick, an accounting firm with an office in Denver!
How has your time at BHSU changed your life?
My time at BH has made me realize how blessed I am, and the many blessings God has placed in my life. The friendships I have made over the past 4 years have held many laughs over silly conversations, impromptu dance parties, walks through the park with Chai teas, and deep dives into our beliefs. However insignificant I thought these activities were at the time, I have come to see the impact they have had on my life. They have taught me to live in the moment, don’t fear the deep conversations, and laughter is good for your soul! And lastly, God always has a plan for your life!
What are you most excited about for your future?
I am very excited to live closer to family! While I have loved my time in Spearfish, I felt like I missed out on family moments since I was two states away. I need to live closer so I can spoil my niece :)
Elementary Education and Art Education major from Gillette, WY
What are your plans after graduation?
I plan on taking the summer off to relax with friends and family in Gillette and Sheridan, Wyoming, but come next August I will actually be starting my career as an Elementary Art teacher in Gillette!
Who was your best friend on campus?
I actually had two best friends on campus, Grace Boe and Hannah Schmierer, and I don't think I would have made it this far without them! I also had my best friend Paige Deyo, who graduated last year. She was also an Elementary Education major, and she taught me so much, so even though she's not on campus anymore I wanted to shout her out too!
What’s your favorite memory at BHSU?
ALL of the football games! My friends and I always had a blast cheering the Yellow Jackets on, and it was a day where we could unwind and relax from the stresses of life and school! Honestly any of the school functions were so much fun, and you could always meet new people and let loose for a little!
How has your time at BHSU changed your life?
I feel like I have grown a lot as a person because of my time at BHSU, and I have developed multiple different skills that will help in my career and also in my personal life. Being able to explore who I am with supportive people around me was amazing, and I feel like I was really able to find out who I am as a person and set good goals for growth. Without BHSU I wouldn't be graduating with my degrees, and I wouldn't be ready to start my career, I also wouldn't have met so many amazing people and learned as much as I did. I'm not exactly sure what comes next, my 5-year plan is almost completed, but I know that because of my experiences at BHSU I will be ready for anything, and I can't wait to see what the next adventure is!
What are you most excited about for your future?
I'm excited to get out there and start my career. Even though college has taken me a little longer than most people, I feel like I'm exactly where I need to be and I feel ready to start the next chapter of my life. Although I will say it is bittersweet thinking about leaving BHSU, I am glad that I was able to meet the people and make the memories that I did. Even though I am leaving in May, I will always be a Yellow Jacket at heart!
English Education major from Bison, SD
What are your plans after graduation?
That's a great question! Honestly, I have no idea what my life after graduation will look like. As my time at BH is coming to a close, I'm seeing a whole world of opportunities opening up which makes it difficult for me to make a decision. I am entertaining the idea of pursuing a full-time position in Residence Life at another college, taking a teaching position at a high school (I'm not sure where yet) teaching English and coaching sports or advising clubs, and I'm thinking about pursuing grad school at some point. Thankfully, I still have a bit of time to make a decision as I am only walking at Commencement this spring and will be student teaching this fall in Belle Fourche and New South Wales, Australia.
What clubs, organizations, sports were you involved in?
While I wasn't directly involved in any clubs, organizations, or sports at BHSU, I was involved in Residence Life for almost my entire time at BH. I have held positions as Summer Host, Resident Assistant (RA), Senior Resident Assistant (SRA), Assistant Complex Director (ACD), and Lead Summer Host (three times). I was also indirectly involved in the Residence Hall Association (RHA) because of my involvement in Residence Life. Outside of my involvement at BH, I was involved in a couple Rec Volleyball leagues in the Spearfish community.
Who was your favorite professor and why?
This is such a difficult question to answer because there are so many wonderful professors that teach at BHSU. I have learned so much about myself, my content area, and how to teach from all of my professors. It's also difficult because I have seen so many different departmental sides of BH's education. For instance, my favorite English professors would have to be Dr. Vincent King, Dr. Nicholas Wallerstein, and Dr. Courtney Huse-Wika because they have been such wonderful teachers of the English content and genuinely care about their students. I have taken many classes with Dr. King and I have learned a lot about how to refine my writing. Although, I think I have laughed the most in Dr. Wallerstein's classes because of his references to Taylor Swift and The Twilight Saga. And I think that I have felt the most connected with Dr. Huse-Wika because she has such a warm and inviting personality that cares for each of her students. In the Exercise Science Department (because of my Athletic Coaching minor), Dr. Ashley Pfeiffer stands out to me because she made it so easy to learn the plethora of Human Anatomy terminology that I would have never been able to understand without her. It doesn't matter how long it has been since I've taken her classes, she always stops to talk to me and checks in on how I'm doing. Finally, in the Education Department, there are several professors that are my favorites. Dr. Denice Turner has been such a great mentor for me, teaching me so much about the education system and that it doesn't have to be such a formal environment but can instead be a place for creativity to flourish. Dr. Brianna Billington has also been a favorite professor of mine because she taught me how powerful of a tool that technology can be in the classroom while helping me prepare many things that I can use in a future classroom. Dr. Billington even takes the time to ask her students about their own lives, which shows that she cares. Another favorite professor of mine is Dr. Johanna Sailor because she is so easy to talk to and loves to hear about what her students are doing outside of class. Her classes are also super engaging which has helped me to become a stronger educator. Overall, BHSU has a superior selection of professors and staff that truly care about each student and have a passion for their content area or department. I am extremely thankful for the relationships and connections I have made with the faculty and staff at BHSU!
What’s your favorite memory at BHSU?
I have so many favorite memories at BHSU! I think that the ones that stand out the most to me were the many late-night trips to Taco Bell with my friends, the drives down the Spearfish Canyon, and just hanging out with friends. Another fun memory at BH was when one of my professors took the whole class to Killian's and bought us a meal while we held class. Finally, I think a large amount of my memories come from my time in Residence Life, whether that be attending programs, going to staff meetings, or hanging out with my staff or residents while I was on duty. I am so thankful for all of the memories I have made at BH and all of the relationships I have made along the way. My experience is truly valuable and I wouldn't have wanted to spend my time anywhere else.
Fine Arts major from Loveland, CO
What are your plans after graduation?
I recently accepted a job with the Matthews Opera House and Art Gallery!
What clubs, organizations, sports were you involved in?
I have been heavily involved in the radio station all four years at BH (serving as station manager these last two!) I also worked at the Writing Center on campus for several years and have been sporadically involved in both Ponder and The Three Peaks Review.
What's your favorite memory at BHSU?
My favorite memory has to be the 50th Anniversary Radio concert that we threw in the spring of last year. I spent months planning and preparing for the event and it went really well and was so fun!
How has BHSU prepared you to achieve your future goals?
One thing that I have learned through my time at BH is the power of relationships. Being in a smaller school has pushed me to form deep and meaningful relationships with both my peers and my faculty. This has led me to create a strong and vibrant community of people who support me and are willing to help when I ask. As someone who wants to work in community-based spaces moving forward, this experience has been incredibly aligned with my values and where I want to go.
[Commencement begins at 4:53]
Steve Meeker, BHSU Vice President of University Advancement
Good Morning. I'm Steve Meeker, Vice President of University Advancement, also a proud graduate of Black Hills State 40 years ago from the class of 1984, and it is my pleasure to welcome you to the 188th commencement ceremony at Black Hills State University. Please rise for the presentation of colors by the BHSU ROTC color guard.
[Presentation of the colors]
[The band begins playing Pomp and Circumstance]
Today's ceremony is led by our Student Senate President, Miss Cassidy Vanden Hoek. Joining her are participants in today's commencement ceremony and platform party guests including President Steve Elliot, and members of the Black Hills State University Administration, the Council of Deans, and Faculty Senate. Members of the esteemed faculty of Black Hills State University representing the College of Business and Natural Sciences, the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences, and the College of Liberal Arts, led by Miss Laura Prosser, assistant professor of accounting. And now it is my pleasure to present the graduates from the class of 2024. Candidates for the master's degree led by Dr. Charlie Lamb, professor of Biology and Chief Research Officer. Also led by Dr. Jane Klug, Dean of Students. Candidates for the baccalaureate degree from the College of Business and Natural Sciences led by Dr. Dan Asunskis, professor of chemistry and Chair of the School of Natural Sciences. Candidates for the baccalaureate degree from the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences led by Dr. Faye LaDuke-Pelster, associate professor of reading education and Chair of the School of Education. Candidates for the baccalaureate degree from the College of Liberal Arts led by Mr. Skott Chandler, assistant professor of mass communications. Candidates for the associates degree led by Dr. Rosie Sprague, assistant professor of American Indian Studies.
[End of Pomp and Circumstance]
Please remain standing for the National Anthem, sung by Dr. Jonathan Nero, professor of Music. We remind all in attendance that proper respect is to face the flag and stand at attention with your right hand over your heart. Men should remove their hat or cap, veterans and active duty military not in uniform may also salute the flag. And now ladies and gentlemen, our National Anthem.
[Singing of the National Anthem]
[Applause]
Please be seated. You couldn't hear me say please be seated but you knew what I said, thank you. It is now my pleasure to introduce the president of Black Hills State University, Mr. Steve Elliot.
[Applause]
Steve Elliot, BHSU President
Good morning, and welcome. It is my honor to introduce the members of the platform party. Please stand for a moment as I call your name, and please hold your applause. Mr. Whitney Rencountre, our honorary doctorate recipient. Mr. Steve Meeker, Vice President for University Advancement. Miss Kathy Johnson, Vice President for Finance and Administration. Dr. Jon Kilpinen, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. Dr. Cheryl Anagnopoulos, Faculty Senate President. Dr. Amy Fuqua, Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Graduate Studies. Dr. Jarrett Moore, Dean of the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences. Dr. Cynthia Anderson, Dean of the College of Business and Natural Sciences. Lieutenant Colonel Christopher Gardner, professor of military science. Major John Lundeen, assistant professor of military science. Miss April Meeker, registrar. Miss Cassidy Vanden Hoek, Student Senate President, and Dr. Megan Reder-Schopp, our Black Hills University Alumni Association President. Please give this group a round of applause.
[Applause]
Graduates. it's now a time to recognize a group of individuals who have been your partners along this journey. They provided mentorship and encouragement as you attended classes and completed your coursework. Would you please join me by showing your appreciation for the faculty for their efforts.
[Applause]
Congratulations, graduates! Your day has arrived. Today, you become a college graduate. Your degree will open doors to opportunities that you may not even be able to imagine today, and I am so excited for you and your future. As hard as you've worked earning your degree, you did not get here alone. Your family has been a great source of support to you throughout your college years. They are very proud of you, and many of them are here today to celebrate with you. I know as you walk across this stage, they will be bursting with joy. So, graduates, I'm going to ask you to please stand and look around to find your family and loved ones. Will you please help me in thanking them for their love and support of you?
[Applause]
Very good, thank you. Now, there are two words commonly used on days like today. So one is graduation, and the other is commencement. Graduation signifies the end, the finish line. It celebrates the fact that you've successfully completed this phase of your education, and it brings closure to this chapter of your life. Now commencement, on the other hand, signifies the starting gate, the beginning of a new life. It's a transition from the past into the future. So commencement celebrates that the best part of your life is still ahead of you. Both terms are most appropriate today and both are very meaningful. I choose, however, to leave with my congratulations on your commencement, your new beginning. Your future is bright. You have the ability, the passion, and commitment to make a difference. As Yellowjackets, I know that wherever you go, you will carry your alma mater with you, and you will represent us well. So, congratulations, graduates, on commencement and all of the bright and beautiful possibilities that are waiting for you. As part of today's ceremony, we are pleased to recognize Mr. Whitney Rencountre with the awarding of an Honorary Doctorate of Public Service. The Honorary Doctorate is the highest honor bestowed by the South Dakota Board of Regents and the universities. Recipients have distinguished themselves through outstanding service and exemplary achievements within their fields of endeavor. Mr. Rencountre, I ask that you please join Dr. Kilpinen and I on the lower stage for the presentation of the award.
Steve Meeker, BHSU Vice President of University Advancement
Mr. Whitney Rencountre II is the Chief Executive Officer of the Crazy Horse Memorial Foundation overseeing the largest mountain-carving in-progress, The Indian University of North America and the Indian Museum of North America. Whitney is a graduate of Black Hills State and a member of the Crow Creek Sioux Tribe. He previously served as the associate director and instructor at the Indian University of North America and directed the Tiapei Program for 11 years, a culturally based mentoring initiative that supported over 1,000 students annually in the Rapid City School District. Mr. Rencountre's leadership has been widely recognized. He was named one of 605 Magazine's South Dakota Young Leaders of 2017, and was a 2019 honoree of the Western South Dakota Child Protection Council. He has served as chairman of the South Dakota Humanities Council and Visit Rapid City, and currently serves on the board of directors for the John T Vucurevich Foundation. Driven my passion for fostering connections, Mr. Rencountre is dedicated to building bridges within the community he serves. An interesting historical fact, in 1981, Korczak Ziolkowski, the sculptor of Crazy Horse Monument, was also awarded an honorary doctorate from Black Hills State University. Whitney, Black Hills State is not only proud of your accomplishments, but we're excited to see what the future will bring. Please join me in congratulating Mr. Rencountre, and help welcome him to the podium to say a few words.
[Applause]
Whitney Rencountre II, Honorary Doctorate Recipient
Good morning, ladies and gentlemen, friends and relatives. This is such a great honor and a privilege to be here, to share this day with the awesome graduates of Black Hills State University. The faculty, the leadership, and also thank you to the Board of Regents. As I set on my journey in 1998, leaving the Crow Creek Sioux tribe, growing up in a single parent home, on this journey to get a college education, to try to make a difference so that I could help the communities that I serve. And when I arrived on campus, I was welcomed by my other, who became my adopted mother, the late professor emeritus [unintelligible], and many others like Junior [unintelligible], Stephanie Charging Eagle, and many others that welcomed students to campus. And I walked up the stairs of Wenona Cook dorms, the seven foot, 300 pound football players and I was a little intimidated on my first day. But I found my way, and in this very gym I met a young lady who also was attending Black Hills State University from Standing Rock Sioux tribe, Jessie Taken Alive. We joined together and played basketball, now we've been married for 24 years and have four beautiful daughters, and they are here with me today.
[Applause]
I want to say thank you to my beautiful mother, Mona Rencountre, who helped teach me how to live the right way. My grandparents, my friends and relatives, the Board of directors, the Crazy Horse Memorial Foundation, and Black Hills State really gave me the confidence, the direction to understand that if you mee your family and friends halfway with effort, hard work, dedication, you don't cheat the process. You show up everyday, you work hard. And the values and virtues that I learned from the faculty, the professors, the staff here on campus really catapulted and opened a lot of doors in my life, and I'm very grateful and appreciative for that. So this is such a great honor and a privilege today, but this would not be possible without the great support of all those that have helped me in this journey and in life, but especially being here on campus at Black Hills State University. And this campus will always hold a special place in my heart. And I want to encourage all the graduates and the journey you are on, congratulate you and your families as I know there's a lot of special opportunities ahead for you, in the journey that you're on. And President asked if I would share a song, in a song of a blessing, of a thank you to close out my speech today, so I'll honor that request from the President. If you would rise at this time, ladies and gentlemen, I'll offer this to you, the family, and the relatives.
[Singing in Rencountre's native language]
Thank you, ladies and gentlemen, enjoy the rest of your day.
[Applause]
Steve Elliot, BHSU President
Thank you, Whitney, that was amazing. Black Hills State University has a long history of supporting our military. Before continuing with our program, we would like to recognize all veterans, service members, and their spouses for their service to our nation. Please stand and be recognized.
[Applause]
It is now my pleasure to ask Major John Lundeen to come forward for the conferring of commissions.
Major John Lundeen
Good morning. As he said, I am Major John Lundeen with the University's Army ROTC program. I'm up here right now because one of the young men about the graduate, in addition to his full-time class schedule, took on some additional challenges of both mind and body to test whether he had what it takes to become a United States Army Commissioned Officer. He passed that test with flying colors, in fact he's going to be an aviator, and shortly after graduation he's going to flight school. He'll be flying Blackhawk helicopters and he'll be a medevac pilot. I have a lot of respect for that job. I've gotten to see the firsthand the life-saving capability that that job brings to the battlefield. What I'm about to do next is call up Cadet Brody Weavil and he will take his oath of office, and I will dismiss him as a second Lieutenant, the newest second Lieutenant in the United States Army. What I'm going to ask of you is for your help in thanking him once I dismiss him. You can thank him in whatever form you like, perhaps [unintelligible] applause or something. And so you're all clear, and
Brody, so you're clear, what you're being thanked for is not what you have done, but what you're committing to, because if the next 20 years is any indicator of the next 20, this nation will ask much of you. And you coming up here and taking that oath is you answering in the affirmative that you will respond to that call. Without further ado, Cadet Weavil, report.
[Lundeen gives Weavil the Oath of Office away from the microphone]
[Applause]
Steve Elliot, BHSU President
I am pleased to introduce the Black Hills State University commencement wind ensemble under the direction of Dr. David Berberick, associate professor of music and director of bands.
[Music]
[Applause]
Thank you for that wonderful performance. It is my pleasure to ask our student senate president, Miss Cassidy Vanden Hoek to come forward to deliver the charge to the graduates. She's a junior from Corisca, South Dakota, majoring in business administration with a specialization in human resource management.
Cassidy Vanden Hoek, Student Senate President
Good morning class of 2024, honored guests, parents, family members, and friends. Thank you for giving me opportunity to share a few words with you all this morning. It is a great honor to stand in front of a group of my peers, many friends to offer my congratulations and best wishes to the graduates. As Student Senate President, I have one question for you. How do you tell your people's story? When I say "people's story" I mean the change that was inflicted on you by others that shape you to be the graduates sitting in those chairs today. This question comes from a conversation I was having with an advisor about what makes BH special. A common theme that came up time and time again was the people that we have here, the students, the professors, the staff. It's all of you that make BH special. Now that you've finished this chapter in your story, how are you going to tell this story to others? How do you begin to explain all the late night studying, the early morning workouts, those tears shed over that one homework assignment. Graduates, you know what homework assignment I'm talking about. Through all those tough times, what pushed you to overcome? A lot of it was your own drive to keep going and accomplish this great thing, and I'm very proud of you for all the hard work that you put in. But just think of that one time when you didn't have enough strength to do it yourself. Who did you call? Those are the people that have guided you to this point. They filled in the blanks of your story when you couldn't write it yourself. Whoever those people are for you, I urge you just to thank them today on this special occasion. They are the ones that didn't give up on you. They're the ones that kept pushing you towards today. Because it really, truly, takes a village to raise a student. I encourage you to keep writing that beautiful story, just as you wrapped up this first chapter and move onto the next one. I'm very proud of you all, and I look forward to reading you people's stories. Have a great day and celebrate. You've worked very hard for this. Congratulations, class of 2024.
[Applause]
Steve Elliot, BHSU President
Thank you, Cassidy. Graduates, we are now at the moment for which you have been preparing for the last several years. Before you come forward to receive your diploma, I would like to take a moment to recognize those who are first generation graduates. This extends to both the graduates and the members of our audience. If you are the first in your family to graduate from college, please stand and be recognized.
[Applause]
A photographer from The Grad Team will be taking professional photographs which will be available for purchase one week following the ceremony. The website address is on the inside cover of your commencement program. Family and friends of the graduates, as courtesy to the students who are graduating as well as the people sitting around you, please remain seated until the conclusion of the ceremony. And now it is my pleasure to present Dr. Cynthia Anderson, Dean of the College of Business and Natural Sciences.
Dr. Cynthia Anderson, Dean of the College of Business and Natural Sciences
Graduates, I would like you to please stand. President Elliot, I have the honor to present to you the class of 2024. On behalf of the faculty, I present them to you as fully qualified to receive their diplomas.
Steve Elliot, BHSU President
By virtue of the authority vested in me by the South Dakota Board of Regents and upon the recommendation of the faculty, I hereby confer upon you the associates, bachelors, and masters degree with all the rights, privileges and responsibilities appertaining thereto. Please be seated.
Dr. Jon Kilpinen, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
The first group of students who will be asked to come forward are graduating with master's degree. Dr. Amy Fuqua, Dean of Graduate Studies will hood them as part of today's ceremony. Will the candidates for the master's degree please rise and come forward?
[Graduates are hooded and receive their masters degrees]
Will the first row of bachelor's degree candidates from the College of Business and Natural Sciences rise and come forward to receive your diplomas?
[Graduates receive their bachelors degrees]
At this time, Dr. Jarrett Moore, Dean of the College of Education will take over the reading of graduate names. Will the first row of bachelor's degree candidates from the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences please rise and come forward to receive your diplomas?
[Graduates receive their bachelors degrees]
At this time, Dr. Amy Fuqua, Dean of the College of Liberal Arts will take over the reading of the graduate names. Will the first row of bachelor degree candidates from the College of Liberal Arts please rise and come forward to receive your diplomas?
[Graduates receive their bachelors degrees]
Will the candidates for the associates degree please rise and come forward to receive your diplomas?
[Graduates receive their associates degrees]
Steve Elliot, BHSU President
Academic traditions, such as the symbolism of the tassel are steeped in history. Moving the tassel to the left after graduating is a symbolic of moving from college to another stage in your life. It is my privilege to ask you to move your tassel from right to left. Congratulations.
[Applause]
Here to bring you greetings from the Alumni Association is Dr. Megan Reder-Schopp, Black Hill State University Alumni Association President.
Dr. Megan Reder-Schopp, BHSU Alumni Association President
Good morning, friends, family, and graduates. I am excited to welcome this class to our alumni family. Today, you are joining a group of elite individuals, from successful business owners, thriving entrepreneurs, and emerging leaders in the field. A foundation for successful and fulfilling career began the moment you stepped on campus. A mentor of mine once told me "Begin as you intend to go on." For all of you, the choice to pursue higher education at Black Hills State was your beginning. So I challenge you as you leave here today to begin each day with intention. if you intend to start your own business, become a classroom teacher, or whatever you next step may be, do it with intention. Now, I ask you for your help. Success and future of this wonderful university depends on our alumni, our community, and our donors. You can help Black Hills State be successful by referring future students, attending our alumni events, volunteering your time or your talents, and donating to the university when you are able. I can promise you that you will benefit from connecting with your fellow alumni and keeping you alma mater in mind. I wish you so much luck in your next chapter. Congratulations class of 2024 on this amazing accomplishment. And for myself and the rest of the Black Hills State Alumni Board, I wish you all a happy holiday season. Thank you.
[Applause]
Steve Elliot, BHSU President
We will conclude today's ceremony with the singing of our alma mater. The recessional will follow immediately after. Please remain in the stands until the graduates and faculty have exited. At this time, I ask everyone to please stand and join us in the singing of our alma mater, which is printed in the back of your program. Congratulations graduates, enjoy the rest of your day. Once we conclude with the alma mater, we will be ready to begin the recessional.
[Playing of the alma mater]
[Applause]
Congratulations all graduates, and now we will begin the recessional.
[Music]
Graduate Features
Biology major from Bismarck, ND
What are your plans after graduation?
I plan to further my education in graduate school. I applied to several physician assistant programs and am currently waiting for responses to see where I might be accepted. In the meantime, I will move back to Bismarck and work at a hospital to continue building my patient care experience. Once I get accepted and complete a physician assistant program, my goal is to work as a PA in the oncology department wherever that may take me.
Who was your favorite professor and why?
In my short two years at Black Hills State, Dr. Lamb stood out as my favorite professor. He taught anatomy and physiology, and while he covered a lot of material, he always had his students' best interests at heart. When I first transferred, Dr. Lamb made me feel welcome and took the time to get to know me. After finding out that I aspired to become a physician assistant, he went out of his way to help me prepare for applying to programs—a kindness I’ll always appreciate. Above all, he was approachable outside of class, someone you could always chat with and share a good laugh.
What are you most excited for about your future?
I’ve enjoyed my time here at BHSU, but I’m also excited to see what the future holds. After transferring from a community college with an associate degree, I’ve always been eager for the next adventure. Currently, I’m in a bit of a waiting phase, unsure if I’ll begin graduate school next year or later down the road. While the uncertainty isn’t my favorite, I’m excited to see where my studies might lead me and the new people I’ll encounter along the way. I love the Dakotas, but I hope to venture farther to experience new places and opportunities.
Elementary Education major from Baker, MT
What are your plans after graduation?
Following graduation, I have accepted a position as a 6th grade teacher in my hometown of Baker, MT.
Who was your favorite professor and why?
My favorite professor is Dr. Haugland. I had the privilege of being in her classes the last 2 years at BH. She is my favorite professor because every time I sit in her class, I remember why I chose this profession. I’ve always been in awe of her passion and drive for teaching. My classmates and I look up to her in all aspects. The lessons she taught me are invaluable, and I can’t wait to implement them in my own class.
Who was your best friend on campus?
My best friends on campus were Tasha Buell and Hannah Lamon. We got very close during the final year at BH. We leaned on each other when things got hard.
How has your time at BHSU changed your life?
The people I met at BH have changed my life for the better. They are all nothing short of amazing and I will cherish our time together forever.
What are you most excited about for your future?
I’m excited to start my professional career as an educator. It has been my dream to become a teacher since I was a little girl.
How has BHSU prepared you to achieve your future goals?
My professors and my classmates have encouraged me and pushed me to be better daily. The years I had at BH flew by, but I feel prepared to take on a classroom of my own.
Photography and Graphic Design major from Gordon, NE
What are your plans after graduation?
After graduation, I plan on pursuing a career in the commercial photography and design industry.
What clubs, organizations, sports were you involved in?
This semester I had the opportunity of being the Editor-in-Chief of the new magazine, Ponder, being produced by the Communications Department. This, along with being Lead Graphic Designer in the inaugural issue of Ponder, has been such a new and exciting experience. Seeing all the moving parts fall into place opened my eyes to the possibilities my career choice offers.
How has BHSU prepared you to achieve your future goals?
They say you meet some of the most influential people in your life in college, and looking back on my years here at Black Hills State, I wholeheartedly stand behind that. I have been able to dive into who I am and what I can do as a creative, make lifelong friends, and now have an abundance of mentors I know I will always be able to count on. I can look at the challenges I have faced in and out of school and be proud of what I have accomplished because of this program and the faculty that made it all happen. It makes it so easy to want to be here when the professors really care about who their students are and push us to become the best versions of ourselves. Being a student here has given me a chance to connect with people and work with a great group of my fellow students throughout the years, all while learning new ways to do things and building a photography and design portfolio that I can be proud of.
Elementary Education major from Whitewood, SD
What are your plans after graduation?
I will be long-term substituting throughout the spring, as well as apply for teaching jobs around the Black Hills area.
What was your favorite class and why?
Despite the long hours spent in and out of the classroom, my favorite courses were during my Methods Block. In the moment, Methods felt overwhelming - but as time passed, our cohort grew closer, and our professors helped us reach a new depth of knowledge about our careers and ourselves as educators. Each of these professors showed dedication to their work and helped us develop skills we will use for many years to come.
Who was your favorite professor and why?
I have had so many great professors at BHSU that have supported me along the way, but a special shout-out goes to Dr. John Alsup! Having Dr. Alsup as a professor truly made such a difference in my academic career and personal life. He truly cares about each of his students and makes a connection with each of them. He goes above and beyond as professor. Thank you, Dr. Alsup!
How has BHSU prepared you to achieve your future goals?
I chose BHSU for college because it was close to home and had a great education program - but it ended up being so much more. BHSU introduced to me to lifelong friends, depths of knowledge, and real-life career experience. One of the most valuable things BHSU offered me was field experience in my career field. Being in the classroom, in real-time, taught me so much about my future career and goals. I feel prepared as I leave BHSU to face my future goals and work hard to achieve them.
Human Services major from Gillette, WY
What are your plans after graduation?
I intend to continue working as a Victim Advocate for the Artemis House until the Fall of '25, when I hope to begin Graduate School to obtain a master's in social work.
Who was your favorite professor and why?
My favorite professor is Dr. Colmenero-Chilberg because she has a very fun personality and displays that in her teaching. I learned a lot of very interesting concepts in her classes. She does a great job at teaching difficult concepts in enjoyable ways.
What's your favorite memory at BHSU?
Attending the Basketball games with my friends!
Elementary Education major from Scottsbluff, NE
What are your plans after graduation?
After graduation, I plan to stay in the Spearfish area until May working as a substitute teacher and working at Spearfish Gymnastics. In the meantime, I’ll be actively applying for teaching jobs in Wyoming that start this fall.
What clubs, organizations, sports were you involved in?
I was involved with the softball team at BHSU for two years. I transferred to BHSU my junior year of college, and one of the main reasons I chose to attend was because of the opportunity to play softball, along with the university's strong education program. Playing softball was a great experience and an important part of my college journey! I was also a part of SAAC where I got the opportunity to work with other athletes to be a voice for all BHSU student athletes. In SAAC, we would give our input on different rules, regulations, and NCAA legislation that could possibly be passed for upcoming seasons.
How has your time at BHSU changed your life?
My time at BHSU has been unforgettable. It has been a huge part of my life, as I've had the privilege of meeting some of my best friends here. Being a part of the softball team has given me so many wonderful memories and lasting friendships. On top of that, the education program at BHSU has also been incredible. I've had some of the best professors who have been not only supportive but also genuinely invested in my success. They’ve always been there to help, talk, offer guidance, and support. These strong relationships with both my teammates, friends, and professors have made my time at BHSU an amazing and positive experience, and I am truly grateful for everything this place has given me.
What are you most excited about for your future?
I’m really excited to finally start my career as a teacher. Having my own classroom is something I’ve been looking forward to for a long time. What I’m most excited about is building relationships with my students. During my student teaching, I’ve already had the chance to form some amazing connections, and I’m excited to continue that in my own classroom. I look forward to watching my students grow, not only academically but also personally, and to be a part of their journey throughout the school year. It’s those relationships that make teaching so rewarding, and I can’t wait to finally get started!
Elementary Education major from Aberdeen, SD
What are your plans after graduation?
After graduation I plan on subbing in Spearfish and the surrounding areas and in the spring applying for elementary teaching jobs in the area. I also plan on possibly entertaining the idea of attending graduate school someday.
What was your favorite class and why?
My favorite classes from BHSU have to be the methods courses we take before student teaching. In this block of classes we get to explore the different content areas of elementary education and have the opportunity of hands on learning. These courses gave me an opportunity to teach a wide range of content, apply various pedagogical practices, and interact and learn with some of my favorite professors and peers. During this semester of learning I was challenged and grew in exponential ways, preparing me to become an all around better educator.
Who was your favorite professor and why?
I simply cannot choose …each professor I had from the education department has impacted my life in a positive way. They have inspired me, challenge me, supported me, and taught me so much.
Who was your best friend on campus?
My best friend on campus is Annalina Scalise. Despite having different majors and no classes together, I will be forever grateful our paths crossed freshman year. She has been the foundation of my support system at BHSU and I don’t know if I would have made it to this point without her.
What are you most excited about for your future?
I am most excited to continue my journey as a teacher in the education system. I already have felt so much joy and made so many memories from my time in the classroom from practicums to my student teaching experience. Interacting with students every day and getting to be a part of their journey, impacting them in a positive way, is something I am excited to do throughout the future.
Political Sciene major from Houston, TX
What are your plans after graduation?
I will be moving out to Idaho for a job working for the Kootenai Tribe of Idaho as a Wildlife Habitat Biologist, helping in managing both tribal and federal lands in the US and Canada. From there, I'll likely be pursuing a Master's program in the near future, though not before a short break.
Who was your favorite professor and why?
I don't like to pick favorites, but I would have to say an equal split between Dr. Domagall and Dr. Van B. Dr. Domagall expanded my opportunities and gave me ideas to bridge the gap between my political science & hard science backgrounds and had such an awesome array of classes such as Volcanology. Dr. Van B was there for me through thick and thin and provided me the analytical tools to not only be a better citizen, but provided me new ways to interpret everyday readings in a new manner.
What are your plans for graduation day?
Skogen kitchen! My folks are flying in from Texas and we're going to dine at one of our favorite restaurants in the entire country.
How has BHSU prepared you to achieve your future goals?
BHSU opened up internship opportunities not otherwise possible, notably my repeat internships within South Dakota Game Fish & Parks.
Graduate Features
Professional Accountancy and Economics Major from Rapid City, SD
Elementary Education Major from Sioux Falls, SD
What are your plans after graduation?
I plan to move back to my hometown and find a job within the Sioux Falls School District as an elementary teacher - anywhere from kindergarten to 5th grade would be my preference!
What's your favorite memory at BHSU?
I have so many fun memories at BHSU making it really hard to choose my favorite. Many of my favorite memories came from being an RA my second year in college. With my hall residents, I created a collage of pictures that spread across the entirety of my hall which was comprised of photos of the people living in my building that they were willing to include. This started as around 20 pictures but quickly grew to hundreds of funny images that depicted a community that I felt proud of. It was always hilarious to welcome people into my hallway because they were always taken aback by the sheer number of images on the walls, but most of the time, they started asking if they could put their pictures up. While there were so many more memories created - including a fake wedding, late night chaos, and LOTS of water balloons - my favorite memory had to be those pictures that represented the strong community that was created. These pictures were up all year, and when it came time to take them down, it was heartbreaking how empty the hall felt without thousands of smiles lighting up the walls as you walked through.
What are you most excited for about your future?
I am so excited to be a teacher and watch children progress and succeed in their education. School has always been something that I have held to a high standard, and I am ready to bring my expectations into the classroom and help push students to meet their own educational goals. I love the idea of making memories with my students that they get to carry with them forever; I remember so much about my elementary years, and I want to give my students those same kinds of experiences and happy memories that I found within my education. My future students are why I am so excited about my impending career because I know they will bring me so much joy in my years to come, and I feel more prepared than ever to begin that journey with them!
Physical Education Major from Sturgis, SD
What are your plans after graduation?
Attend Lindenwood University to pursue a Master's degree in curriculum and instruction design.
What clubs, organizations, sports were you involved in?
I have been involved in TRIO, BHSU Spanish Club, and BHSU Softball.
What are your plans for graduation day?
I plan on spending the day surrounded by famiy and friends, celebrating this milestone moment in my life!
Physical Education Major from Gillette, WY
What are your plans after graduation?
As of right now, my plan after graduation is to find a teaching job for the following school year. After my graduation vacation trip in May, I’ll be on the hunt for teaching jobs!
What clubs, organizations, sports were you involved in?
While in college, I was apart of TRIO Student Support Services. They’re absolutely amazing with helping you every step of the way during your college years!
What's your favorite memory at BHSU?
I would have to say that any of the outdoor education and physical education classes were my favorite. There was a fun mix of getting active in classes while completing class credits. I really enjoyed classes like archery, outdoor ed, adapted P.E, and obviously my student teaching practicum.
How has your time at BHSU changed your life?
My time at BHSU has changed my life by adding a community of friends. The people in all my P.E courses have created a special bond that will last forever. Having this group of friends offers me a lifetime of shared experiences and support through any challenges. College itself is great for building relationships, but my time specifically at BHSU has allowed me to foster these relationships past the point of just classmates or acquaintances. I have been able to form deep, meaningful connections with my peers and professors that will last beyond graduation. BHSU has definitely enriched my life.
What are you most excited about for your future?
I’m most excited for being able to do what I’m passionate about. Student teaching was a great way of showing me what my future will look like, and I can’t wait to start it!
What are your plans for graduation day?
My plans for graduation day is to hang out with family and friends.
How has BHSU prepared you to achieve your future goals?
BHSU has prepared me for meeting my goals by providing me resources to keep me on track and offering an outlet. BHSU also hires GREAT professors and staff. I have had an AMAZING TRIO advisor, Nathan Feldt, and I’ve created a special bond with another BHSU professor, Dr. Breon Derby. These people are very important to me, and I wouldn’t be where I am right now without them.
Physical Education Major from Moorcroft/Upton, WY
What are your plans after graduation?
After graduating, I have accepted an Elementary PE job in Upton, where I am currently living. I will also be coaching football, wrestling and track with the Upton Bobcats!
Who was your favorite professor and why?
My favorite Professor is Breon Derby! She welcomes everyone into her class with open arms, and she does a great job at getting the very best out of students. Without her, I'm not sure I would be where I am today!
How has your time at BHSU changed your life?
BHSU has changed my life because it has given me some of the best classmates that I have the privilege to call my friends. With our time in the PE program together, we have become somewhat of a family and plan to stay close even after graduation. We have been getting dinner together as a class at least once a week, if possible, through our last semester together, with the exception of our classmates outside of the area.
How has BHSU prepared you to achieve your future goals?
BHSU has helped me be the best teacher I can be by preparing me to handle real life challenges in the field and providing me with endless opportunities to enhance my teaching skills. This couldn't have been done without the unconditional support of our PE instructor Breon Derby.
Sociology and Human Services Major from Spearfish, SD
What are your plans after graduation?
I plan to go straight into the workforce in a human service-related field for a year to save up for grad school and apply for the 2025-26 year.
Who was your favorite professor and why?
I would have to say all the psychology and sociology professors in the Skywalk are my favorite. They helped me grow as a person, and I am so thankful for them. Although my friends and I probably terrorized them all year, I'm sure they will miss us... I hope.
Who was your best friend on campus?
I got to shout out Celsey Selland. We might be chaotic together, but I wouldn't want it any other way.
Political Science Major from Lead, SD
Photography Major from Devils Lake, ND
What are your plans after graduation?
After graduation, I plan to travel for a month or so and see family and friends. Then, in early July, I plan to move to Georgia and pursue a career in commercial photography. I am very excited to see where the future takes me!
What was your favorite class and why?
My favorite class I took while I was at BHSU was studio photography with Skott Chandler. This class helped me understand lighting to a whole new extent and led to my love for lifestyle and editorial photography. Skott also creates a great atmosphere in his classes and has a great teaching style.
What are you most excited about for your future?
I am extremely excited to see where my future takes me. I can't wait to meet the incredible people and businesses I will get to work with. I am also excited to continue exploring the world—traveling and experiencing other parts of the world is one of my favorite things to do!
How has BHSU prepared you to achieve your future goals?
BHSU has greatly prepared me for my future. The photography program here is incredible, and it has given me the foundation and tools I need to feel prepared going out into the world.
Who was your favorite professor and why?
Choosing just one professor is nearly impossible, so I have two, Skott Chandler and Allen Morris. They are both extremely dedicated to their students and have helped me greatly inside and outside the classroom. They are always willing to help and push their students to be the best they can be. I wouldn't have been able to get through the past four years without them.
Photography Major from Mitchell, SD
What are your plans after graduation?
I will be staying around Spearfish creating media for BHSU!
Who was your favorite professor and why?
When I am asked what was my favorite class or professor I can never pick, as I have so many options as I went through college. As a photo major, you spend so much time down in the basement of Jonas. Everyone is down there, and it's one of the coolest dynamics of people who are all striving to create impressive pieces of artwork.
What's your favorite memory at BHSU?
There are too many to count. I can still remember freshman year, right out of Covid, and the Pizza Gang would do whatever we could think of. I’m surprised WC is still standing after us. Then, there was always the house and everyone who was there to make that place a home through Mexican train nights and random late night events.
Exercise Science Major from Kearney, NE
What are your plans after graduation?
I will be starting my doctorate degree in physical therapy at Briar Cliff University this upcoming June!
How has your time at BHSU changed your life?
In my time here at BH I was fortunate enough to continue my softball career. With that I have met some of my best friends and made some lifelong memories!
Who was your favorite professor and why?
My favorite professor would have to be Dr. Pfeiffer! She has always made class so fun and interactive. She has also been an extreme help in many of my classes as well as a major help in getting me into my graduate program. I will forever be grateful for all that Dr. Pfeiffer has done and taught me.
Environmental Physical Science Major from Watertown, SD
What are your plans after graduation?
After graduation, I’m going to do a summer internship with Coastwatch in Dublin, where I will have the opportunity to conduct environmental research on tracking coastal erosion and habitats around Ireland.
What was your favorite class and why?
It's hard to pick one. I would say Field Methods, which is taught by Professor Domagall. The class is very engaging and helps strengthen skills I will use in the field with my environmental degree. I appreciate that the class incorporates a lot of hands on work, and I love that we were outside all of the time reinforcing our mapping, interpreting, and note taking!
Who was your favorite professor and why?
Dr. Abigail Domagall is my favorite professor, and she is a fantastic instructor! She teaches with enthusiasm and creates a postive atmosphere. I admire her teaching style and how she constantly supports her students!
What are your plans for graduation day?
Graduation night I plan celebrating with some friends and fellow classmates. Then, during the weekend I will spend time with my family and friends who have supported me through my academic career.
How has your time at BHSU changed your life?
My time at BH has changed my life in numerous different ways. Firstly, environmental science is a broad degree, but I feel well-rounded in my environmental program at BH, and I'm excited to see how this will help shape my career. Also, BH has taught me the importance of being involved with the community, and I am glad to have built a support system that I can continue to rely on in my future endeavors.
Biology and Sociology Major from Torrington, WY
What are your plans after graduation?
I will be continuing my education at the University of Minnesota in the Twin Cities! I will be pursuing a master's in public health with an emphasis in environmental health and environmental infectious diseases!
What clubs, organizations, sports were you involved in?
I was involved primarily with Women in STEM, Campus Ventures and the Honors Program!
What was your favorite class and why?
My favorite class is probably between sociological theory and genetics! I love the theory aspect of sociology (it is initially why I became a double major), and I really enjoy thinking critically about the world around us. As for genetics, I have always found this subject to be incredibly fascinating (particularly the mutation aspect of genetics), and I also really enjoyed the way that Dr. Pawlus taught the class!
Who was your favorite professor and why?
I also have to choose between favorite professors- I loved having Dr. Laura Colmenero-Chillberg for such a large portion of my sociology classes! She also was my mentor for my research project that I did with the Honors Program, so I got to know her fairly well! I also loved having Dr. Matthew Pawlus for my introductory bio class, and genetics, as he is incredibly knowledgeable about the subjects. I also really enjoyed his teaching style, as I feel like I was able to really grasp the concepts well!
What are you most excited about for your future?
At this point, the future is so close, yet so much is still unknown! I think that I am most excited for graduate school at this point in time! I am hoping to continue my education further, and eventually obtain a PhD!
What’s your favorite memory at BHSU?
One of my favorite memories (there are so many), has to be the summer that I spent in Denver, Colorado! I had gone to Denver that summer with Campus Ventures to be a part of an 8-week discipleship training program called Project Impact! I learned so much that summer, and I met some of my best friends as well! I am also a huge hockey fan, and I was in Denver the same summer that the Avalanche won the Stanley Cup, so that was super cool to be living in Denver when they won!
Steve Meeker, Vice President for University Advancement
Good morning, I'm Steve Meeker, Vice President for university advancement. It is my pleasure to welcome you to the 186th Commencement Ceremony at Black Hills State University. Please rise for the presentation of colors by the BHSU ROTC Color Guard.
[Presentation of the colors]
Today's Ceremony is led by our student senate president, Ms. Isabella Rowe. Joining her are participants in today's commencement ceremony and platform party guests, including president Laurie Nichols, and regent James Lochner. Also represented are members of the Black Hills State University Administration, the Council of Deans, and Faculty Senate. Members of the esteemed faculty of Black Hill State University representing the college of business and natural sciences, the college of education and behavioral sciences, and the college of liberal arts, led by Dr. Charlie Lamb, professor of biology and chief research officer. And now, it is my pleasure to present the graduates from the class of 2023, led by Dr. Jane Klug, dean of students. Please remain standing for the national anthem, sung by Dr. Jonathan Nero, professor of music. We remind all in attendance that the proper respect is to face the flag and stand at attention with your right hand over your heart. Men should remove their hat or cap. Veterans and active duty military not in uniform may also salute the flag. And now, ladies and gentlemen, our national anthem.
[Singing of the national anthem]
[Applause]
Please be seated. And now, ladies and gentlemen, it is my pleasure to introduce the president of Black Hills State University, Dr. Laurie Nichols.
Laurie Nichols, President of BHSU
Good morning, and welcome to our winter commencement. It is my honor to introduce the members of the platform party. I would ask the platform party to stand for a moment as I call your name. And audience, would you please hold your applause to the end. Joining us today is Regent James Lochner. He is our ceremonial representative representing the South Dakota Board of Regents. Dr. Jon Kilpinen serves as Provost and vice President for Academic Affairs. Dr. Amy Fuqua is Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Graduate Studies. Dr. Cynthia Anderson is Dean of the College of Business and Natural Sciences. Ms. Kathy Johnson is Vice President for Finance and Administration. Dr. Jared Moore is our Faculty Senate President. Miss Isabella Rowe serves as our Student Senate President. Ms. April Meeker is our Registrar, and Mr. Steve Meeker is Vice President for University Advancement. We also have with us today Ms. Jodi Garcia, who is the Black Hills State University Alumni Association President. Will you help me in welcoming our stage party today?
[Applause]
Graduates, now is an appropriate time to recognize a group who have been your partners through this journey. They have provided mentorship, encouragement, and possibly some prodding as you completed your coursework. So I'm gonna first of all ask the faculty if you would stand and actually turn around and face the graduates today. Faculty, if you would stand and turn? And then, graduates, would you stand? And so, graduates, stand. And would you help me in thanking these faculty who have been so instrumental in your education at Black Hills State University?
[Applause]
Thank you, you may be seated. Congratulations, graduate! Your day has arrived. Today, you become a college graduate where you join about one third of all adults in the United States who hold a bachelor's degree or more. Your degree will open doors to opportunities that you cant even imagine today. It certainly did for me. I am so excited for your future and all the possibilities that you will realize. Becoming a college graduate is a distinction in our society that sets you apart from many others. and that distinction comes because our society values education. Evidence suggests that college graduates are not only highly employable, but they also enrich the civic and economic life of their communities as they volunteer, provide community leadership, and make philanthropic contributions. As Nelson Mandela said, "Education is the most powerful tool which you can use to change the world." Today, with your degree in hand, your ability to make our world a better place becomes even greater. As hard as you have worked on earning this degree, we all know you didn't get there alone. Your family has provided a great source of support to you through these college years, and in a reciprocal fashion, your achievement has provided inspiration and hope to your family. Today, they are here to celebrate with you. And I know, as you walk across this stage in a few minutes, they will be bursting with pride. They love you. You matter to them. So graduates, I'm gonna ask if you could stand one more time for me, and if you would look around the room and see if you can find your family and loved ones. And then, will you help me in thanking your family for the support they have provided to you? Graduates, let's thank your family!
[Applause]
Thank you, graduates. You may be seated. And families, thank you so much for being here today as well. For many of our graduates, and for me personally, today is bittersweet, as today's graduation signifies an end to our time at Black Hills State University. I hope your experience has been like mine: fulfilling, enjoyable, memorable, and lifechanging. Like you, I leave here a different person, one who has learned a great deal, made some mistakes, but brushed off and carried on, and realized that in life it is not material things that makes one happy. It is the people and the relationships that one develops along the way. I hope, graduates, that you have made connections with faculty and staff that will benefit you for years to come. And I hope you have made your very best friends here. Friends that you will keep your whole life. I know I have, and I will value those experiences and people forever. Black Hills State University is a very special place. I thank each of you for being part of it. While you will scatter far, I hope you will also stay connected to Black Hills State, and to each other. Congratulations, graduates, we're so proud of you. We wish you all the best in the world. It is now my pleasure to ask our student senate president, Ms. Isabella Rowe, to come forward to deliver the charge to the graduates.
Isabella Rowe, Student Senate President
Hi friends! I'm so happy to see all your faces here today. You know, the pressure a graduation speech has on a person really has you questioning if you're even cut out to stand up in front of your peers and give them any life advice. I've rewritten these words a dozen times, and my chemistry notebook is finally running out of paper. I made a phone call to one of my best friends asking what I should include for you guys today. We started to talk about purpose and who and what the purpose is for. We caught up in the why and not really the how. How do we start this new life? Where do we go from here? Well, I've got good news: I have no idea. But that's the exciting part. I was lucky enough to hop on a plane to London a few weeks ago, and as God has answered my silent prayers in my head, I began reading the carpet in my London hotel room. My speech today will contain the best words of wisdom from a poem written at my feet. The text reads: "This is your life. Do what you love, and do it often. If you don't like something, change it. If you don't like your job, quit. If you don't have enough time, stop watching TV. If you're looking for the love of your life, stop. They will be waiting for you. Start doing things you love. Stop overanalyzing. Life is simple. All emotions are beautiful. When you eat, appreciate every last bite. Open your mind, arms, and heart to new things and people. We are united in our differences. Ask the next person you see what their passion is, and share your inspiring dream with them. Travel often. Getting lost will help you find yourself. Some opportunities only come once. Seize them. Life is about the people you meet, and the things you create with them, so go out, and start creating." Now this is probably a book quote, but I'm gonna credit the carpets since that's where I discovered it. I want you to really consider these words today. You are the creator of your life. If you want to move to a new state, do it. Your new degree you possess will get you there. You are educated, you are powerful, and you are capable of achieving your wildest dreams. If change scares you, good. Fear is healthy. It means you're getting out of your comfort zone, where you have been living. Life is short, and settling will never fulfill you in this lifetime. Hug your parents, call your siblings, visit your grandparents. It's their first time living, too. We are lucky to wake up every day, and choose what were going to eat, and the people we get to talk to. Get outside more often, live like a little kid. We always used to say, "Oh, when I get older I'm gonna do this." Start to do those things. Make your life 100 percent your responsibility. Don't blame your parents, your partner, your circumstances, or anyone else for your misery. If you don't quit, you might make it, and if you quit, you definitely won't. The saddest thing in life is wasted talent, and all of you in front of me today are the future. Get comfortable with being uncomfortable. Trust that your feet will carry to wherever you're going. Your body is where your soul lives, treat it well by eating nourishing foods, and drinking water. Your 50-year-old self will thank you for wearing sunscreen and going to bed before 10 PM. Laugh more, listen to new music, and try new foods. I promise that you will love life again when you start living it for you. I wanted to quickly thank Dr. Nichols for guiding us these last five years. It's been a pleasure being under your leadership and I wish you well in the years to come. So, as you walk across this stage today, imagine yourself at kindergarten graduation. They would be amazed at the person you are today. Because you are what you have decided to become, so be proud. Graduating class of 2023, here's the rest of your life, congratulations.
[Applause]
Laurie Nichols, President of BHSU
Thank you so much, Isabella. Wonderful words. Now here to bring you greetings from the Faculty is our faculty Senate president, Dr. Jared Moore.
Dr. Jared Moore
Good morning. I am happy to be here. I was glad to take my hat off, but now I notice how gray my hair is so I might should have put it back on. But anyway, thanks for having me, I know you didn't get to decide, but I do want to take a second to acknowledge Susie Dana. She was the recipient of the Distinguished Faculty Award for 2023, and she's an excellent faculty member, excellent colleague, so I wanted to take just a second to acknowledge her as well. And as a representative faculty senate, I did want to just take one second and thank president Nichols for her service here. I found out the other day, her first day on campus she met with faculty senate leadership team, and I think that's continued over the last 5 or 6 years. She's done a really nice job of including us in shared governance and set a standard that I hope will be followed, so we wish you well President Nichols, and thank you. So, graduates, I was asked to talk to you a few minutes about how you got here, and where you're going. So I think president Nichols did a nice job of starting off- talking about your hard work, your perseverance, acknowledging your friends and families and loved ones. I wanted to take it just one step further, to think about the people who you don't see on a daily basis, but are are schools, at businesses, at organizations that are there to support you. Think about the people who were here about 3 o'clock this morning, putting the stage together, putting out the chairs. I think back through all the years I've been in schools. I've been there since about 1999 is when I started teaching. There's all kinds of people who were there that you might not know, but they're all there to support you. And so, I think about the front office people. For me, it was Ms. Cheek when I was in schools. She knew every student. She knew when you got there, when you left. She knew your parents. She was the positive one, except when you did something she didn't like, and she kind of gave you the half headshake, and you knew its time to reevaluate. If you made Ms. Cheek mad, that wasn't good. But she was your biggest supporter, I think about other people too. For me, there's another one, Diane Laboure, she ran our lunchroom. She was the exact opposite. She's gonna read you the Riot Act. If you did anything that you weren't supposed to, she's on you. But, when there was extra food, it got to the people who needed it. Nobody ever left there hungry. And so these are some of the people that you'll see in your life that you don't know yet, you'll see in your future. And I want you to keep those folks in mind as you think about how it is that we all got to where we are, by the support of a whole bunch of other people. So that's I think how we got here. Where you're going, same as Bella, I don't know. I don't know. I'm not good at predicting, there was a time when I thought Steph Curry was too small to be in the NBA, and uhm he's one of the best players in the history of the NBA, so I can't predict and I wouldn't anyway. But I sit here at a lot of graduations, and we think about what we ask you to do, do great things, make a difference, and all that kind of stuff. We do want you to do those things. The questions is, how? How, on a daily basis, how do we get to those big things, and if you look throughout time, a lot of its just time and opportunity, right place right time. So, I think there are a few things we can think about on an individual basis as we kind of look inward. We start with what's important to us. Its not going to be the same for everyone, but what's important to you? What do you thinks important? Because that will help guide a lot of your decisions as you move forward. The second thing is think about our resources. We have, you know, course material resources that are necessary for survival. But we have time and energy. That's the only thing that we can really, really control on a daily basis. So instead of thinking about how we spend our time, start thinking about how do we invest our time. Where do we invest our time, where do we invest our energy? Is it with people, is it with things? And I think over time you'll figure out that those investments in people, energy that we direct towards bettering other people, will fulfill us long term. Because we do want you to go get jobs and be successful, but we want you to be happy, satisfied, fulfilled. All those things that sometimes don't get mentioned quite as much. But the last thing I want to share with you, I think is that, you have agency. You get to decide. Don't let other people define you. Don't let other people tell you where to invest your time and energy. You get to decide those things. Like Bella said, If you don't like the direction you're going, change it, right? So, as we go through the next couple of days, and as you're considering your career path, keep those things mind, invest your time and energy in things that fulfill you and satisfy you. And finally, graduates, you're the best of all of us. We've poured ourselves into you, and you're loved here, you're cared for here. So anytime you want to, please come back. Call, email, were here all the time. Good luck to you and congratulations.
[Applause]
Laurie Nichols, President of BHSU
Thank you, Dr. Moore. We are privileged to have Regent James Lochner who will bring you greetings from the South Dakota Board of Regents.
Regent James Lochner
Thank you, President Nichols. I'm delighted to be greeting you on behalf of the South Dakota Board of Regents. We joins your families and friends today in congratulating you and sharing in your excitement and satisfaction. The Board knows you have worked very hard to attain this goal, and for this you are to be warmly commended. Please accept our most sincere wishes for a wonderful future of personal and professional success. Thank you, and good luck. I also want to say a thank you and good luck to your wonderful president of Black Hills State University. She is here today ready to embark on her new journey. As I was talking to her, I said, "You get to enter like I did nine years ago into phase three of your life." And that phase three is a fun life. We are grateful for the years of dedicated service to higher education in South Dakota, and we wish President Nichols all the best. And now under the laws of the state of South Dakota, as a representative of the South Dakota Board of Regents, for the final time, I hereby delegate to President Laurie Nichols the authority to confer the various degrees at this commencement ceremony.
Laurie Nichols, President of BHSU:
Thank you so much, regent Lochner. I am pleased to introduce the Black Hills State University Commencement Wind Ensemble, under the direction of Dr. David Berberick.
[Music]
Today's number was conducted by Dr. Jonathan Nero. Thank you so much, Dr. Nero, Dr. Berberick, and members of the ensemble. Black Hills State University has a long history of supporting our military. Before continuing with our program, we would like to recognize all veterans, active service members, and their spouses for their service to our nation. So I'm going to ask if you are a veteran or an active military, if you're a spouse of one, would you please stand so we can thank you for your service?
[Applause]
Thank you for being here and again, thank you for your service. Graduates, we are at the moment for which you have been preparing for the last several years. Before you come forward to receive your diploma, I would like to take a moment to recognize those who are first generation college graduates. I would actually extend this to our graduates and to members of our audience as well. If you are the first in your family to graduate from college, would you stand up so we can give you a special recognition today? First generation college graduates, please stand.
[Applause]
A special congratulations to you. A photographer from the grad team will be taking pictures today, which will be available for purchase one week following the ceremony. The website address is on the inside cover of your commencement program. Family and friends of the graduates, as a courtesy to all of our students who are graduating as well as people who are sitting in the audience, would you please remain seated until the conclusion of the ceremony? It is now my pleasure to present Dr. Cynthia Anderson, Dean of the College of Business and Natural Sciences.
[Class of 2023 Receives their Diplomas]
[Applause]
Laurie Nichols, President of BHSU
Academic tradition such as the symbolism of the tassel are steeped in history. Moving the tassel to the left after graduating is symbolic of moving from college to another stage in your life. It is my privilege to ask you now to move your tassel from right to left. Congratulations, graduates.
[Applause]
Here to bring you greetings from the Alumni Association is Miss Jodi Garcia. She serves as the Alumni Association President.
Jodi Garcia, Alumni Association President
Good morning graduates, friends, and family. As president of Black Hills State Alumni Association, I am excited to welcome this graduating class to our Alumni Family. You are joining an elite group of individuals that include successful business owners, thriving entrepreneurs, sought upon industry leaders. Luckily for you, as a graduate of the university, you automatically become a member of the Alumni Association. You don't need to pass a test or complete an application. A friend of mine once asked me what my word was for the new year, rather than my New Year's resolution. After a little thought, I told her my word was "intentional." I made the decision to be intentional then, in all aspects of my life. My faith, my family, my work, and my activities. The foundation for a fulfilling and successful career was built the moment you set foot on campus. I challenge you as you leave here today to take your next steps with intention. Whatever your plan, whether you intend to start a new job, or your own business, or continue your education, do it with intention. Now I ask for your help. The success and future of this amazing University relies on our Alumni, our community, and our donors. You can help make BH successful by recommending prospective students, attending one of our many alumni events, and by donating to the university when you can. I can promise you will benefit from staying connected to your fellow graduates and Alma Mater. I hope the next chapter of your life is written with intention and exceeds your expectations. On behalf of the Black Hills State Alumni Board, congratulations class of 2023 on your great achievement. And congratulations, president Nichols, on your retirement. We wish you well.
[Applause]
Laurie Nichols, President of BHSU
Well thank you so much, Jodi. We will conclude todays ceremony with the singing of our Alma Mater. The recessional will follow immediately after. Please remain in the bleachers until the graduates and the faculty have exited. Now I would ask everyone if they would stand and join us in singing our Alma Mater, which is printed in the back of your program.
[Singing of the Alma Mater]
Congratulations, graduates. Enjoy the rest of your day. Graduates, faculty, and platform party, we will begin the recessional.
[Music as all exit]
Graduate Features
Double major in Biology and Chemistry from Lander, WY
Abigail Renner
Um, my name is Abigail Renner. I'm from Lander, Wyoming, and I'm graduating with a double major in biology and chemistry.
[Music]
BH was kind of my first option when it came to sports, but I also really wanted a high academic institution. Um, just with my future goals and aspirations I needed to have a place that would push me academically. BH gave me the opportunity to continue playing volleyball, which was something that I loved doing. And I knew that playing volleyball would help me academically as well. So having a team- they push me in academics and I also get to push them. It's like a built-in family, so I've never really gotten homesick. It's like I have my biggest support net around me, and they're always checking in on me- asking me how I'm doing, pushing on me, just loving on me through life's ups and downs. And so, having that volleyball team to kind of ease me into my college experience was amazing. Like, I wouldn't trade that for anything. I wanted a school that was smaller, on the smaller end so that I could get to know all my professors. Especially with athletics, being gone Thursdays and Fridays most weeks, I wanted to be able to have a professor that would understand if I was gone and be willing to help me if I needed anything. So that's what the school has really provided me with. Um, it's given me that opportunity to be able to go to professors, and I feel like some of these professors are like my friends, which you aren't really going to get at other schools. Um, and they always come to our games and support us, so. Academically, I've really thrived in this environment. This was sophomore year. I was taking genetics with Dr. Pawlus, and he mentioned that he was doing research on stem cells. And, as a person who wants to go into the medical field, I was kind of intrigued when he mentioned that. I was like, "Oh, really? Like, they're doing that here?" We found out some really important things and from that we were able to publish a paper. Um, that was pretty amazing- getting a notice that my name was on a paper, and I was a junior in college. Um, so that was really a great experience that I can use moving forward to show that I am involved in various other things in school. This school has made it really hard for me to want to leave. Um, I tried to get out of here in three years, and then I figured out, "Nope, I want to stay longer." And it's because of the people that I've met. Not just in volleyball, but in other sports programs, in my classes, and my professors. Just having that support net has made it feel like I'm meant to be here, which I really, really loved and enjoyed. So, after graduation, I will be re-enrolling in BH's master's program of integrative genomics and I'll be able to continue my research with Dr. Pawlus as a master's student. And that will take me about a year and a half, and in the process I will continue to play volleyball. I have my last year of eligibility because of Covid, so I'll finish that this next fall. And then in the interim apply to med school and hopefully get accepted in the future.
[Music]
Math major from Casper, WY
What are your plans after graduation?
I will be pursuing my PhD in mathematics and continuing my research for the Bridges conference.
What was your favorite class and why?
My two favorite classes were Renaissance Art and History of Math. I learned a lot about the overlap of math and art in both of these courses, which made me realize I wanted to become an educator!
How has your time at BHSU changed your life?
BH has changed my life in a lot of ways! I found the best people here that I will carry with me forever, and I completely fell in love with the Black Hills. I've learned so much, and BH has been a great place to start my education.
Political Science major from Wright, WY
What are your plans after graduation?
Move to Washington, D.C. to work as a Legislative Correspondent for a U.S. Senator.
I am also really proud of my recently completed thesis titled "Bridging the Divide: A Qualitative Analysis of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan's Treatment of Women."
What's your favorite memory at BHSU?
Attending the National IPDA Debate Tournament in Abilene, Texas as a part of Dr. Ryan Clark's debate team. I got to travel and compete with some of my favorite people and felt so supported throughout the experience. I also got 3rd in the tournament, so that was neat!
How has BHSU prepared you to achieve your future goals?
I have had some outstanding professors here who helped shape me into the person I am today. Dr. Ryan Clark taught me to speak well and not doubt my abilities. Dr. Abby Domagall taught me the value of diversifying and that learning will never be a waste of time. Dr. Pam Carriveau has been my biggest supporter through it all and is always there to encourage my passions and see my potential. I will carry these lessons and words with me as I move to D.C. and begin my political career.
Elementary Education major from Parker, CO
American Indian Studies and Human Services major from Flandreau, SD
What are your plans after graduation?
My plans after graduation will be to further my education to get my Master's degree in counseling.
What clubs, organizations, sports were you involved in?
I was in Lakota Omniciye and this organization is family. I felt very welcomed freshman year, and ever since, they have made my experience at BHSU amazing.
What was your favorite class and why?
My favorite class at BHSU was Ethnobotany with Dr. Rosie Sprague because we were able to learn about the different medicinal plants within the Native American culture. We also learned about all the medicinal plants within our community and in the Black Hills. The class was able to physically go out and see the plants in certain areas around town and even in the canyon. This class has helped me identify the plants around us and helped me notice more beautiful plants around us too. Thanks so much, Dr. Sprague!
What are your plans for graduation day?
My plans for graduation day are to celebrate with my family, eat good food, and spend time with my husband, Jacey, and son, Cruz. They were and are both a big motivation towards my degree and education.
Business Administration - Entrepreneurship major from Las Vegas, NV
What are your plans after graduation?
I am currently a real estate agent in Las Vegas and plan to continue to be a real estate agent. I also plan to become a real estate investor and business owner.
What clubs, organizations, sports were you involved in?
I played on the BHSU women's soccer team for two years and participated in the Jacket Investment Club.
What are your plans for graduation day?
My plans for graduation day are to enjoy the commencement ceremony, take graduation photos in the Spearfish Canyon, and to celebrate with my family.
Studio Art and Human Services major from Gothenburg, NE
What are your plans after graduation?
I plan to take a gap year while working and applying to graduate schools. I hope to be participating in a graduate program in ceramics by the fall of 2025, where I will obtain an MFA.
What clubs, organizations, sports were you involved in?
I was a RA, SRA, and Hall Director for Residence Life starting my second semester up until my fourth year here. I was also involved in Swarm Days Committee and gave student tours for several semesters. During my final semester, I worked in the Residence Life office for work-study, as well as a proctor for the art department, where I worked hands-on in the ceramic studio.
Who was your favorite professor and why?
It is very difficult for me to pick just one because I have had many great professors in the art department. Quintin, Desy, and Michael have all been great teachers and mentors and have pushed me to always do my best.
How has your time at BHSU changed your life?
My time at BHSU has changed my life in so many ways. I have been given so many opportunities, from traveling to the Philippines to becoming a Hall Director. These opportunities have allowed me to gain many new skills and create new relationships that I will never forget. The community at BHSU is very welcoming and has always made me feel like I belonged here.
What are you most excited about for your future?
I am excited for new opportunities, and, if I'm being honest, a break from homework. My very first semester here was scary, as I did not know anyone. However, I quickly made new life-long friends and am thrilled to meet other artists in the future and continue my practice in ceramics.
Steve Meeker, Vice President of University Advancement
Good morning. I'm Steve Meeker, Vice President for University Advancement. It is my pleasure to welcome you to the 185th commencement ceremony at Black Hills State University. Please rise for the presentation of colors by the BHSU ROTC color guard. Today's ceremony is led by Miss Marissa Danforth, student senate president and graduating senior. Joining her are participants in today's commencement ceremony and platform party guests including president Laurie Nichols and Regent Jeff partridge. Also represented are members of the Black Hills State University administration, the Council of Deans, and faculty senate. Members of the esteemed faculty at Black Hills State University representing the College of Business and Natural Sciences, the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences, and the College of Liberal Arts, led by Dr. Urla Marcus, Director of American Indian studies. And now it is my pleasure to present the graduates from the class of 2023. Candidates for the Master's degree, led by Dr. Ryan Amys, graduate coordinator for the Master's in secondary education, also led by Mr. Randall Doran, instructor of mathematics. University honors program graduates led by Dr. Katrina Jensen, director of University honors. Candidates for the baccalaureate degree from the College of Business and Natural Sciences, led by Mr. Christopher Wardell, instructor of accounting, also led by Dr. Daniel Asunskis, associate professor of chemistry and chair of the School of Natural Sciences, and Dr. Jane Klug, Dean of Students. Candidates for the baccalaureate degree from the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences, led by Dr. Emilia Flint, professor of psychology, and chair of the School of Behavioral Sciences, also led by Dr. Brian Eberhardt, associate professor of education and graduate coordinator for curriculum and instruction. Candidates for the baccalaureate degree from the College of Liberal Arts, led by Miss Gina Gibson, professor of digital communication, and chair of the School of Arts and Humanities, also led by Dr. Nicholas Drummond, associate professor of political science and acting chair of the School of Mathematics and Social Sciences. Candidates for the Associate's degree, led by Dr. Mary Fleury, assistant professor of special education. Please remain standing for the national anthem, performed by the BHSU commencement wind ensemble. We remind all in attendance that proper respect is to face the flag and stand at attention with your right hand over your heart. Men should remove their hat or cap. Veterans and active duty military not in uniform may also salute the flag. Now ladies and gentlemen, our national anthem.
[Singing of the national anthem.]
[Applause]
Please be seated. And now ladies and gentlemen, it is my pleasure to introduce to you the president of Black Hills State University, Dr. Laurie Nichols.
[Applause]
Laurie Nichols, BHSU President
Good morning, and welcome. It is wonderful to have you all here with us this morning. It is now my honor to introduce members of the platform party. I would ask that you stand for a moment when I call your name, and audience please hold your applause to the end. Regent Jeff Partridge is our representative from the South Dakota Board of Regents. Dr. Jon Kilpinen serves as Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. Dr. Amy Fuqua is our interim associate Provost and Dean of graduate studies. Mr. Justin Varland is a 2002 Black Hills State University alumnus and this year's commencement speaker. Mr. Joe Floyd is our honorary doctorate recipient. Joe could you give a wave to the audience down on the floor? There he is. Dr. Cynthia Anderson is interim Dean of the College of Business and Natural Sciences. Dr. Betsy Silva serves as Dean of the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences. Dr. Daluss Siewert is acting Dean of the College of Liberal Arts. Miss April Meeker is our registrar, and Mr. Steve Meeker serves as Vice President of University Advancement. Captain John Lundeen is assistant professor of military science. Dr. David Crawford is professor emeritus of accounting. Dr. Nancy Roberts is our faculty senate president, and Miss Marissa Danforth is the student senate president and a member of this year's graduating class. Would you help me in welcoming our stage party?
[Applause]
We are so honored today to have the class of 1973 joining us. It's their 50th anniversary from graduating from Black Hills State University, and I would like to introduce them to you. And again, when I call your name if you would just briefly stand, and hold your applause to the end audience. Elizabeth Beth Benning is from Spearfish. Marcia Martin Barith is from Cheyenne, Wyoming. Eileen Salmo Brunner is from Pierre. Susan Whitney Callahan is from Rapid City. Rebecca Sagan Fisher is from Rapid City. Catherine Holland Hefner is from Reno, Nevada. Peggy Welsh Howard is from Sundance Wyoming. Susan Hawks Jones is from Blackhawk. K.S. Jorgensen is from Spearfish. Kathy Wilson Knutson is from Hettinger, North Dakota. Joy Jones Krasik is from Windsor, Colorado. Claire Johnson O'Neill is from Spearfish. Ellen Painter Pulsic is from Spearfish. Tom N. Rawick is from Spearfish. Coral Thorson Sand is from Spearfish. Mel J. Sanders is from Gillette, Wyoming. Joe M. Sorako is from Spearfish. Bob J. Templeton is from Reed Heights. and Michael C. Walter is from Buffalo, Wyoming. Would you help me in welcoming back the class of 1973?
[Applause]
Thank you so much for being here. Graduates, it is so great to see you sitting out in the audience, and now it is an appropriate time to recognize a group who have really been your partners in this journey we call college. They've provided mentorship to you. I know they have encouraged you. They probably have prodded you as you completed your coursework. So I'm going to ask the faculty if you would stand and actually turn around and face the graduates, so faculty stand up and turn so you can see the graduates. And graduates, would you mind helping me in thanking our faculty for all they have done for you?
[Applause]
Thank you, faculty, for being here. And thank you for all you have done to help these graduates complete their degree. Well, congratulations graduates. Your day has arrived. Today, you become a college graduate, where you join about one third of all adults in the United States who hold a bachelor's degree or more. Your degree will open doors of opportunities that, quite frankly, you can't even quite imagine today. It certainly did for me, and I know it will for you as well. I am so excited for your future, and all the possibilities you will realize. Becoming a college graduate is a distinction in our society that sets you apart from many others, and that distinction comes because our society values education. Evidence suggests that college graduates are not only highly employable, but they also enrich the civic and the economic life of their communities as they volunteer, provide community leadership, or make philanthropic contributions. As Nelson Mandela said, "Education is the most powerful tool which you can use to change the world." Today, with a degree in hand, your ability to make our world a better place becomes greater. As hard as you have worked on earning this degree, we all know you did not get there alone. Your family has been a great source of support to you throughout your college years, and in a reciprocal fashion, your achievement has provided inspiration and hope to your family. Today, they are here to celebrate with you. And I know as you walk across the stage in just a little bit, they will be bursting with pride. They love you. You matter to them. So now graduates now I'm going to ask you if you would stand up and would look around and see if you can find your family. And would you help me in thanking them for all they have done for you? So stand up graduates, let's thank your family.
[Applause]
Thank you, graduates, you may be seated. Thank you, families, for being here with us to celebrate as well. Graduates, there are two words that are commonly used on days like today. One is graduation, and the other is commencement. Graduation signifies the end- the finish line. It celebrates the fact that you have successfully completed this phase of your education and brings closure to this chapter of your life. Graduation says, "Woo hoo! We're done." Commencement, on the other hand, signifies the starting gate- the beginning of a new life. It says that your transitioning from the past to the future. Commencement celebrates that the best part of your life is ahead of you. Both turns are most appropriate today, and both are really meaningful, but today, I choose to leave you with my congratulations on your commencement- on your beginning. Your future is bright. You have ability, passion, and commitment to make a difference. And as yellow jackets, graduates of this great university, I know wherever you go, you will carry your alma mater with you, and you will represent us well. Congratulations, graduates, on commencement- on all the bright and beautiful possibilities that lie ahead for you. Congratulations.
[Applause]
As part of today's ceremony, we are pleased to recognize Mr. Joe H. Floyd, with the awarding of an honorary doctorate of public service. The honorary doctorate is the highest honor bestowed by the South Dakota Board of Regents and the universities. Recipients have distinguished themselves through outstanding service and exemplary achievements within their fields of endeavor. Dr. Kilpinen, please join me for the presentation of the award.
Steve Meeker, Vice President of University Advancement
Joe Floyd was a cable TV pioneer for his instrumental role in guiding the construction and purchase of cable systems in South Dakota, North Dakota, Nebraska, and Western Minnesota. He as the chief operating officer at Midco, in charge of a diverse portfolio of holdings, including broadcast TV, and radio movie theaters, cable television, real estate, and many smaller businesses. He later became president and chief operations officer, and led the entire business until his retirement in 2001. The tremendous appreciation of the importance of education from Joe and his late wife, Elaine, has extended beyond their own family and led to a continuing commitment to finding ways to encourage students of all ages to advance their education. Joe and Elaine provided financial support or many educational programs, including eight concurrent full-ride scholarships at Black Hills State University. Please join me, ladies and gentlemen, in congratulating Mr. Floyd and help me welcome him to the podium to the right, where he will speak to us.
Mr. Joe Floyd, honorary doctorate recipient
I'd like to thank the South Dakota Board of Regents, Laurie Nichols, this fine university for such an honor. And then I'd like to say congratulations to the graduates. I remember the day I saw my name on the list of graduations in engineering school, and boy, what a relief, haha. I suppose the reason that I'm here is the effort that we've had on a scholarship that is now part of the rodeo organization. My wife, Elaine, loved this school like you would never believe. She attended it about 1954 to receive a certificate so you could teach in a one-room school. Back in the early 30s, South Dakota decided that education for first to eighth grade would be the responsibility of the individual counties in South Dakota. As a result, one-room schools were popping up all over the state, and Black Hills Teacher's College put together a program to certify teachers for these schools. When Elaine completed Dupree High School and came to the university here- was about 1954. By that time, improved roads and transportation and a lack of good state funding was causing consolidation of schools, and so a lot of one-room school houses in South Dakota were running empty. However, Ziebach county decided they would double down to serve the homestead ranchers on the reservation. So, they moved their school from down south of Lantry up to a town just east of Lantry, and build a new school- built a nice corral for the horses because all the students rode horses to school. And who else to run the school would be a recent graduate of Black Hills and also part of a homestead rancher family in the county. So Elaine was a a school worm at the Ziebach county school. And from there you have to kind of go to the history book of Ziebach county, and each year they showed the number of students he had- the cost of running the school, and how many graduates completed. For years, Elaine would take me to various places out west, because I was actually a city kid bearing a country girl. And she introduced me to a lot of her friends. In fact, I met the mayor of Dupree, who proudly announced he was one of her students. Later, Elaine really wanted to establish a scholarship here at the university, and we worked with Steve to put one together. It was designed to have the opportunity to go here for girls from farm and ranch backgrounds as Elaine had come. we found out later that that was discriminatory, and it had to be an athletic scholarship. So, we decided to recruit young girls who would be on the rodeo team. In fact, two of your graduates are not here- they're off defending the reputation of this school at a rodeo down in Lincoln, Nebraska. Once the scholarship was established, they became Elaine's girls. She took a deep personal interest in them and their families, and encouraged them to complete their work here. It was a real challenge to watch her keep track of these young girls because she all wanted to be highly successful, which they have been. Even after Elaine passed away, I still get cards and letters every month from graduates- having children, getting married, all kinds of activities. I think the most prophetic thing I can remember is we were out here about the second time for some kind of a meeting. Elaine was meeting with her girls, and on the way home she says, "Joe, you know, someday we're going to have a woman governor in this state, and she going to come from a farm or ranch, and I'll bet she probably start out in a one-room school." She did not live long enough to see that day. Thank you very much for this very prestigious award. Congratulations.
[Applause]
Laurie Nichols, BHSU President
At this time, I would like to ask Dr. Jon Kilpinen to present the faculty who are retiring.
Dr. Jon Kilpinen, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
As a part of today's ceremony, it's fitting that we recognize the faculty who are retiring. Black Hills State University wishes to express it's sincere appreciation for their years of dedicated and distinguished service to the students. the university, the community, and their professions. We're sad to see them leave, but pleased to announce the awarding of Emeritus status. Dr. Betsy Silva, will you please join president Nichols on the lower stage? Dr. Betsy Silva, Dean and associate professor of education in the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences will retire from Black Hills State University on June 21st of this year after 31 years of dedicated and distinguished service. Dean Silva has served in multiple leadership roles including Dean of the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences, chair of the School of Education, and department chair for physical education. Additionally, Dr. Silva has served as the assessment coordinator for the school of education for almost 20 years, leading the school through two accreditation visits that resulted in national accreditation from the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education and from the Council for the Accreditation of Education Preparation. Black Hills State University wishes to express it's appreciation to Dr. Silva for her years of faithful and dedicated service. Therefore be it resolved that henceforth Dr. Betsy Silva will carry the title of associate professor emeritus.
[Applause]
Dr. David Crawford, will you please join president Nichols on the lower stage? Dr. David Crawford, professor of accounting in the College of Business and Natural Sciences will retire from Black Hills State University on August 21st of this year after 14 years of distinguished service. He has served the School of Business as the accounting undergraduate program coordinator, and teaches courses in accounting and auditing. He served 11 years on the Faculty Senate, and six years on the General Education Requirements Committee. Professor Crawford has maintained his certified public accountant and chartered global management licenses to deliver content that is current and relevant to the CPA exam. He demonstrated dedication to his profession through scholarly presentations at American Accounting Association conferences, as well as through article publications. Black Hills State wishes to express it's appreciation to Dr. Crawford for his years of faithful and dedicated service. Therefore ne it resolved that henceforth Dr. David Crawford will carry the title of professor emeritus.
[Applause]
Laurie Nichols, BHSU President
I am pleased to introduce the Black Hills State University commencement wind ensemble, under the direction of Dr. David Berberick.
[Wind ensemble plays]
[Applause]
Thank you so much, wind ensemble. Black Hills State University has a long history of supporting our military. Before continuing with our program, we would like to recognize all veterans, service members, and their spouses for their service to our nation. So I'm going to ask if you would please stand to be recognized. Would all of our veterans, all of our active military, and all spouses please stand so we can thank you for your service.
[Applause]
Thank you. It is my pleasure to ask Captain John Lundeen to come forward for the conferring of commissions.
Captain John Lundeen
[Captain John Lundeen commissions two new lieutenants away from the microphone]
Ladies and gentlemen, what you just witnessed was a commissioning of two of the United States Armed Forces newest officers. Now, I'd like to invite you to join me in congratulating and thanking them, but just a moment. First lieutenants, it might feel awkward to receive gratitude because you're just starting out your career, but the gratitude that we're expressing is for what you've committed to. Because it might not feel like it today, but there will be times- maybe it's when your finding yourself carrying out your military duties with a rifle in hand for your second consecutive Christmas halfway around the world from all that you know and love. Maybe it's being held back in your civilian job in progression because of the military obligations that you volunteered for. Or maybe it's a combat deployment where you go a week at a time in a combat hostile environment remote with no access to the outside world. Just look forward to the end of every week when you can get back to a computer, open up your email and look for a video with an attachment of seeing your kid take his first steps. Things like that. Those are specific examples but you, I'm sad to say, will find your own examples of ways in which you will feel the weight of this commitment that you made here today. And when you feel that weight, you can look back on days like this, and days when you're recognized or thanked for your service. You can think back to your family at home and to your faith, and you can look back at these things and just remember days like today because you can look back and say, "Oh this, this is what they were thanking me for." And with that, you can take another breath, reassess and keep moving forward. So ladies and gentlemen, sorry for my, my tangent, but if you would join me in congratulating and thanking these two for the commitment.
[Applause]
Laurie Nichols, BHSU President
Thank you. After retiring from tech in 2020, Mr. Justin Varland currently serves as a business advisor to Apple Incorporated through his work with PWC. A former Apple executive with two decades of sales leadership and business experience in global technology leading companies, Varland more than tripled Apple's carrier enterprise business to over 8 billion dollars annually during his tenure. Previously the vice president of sales at Samsung Electronics, he also managed the mobility business with Sprint, Nextel, and worked in public relations for the Green Bay Packers. Mr. Varland has been active on multiple advisory boards and committees including the March of Dimes, Big Brothers, Big Sisters, National Humane Society, Make-a-Wish, American Heart Association, Sanford Underground Research Facility, and Sigma Tau Gamma fraternity. He earned his bachelor's degree in Mass Communications and Commercial Art from Black Hills State University in 2002. Please help me in welcoming Mr. Varland to the stage to give our charge to the graduates.
[Applause]
Justin Varland, 2002 BHSU Graduate
Good morning, and most importantly, this is a celebration, so let's enjoy this. Congratulations to all of you. And good morning family, friends, graduates. It's an honor to be standing here today, and it's for two separate reasons. One, it's an incredible, humbling, experience to be able to address all of you today. But most importantly, I'm doing it in a robe, as are all of you. It's 11 o'clock in public, and people are here. We're out in public in our robes and their not talking smack about us behind our backs. They're actually saying congratulations, so this is an achievement. It is not business casual, just so you know though. 25 years ago last month I stepped onto the campus of Black Hills State University for the very first time. I had no idea what was in store for me, other than a free weekend in the hills and to go check out "backup" school. I assure you the rest of my life is not on my mind. And then I fell in love. Hopefully, you've experienced love in your life. I found it here at Black Hills State. First with the school, then with my life, then within the wonderful community of organizations that make this place so special. But most of all, it's the people. Thank you, Dr. Nichols. Thank you, Dr. Jane Klug, or as she's being known today, Paxton's mom. Thank you to my college advisor, Steve Babbitt. Steve Meeker, the Alumni Association and so many other amazing individuals that make the sacrifices necessary for BH students like me to be successful. So what the heck do I say? It's not a normal story. I got a job with the Green Bay Packers straight out of college, more on that in a second. I jumped into Mobile just as the smartphone wars were taking off, and had the dubious responsibility of putting Blackberry's into the hands of every Sprint customer out there. Those of you who don't know, Blackberry is- there's a movie coming out Friday. They used to be awesome, ask your parents about them. When Google entered the fray, I joined Samsung- helped build the Android business across North America, only to be recruited away by Apple and do it all over again in B2B. I retired from Apple last year, and now I get to wake up every morning grateful for the series of decisions that I was able to make to create such a fortunate position where I only do what makes me proud, and it all comes back to knowing my why. Back in 2009, Simon Sinek, the author, wrote a book: Start with Why. Now I'm guessing those of you in a cap and gown who have been in college for the past four years have probably heard of Simon, but he has a very simple and powerful way of looking at the world. You see, in Start with Why, he suggested the most successful organizations and leaders share a common trait. They start with why they do what they do, not what they do or how they do it. And by changing the order of the universe in such a small way, people who can find that transition often find their way to incredible success. I'm here to tell you that I'm one of those people, but for me, it's always been about why. Not just the teaching covered by Sinek in Start with Why, but I turned my "why" into an acronym, and it helps me remember the important aspects of leading a fulfilled life. I'd like to share that. So if Simon Sinek says start with "why", and I turn the "why" into acronym, what's my W? Well it's a fun one if you do it right. And it's pretty easy. Why not? Now, to be clear, I am not telling any of you that when your friend asks you tonight to get matching graduate face tattoos, you say why not. That's- that's not what we're talking about. I'm talking about small, calculated risks that you've fully thought through. That you've realized there's incredible advantage and upside, and you act. I'll give an example. My "why not" happened at a party here in Spearfish at the Super Bowl in February of my senior year. We were with some friends, all hanging out, talking about our plans for after graduation. Now, at the time, I didn't have any. I'm a pretty ambitious dude, I'm really busy. I've just finished my second year as president of the United....as the...United States of America- that'd be awesome! Uh, president of the Sigma Tau Gamma, just like that. I'm editor and the chief of school newspaper. I'm on the student senate. I'm active in KBHU, BHTV, I'm doing up team. I am busy doing basically everything other than thinking about life after college. I got plenty of time for that, that's like...90 days away. So think about that for a second, my entire journey, all that I'm about to share and say, all that I've said already, you're all, at worst, 90 days behind my path, right now. So we all laugh at how amusing it is that I of all people don't have a plan, and one of my buddies points to the TV and says, "If you love the NFL so much, why not do that?" as he pointed to a suit on a PR person on the sidelines of the Super Bowl. Why not? On Monday morning, I hashed my plan. I swung up to the career center in the union to look up the main switchboard number of my favorite team, the Green Bay Packers. I waited a few days...[person in audience yells something we can't hear] I heard that, thank you...waited a few days and made a call. "Hi. I'm a college student looking to find out who I would send my resume to if I was interested in an internship?" Linda, in Green Bay, tells me send it to Lee Remmel. "Great. Thanks," I replied. I wait three days, and I call Linda again. "Hi. Can I speak to Lee Remmel please?" Who's calling? "Well, Justin Varland", like I belong there. Hold please. Now, it's ringing and obviously I've got this magnificent, 30 second pitch of the most epic, epic personal profile I've ever done, right. I'm going through my passion for the sport, my hopes and dreams, all the things that I've learned about the team, show them what I'm capable- "This is Lee." The other side of the phone just booms this authoritatively gruff voice of wisdom. Crap. "Hi Lee, I'm Justin Varland. I'm a senior in Spearfish, South Dakota- he starts laughing at me almost immediately. "I'm sorry, son, where are you from?" When I repeated "Spearfish" it dawned on me, and he quickly laughed again by the way, I realized I had an opportunity. You see, I was creating an impression with a man who was hired by Curly Lambo, who worked side by side with Vince Lombardi, and other Packers for over 60 years all because the name Spearfish, Deadwood, and Belle Fourche were really funny to him. Why not? We spent almost an hour on the phone that day, and Lee became one of the most important figures in my life. Could I have just called and asked for the button to hit to submit my application, but that's not getting a BH grad a job at the Green Bay Packers. The key to this story is I did something a little crazy, not risky. Just, bold. I did something that most people probably thought was hard and the benefits of that call have cascaded throughout my life for more than 20 years. Do you know how many people want to talk to you when you've worked public relations for the Green Bay Packers? A hundred percent of corporate recruiters, even the Vikings fans. I'm joking on that one, Vikings fans. They can't read both sides of the resume without turning it over- that was for you Meeker. So it all starts with "why", and mine is "why not" then what's H? Hard. Obviously, I'm joking a but. It's a bit harder with Lee than just reading off the South Dakota Atlas. But when you get in with the Packers, you've got to do what's hard now so you're ready when the opportunity presents itself. Doing what's hard leads to success because most of us are perfectly fine just hitting that easy button and hoping. That works all the time and it's worked for me, but my story is unique because in that moment, I saw an angle that leveraged my own skills to think differently about the outcome that I wanted and I took the action to get there. No one is going to be able to show you your path. You have to know your strengths, know the advantages that they present, and the utilize them to that advantage. Each of you already knows how to do what's hard. The work you put in to graduate now places you within the top third of the workforce. Your degree proves you know how to do the work even when it's hard, even when you're a mass com major who's got an 8 AM biology class but really like midnight trivia at The Stadium. It's hard. But you've got to know what to do and you've all earned those caps, but now how do you do that to get where you want to go. You can fail at something safe just as easy as it is to fail at something hard, so why not take a shot? I promise your lives are still going to be hard on either path. It's hard to be fit, but it's hard to be fat. It's hard to be broke, but it's also just as hard to be fiscally responsible. You think I don't want to buy every box of macaroons and Thin Mints on every corner that those evil little girl scouts are selling right now? I'd be 300 pounds and broke. You got to choose your hard. And hard doesn't mean that it's difficult. It just means you're going to go a little longer. I'm sure you've all heard how we can be anything we want. I'm sorry to break it to you. I wanted to be quarterback of the Green Bay Packers and it was pretty obvious pretty early that wasn't going to happen. But once I got there, I needed a different path to land on. And once I got there, I learned. A quote I often shared around the practice facilities or in the weight room. They don't put championship rings smooth hands, fellas. I always loved that. They don't put championship rings smooth hands. It's the work you put in now that prepares your hands for whenever you ring ceremony is coming. It used to make my advisor, Steve Babbitt, just absolutely crazy, but every morning when we worked on The Today newspaper together, I came by his office. I'd always ask how I could help. Usually, it was nothing. I'd occasionally have something minuscule task I could complete. But it wasn't about kissing his butt. It wasn't about showing off. It was about showing up, being curious, and knowing there was always more to learn. As time progressed and I kept coming by, the significance of those tasks he gave me grew, proving an invaluable insight for me on the things that happen in between when folks aren't looking or watching. No shortcuts. I've continued to leverage this as I've progressed in my career. Finding the nuanced ways to be noticed for my work, not my voice. I made a series of small decisions, like getting up 15 minutes early so I could go bother Steve, that brought opportunities each better than the first. And that series of small decisions resulted in really, really easy big ones. It requires you to be energetic. It requires you to be engaging. It requires you to believe, shout out to Ted Lasso. Most of all though, it requires optimism, which takes us to the last piece of the acronym trilogy- the Y in why. Yet. It's so easy and so powerful. Yet. Nothing embodies optimism or tenacity better than that word. You can add it to almost anything and immediately impact the outcome to the positive. The Packers haven't hired anybody from Black Hills State. Ever. Ever, yet. I didn't get an Ivy League degree, I'm not smart enough to get a job at Apple...yet. If that's your goal, put in the work. Do what's hard. Who's in your network? Who's willing to coach you? Because who can you approach with the message that while you know you're not ready yet, you're willing to put in the work and improve everyday, even when it's not being watched. Your preschool teacher was wrong. You can't be whatever you want, but they were right in the fact that it's all going to be okay in the end. Because if it's not okay, it's not the end. You just haven't figured it out yet. So set achievable goals, work at them, and improve in one small way every single day by occasionally saying why not and doing what's hard. You'll be amazed at the things you haven't accomplished...yet. Thank you.
[Applause]
Laurie Nichols, BHSU President
Thank you so much for those remarks. We're privileged to have Regent Jeff Partridge who will bring you greetings from the South Dakota Board of Regents.
Jeff Partridge, Ceremonial Representative from the South Dakota Board of Regents
You signed up. You showed up. And you finished up. And it's about time to get up and receive your diploma. My mother framed her diploma on the wall in our house that I grew up in. And she used to look at that and say, "You know what? No one can ever take that away from you." Now as a little kid I always wondered why would someone want a framed piece of paper with weird writing on it. Doesn't make any sense to me, but as I grew up, I learned the power of that diploma, and understood what it means to earn it. On behalf on the Board of Regents, you've earned it, and congratulations.
[Applause]
And now by the authority vested to the Board of Regents by the constitution of South Dakota, I hereby delegate to President Nichols the right to confer the degrees and diplomas with all rights, privileges and responsibilities appertaining thereto.
Laurie Nichols, BHSU President
Graduates, we are at the moment for which you have been preparing for the last several years. A photographer from the grad team with be taking professional photographs, which will be available for purchase one week following the ceremony. The website address is on the inside cover of your commencement program. Family and friends of the graduates, as a courtesy to the students who are graduating as well as the people sitting around you, please remain seated until the conclusion of the ceremony. It is my pleasure to present Dr. Cynthia Anderson, interim Dean of the College of Business and Natural Sciences.
Dr. Cynthia Anderson, interim Dean of the College of Business and Natural Sciences
Graduates, please stand. President Nichols, I have the honor to present to you the class of 2023. On behalf of the faculty, I present them to you as fully qualified to receive their diplomas.
Laurie Nichols, BHSU President
By the virtue of the authority vested in be by the South Dakota Board of Regents and upon the recommendation of the faculty, I hereby confer upon you the associate's, bachelor's, and master's degree with all the rights privileges and responsibilities pertaining thereto. Congratulations and please be seated.
[Applause]
Dr. Jon Kilpinen, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
The first group of students who will be asked to come forward are graduating with master's degrees. They will be hooded as part of today's ceremony. Will the master's degree candidates please rise and come forward.
[Students receive master's degrees]
The next group of students who will be asked to come forward are graduating from the university honor's program. They will receive a medallion symbolizing their distinction as honor scholars. Will you please rise and come forward?
[Students receive medallions and bachelor's degrees]
Dr. Cynthia Anderson, interim Dean of the College of Business and Natural Sciences
Will the first row of bachelor degree candidates from the College of Business and Education- Business and Natural Sciences, I'm sorry- rise and come forward to receive your diplomas?
[Students receive bachelor's degrees]
Dr. Jon Kilpinen, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
At this time, I would like to present Dr. Betsy Silva, Dean of the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences.
Dr. Betsy Silva, Dean of the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences
Will the first row of bachelor degree candidates from the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences please rise and come forward to receive your diplomas.
[Students receive bachelor's degrees]
Dr. Jon Kilpinen, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
At this time, I would like to present Dr. Amy Fuqua, Dean of the College of Liberal Arts.
Dr. Amy Fuqua, Dean of the College of Liberal Arts
Will the first row of bachelor's degree candidates from the College of Liberal Arts please rise and come forward to receive your diplomas.
[Students receive bachelor's degrees]
Dr. Jon Kilpinen, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
Will the candidates for the associate's degree please rise and come forward to receive your diplomas.
[Students receive associate's degrees]
Laurie Nichols, BHSU President
Okay, now I think we need a huge round of applause to our graduates.
[Applause]
Academic traditions, such as the symbolism of the tassel are steeped in history. Moving the tassel to the left after graduating is symbolic of moving from college to another stage in your life. It is my privilege to ask you to move your tassel from right to left. Congratulations.
[Applause]
Here to bring you greetings from the Alumni Association is Mr. Steve Meeker, Vice President of University Advancement.
Steve Meeker, Vice President of University Advancement
Thank you, President Nichols. On behalf of the BHSU Alumni Association, I offer my congratulations to the class of 2023. I would also like to congratulate Joe Floyd on receiving his honorary doctorate. Joe is one of smartest, most generous people that I've ever known in my life, and he's very deserving of that honor. Justin Varland, thank you for your great message to the graduates, despite your Minnesota Vikings smack talk. You truly are an inspiration to our graduates, and we're very proud of you. Class of 1973, are you kidding me? 50 years?
[Applause]
It's great that you're all back and joining us today, we appreciate that very much. Okay, moms and dads, make some noise if your son or daughter graduated today.
[Applause and yelling]
And I want to congratulate you, moms and dads, for having your kid move back into your home after the happiest four years of your life. I'm just kidding, trust me graduates, the last thing mom and dad want is driving home they look in the rear view mirror and you're right behind them. Graduates, you need to know that you'll never have more energy, more enthusiasm, hair or brain cells than you have today. It only goes downhill from here. To those of you who are graduating this morning with highest honors, awards, and distinctions, well done. For those of you that were C students, hang on to your diploma when you leave the arena just incase the university decides to take it back. Okay, now that I have your attention, welcome to the Alumni Association. Your parents and grandparents are so happy for you. Your brothers and sisters, on the other hand, as well as some of your professors, they're shocked that you made it. Class of 23, the Alumni Association invites you to create the highest, grandest vision possible for your life, because you truly will become what you believe. Justin Varland talked about this. Work hard and you'll achieve the success that you'll get with your BHSU degree. We ask that you stay connected with us. Be engaged as an alum. You'll have opportunities to volunteer, attend networking events, and see how you can support the university's admission. Come back to visit us, like you see the class of 73 doing, or Justin Varland as our speaker today. You're about to do great things in your career and your life. If you really want a leg up on competition, never forget there's no substitute for hard work. Absolutely nothing is beneath you. This has been forgotten in today's world and trust me, if you get out there and get after it, you'll elevate in a hurry. Do your job well and go well above and beyond. It will pay off. Remember, BH will always be with you wherever you are. Please know the alumni community is here for you, and you're not doing this on your own. So get out there and represent BHSU well. In closing, I just have two more things. Remember to always be kind. Don't ever forget that. Don't ever embarrass mama. If mama ain't happy, nobody's happy. And if daddy ain't happy, nobody cares. And the last thing, and I will pay dearly for this later today, but my bride of 39 years put this celebration on for all of you to enjoy today. She's sitting behind me to the left here. It's her birthday today, so on a count of three, we're going to say happy birthday, April. One, two, three...[Audience responds, "Happy Birthday, April!"] I love you people, thank you! I offer the graduates my personal congratulations, my respect, and best wishes. Go yellow jackets!
[Applause]
Laurie Nichols, BHSU President
I have to be careful not to let him come to the podium too often
[Laughter from the audience]
We will conclude today's ceremony with the singing of our alma mater. The recessional will follow immediately after. Please remain in the bleachers until graduates and faculty have exited. Would you all please stand and join us in the singing of our alma mater. It is printed on the back of your program.
[Alma mater is sung]
[Applause]
Congratulations, again, graduates. Congratulations families. Enjoy the rest of your day together. Graduates, faculty, and platform party, we will begin the recessional.
Graduate Features
Early Childhood and Special Education Major from Custer, SD
Sarah Larcher:
"My name is Sara Larcher. My hometown is Custer, South Dakota, so only like an hour and a half South, and I'm graduating with a degree in education- early childhood and special ed."
[Music]
"When I came to tour it I was like, 'This feels right. Like, I want to go here' and I literally applied that day. When I came to college, I was afraid I was going to fail out, and my older sister told me, 'Sarah, you can't fail college if you go to class and you try to do your best on the assignments' and she was right. Just go to your classes, like, all of them. Don't miss class unless you have to. And then just try your best on the assignments and you'll pass. You'll be fine. One of my best experiences here has been in theater. I've been active in it and working with the director and other castmates has been really great. I signed a contract with the Newell School District so I'll be teaching K-5 sped next year in Newell, South Dakota."
Biology and Chemistry Major from Cartwright, ND
What are your plans after graduation?
I plan to have a nice summer at home before attending vet school at Kansas State University.
What will you miss about BHSU?
I am going to miss all of it. I loved how the professors would do anything to help you learn the material. I loved all the fun things to do in the area. But most of all, I loved rodeoing while doing school. I was able to have my horse here with me during college and that was such a blessing.
Who is your favorite professor at BHSU?
For me it is a tossup between Dr. Jensend, Dr. Lamb, and Dr. Asunskis. All three helped me so much along this road, and I appreciate everything they did for me. I learned so much from them.
Elementary Education Major from Gillette, WY
What are your plans after graduation?
After graduation I will finish out the school year long-term subbing for my CE! Then I will take the 2023-2024 school year off. I plan to apply for a teaching position in my home town--Gillete, WY for the 2024-2025 school year!
What will you miss about Black Hills State?
I will miss the community! I developed great relationships with my classmates and professors. If I ever had a question or needed support, I always had a team of people that I could rely on to help me.
What are you feeling as you approach graduation?
It is a bittersweet feeling. I am so excited to see my hard work and accomplishments celebrated, but I am also grieving the ending of this part of my life. College is a huge chapter of your life that sometimes seems like it will never end--and then, all of a sudden, it does. I am excited to use all of the tools and knowledge I have gained from attending BHSU, but I am also sad to know that this opportunity and experience is coming to a close.
BFA Graphic Design Major from Rapid City, SD
What are your plans after graduation?
After graduation, I plan to build up my portfolio and exhibit my art in several local and national galleries. I am staying in the Black Hills area for a year or two and recently accepted my first full-time design job.
What were you involved with on campus?
I was involved in the BHSU Pride Club for 3 years and have been working with the BHSU Marketing Department all 4 years of my college career.
What are you feeling as you approach graduation?
I am a soup of excited, nervous, and exhausted... with a bit of frazzled mixed in for flavor.
How has BHSU prepared you for your future?
The diversity of the classes offered was helpful in my preparedness. Taking a variety of classes that didn't necessarily have to do with my major was a great tool for my education. Picking up information that can be used to improve other aspects of my work has made me a better artist and designer.
Mathematics and Physical Science Major from Casper, WY
What are your plans after graduation?
I am going to attend the University of Wyoming to pursue a Master of Applied Mathematics.
Who is your favorite professor at BHSU?
The mathematics faculty as a group. The Mathematics department was by far the highlight of my undergraduate experience at BHSU.
What will you miss about BHSU?
I will miss the BH community and the town of Spearfish the most.
History Major from Spearfish, SD
What are your plans after graduation?
This summer, after I graduate, I plan to work as a tour guide at the Historic Adams House in Deadwood. Then, I'm excited to get the chance to teach middle school and high school history this coming school year. After that, I'm hoping to attend graduate school and continue my history studies.
What are you feeling as you approach graduation?
As I approach graduation, I'm astonished that it's here already! However, I'm also ready and excited for this chapter and diving deeper into teaching and studying history. My love for the subject has grown so much here at BHSU, and I'm excited to keep exploring new avenues after my graduation.
How has BHSU prepared you for your future?
BHSU has prepared me for the future by growing my passion for learning and broadening my horizons. Even in difficult weeks, the passion of professors and other students for learning has kept me excited and motivated to learn. I've also been able to take classes from a variety of disciplines, which has helped me to acquire new skillsets and practice seeing things from different perspectives, both of which I know will be valuable in my future endeavors.
Business Administration Major from Canton, SD
McKenzie Thompson:
"My name is McKenzie Thompson. I'm from Canton, South Dakota and I'm graduating this May with a degree in Business Administration specializing in economics and finance and with a minor in entrepreneurial studies."
[Music]
"BH was far enough away from home to where I felt like I had some freedom, but not so far that I couldn't go home if I wanted to. Additionally, being located in the beautiful Black Hills can never hurt anything and I knew I would like being outside. And then, also the cost. The cost of attending BH is a lot lower than a lot of the other schools I went to, and I was able to get quite a few scholarships, so that was really helpful. I really love that they're smaller class sizes. The smaller class sizes allowed me to actually get to know my professors so they actually cared about me, and they were able to, you know, provide opportunities for me in the form of scholarships and different job connections. They actually know and they actually care. Obviously through my classes I've learned the information that I think is necessary for me to go out and be competitive in the field. And, you know, BH has a great business school so that's been helpful to me, all the faculty and just the education I've been able to get. I remember hearing this quote during my freshman orientation, I think Jane Klug had said it, and she was saying, 'You know what matters more is not so much what you learn at college, but who you become while you're here' and that has so been true of my experience here. I think much more than the degree I'll be holding. It's like all the life experience I've gotten here, whether that be communicating with people, leading a team, everything. I feel like I'm just better equipped to go off into the world. I've learned how to plan things, and how to execute. I've learned just effective communication, and how to be a leader and how to form quality relationships with those on your team. And those are just skills that you can't really learn unless you're putting yourself out there and doing the things. And I feel like that's what's prepared me for the future. I'm working for RBC Wealth Management in Rapid City. They're one of the top performing branches in the nation and two of their advisors are ranked on Baron's Top 1200 Financial Advisors. They're a great firm and I'm really excited to go there."
Biochemistry Major from Whitewood, SD
What are your plans after graduation?
Attending Pacific University College of Optometry in the fall of 2023
What were you involved with on campus?
I was involved in Women in STEM, campus ventures, and health science organization. These groups helped me to find community with people who care about similar things as myself.
What are you feeling as you approach graduation?
I am excited for the new changes in my life as well as feeling sad to leave BHSU and the Black Hills.
Elementary Education Major from Sturgis, SD
What are your plans after graduation?
In the fall, I will be a first-grade teacher at Sturgis Elementary School! I couldn't be more excited to be teaching in my hometown. I also plan on going to graduate school after a couple years in the classroom.
Who is your favorite professor at BHSU?
Not to sound cliché, but I have many favorite professors at Black Hills State University. Some of them include: Dr. John Alsup, Dr. Sydnet Haugland, Mrs. Kim Webber, Mrs. Melissa Schwiesow, and more! All of the professors within the School of Education have been nothing short of exceptional, and I am glad I had the opportunity to learn from them.
What's your favorite memory at Black Hills State?
My favorite memory at Black Hills State was in the Fall of 2022 when I attended methods block with wonderful classmates and professors who were encouraging and inspiring. We went through a lot together throughout the semester, and it will always be a memory that I cherish.
Psychology and Human Services Major from Rapid City, SD
What are your plans after graduation?
After Graduation I will be attending the University of Minnesota to get my Master's in Social Work. I will be specializing in Clinical Mental Health. I hope to explore my next options and steps during my time in graduate school.
What are you feeling as you approach graduation?
As graduation is approaching, I am very excited! I feel like my time here at Black Hills State has really prepared me for what is to come in my academic and professional careers. I am also nervous for big changes and to move to another state.
Who is your favorite professor at BHSU?
I have had amazing professors at BHSU, but someone who really helped me through my time at Black Hills State is Dr. Trenton Ellis. He was a great professor and was always willing to help out and give advice.
Psychology and Human Services Major from Rapid City, SD
What are your plans after graduation?
After Graduation I will be attending the University of Minnesota to get my Master's in Social Work. I will be specializing in Clinical Mental Health. I hope to explore my next options and steps during my time in graduate school.
What are you feeling as you approach graduation?
As graduation is approaching, I am very excited! I feel like my time here at Black Hills State has really prepared me for what is to come in my academic and professional careers. I am also nervous for big changes and to move to another state.
Who is your favorite professor at BHSU?
I have had amazing professors at BHSU, but someone who really helped me through my time at Black Hills State is Dr. Trenton Ellis. He was a great professor and was always willing to help out and give advice.
Environmental Physical Science Major, Music and Earth Science Minor from White Bear Lake, MN
What are your plans after graduation?
I have a lot of plans, as most up-coming graduates do, but the things I am most excited for is my contract with Yellowstone National Park. I will be moving out there right after graduation to fulfill my contract as a recycling lead in the parks. I am very blessed to have found such an important job right out of college and I am beyond excited.
What were you involved with on campus?
At BH I was involved in band for all four years, I was in the musical in 2019, my freshman year, I have been in the campus Pride Club for 2 years, and this year I am an RA. You might have seen me around campus helping out Jane Klug or Jessie Gramm in anything that they might need me to do or just working at Starbucks.
How has BHSU prepared you for your future?
BH has definitely helped prepare me to juggle a lot all at once. At my most busy, I had 3 jobs and 18 credits as well as maintaining my spot as VP of a club and helping around campus as much as I possibly could.
Steve Meeker, Vice President of University Advancement
Good morning. I'm Steve Meeker, Vice President for University Advancement. It is my pleasure to welcome you to the 184th commencement ceremony at Black Hills State University. Please rise for the presentation of colors by the BHSU ROTC color guard. Today's ceremony is led by our student senate president, Marissa Danforth. Joining her are participants in today's commencement party and platform party guests, president Laurie Nichols, and regent John Bastian. Also represented are members of the Black Hills State University administration, the council of deans, and the faculty senate. Members of the esteemed faculty of Black Hills State University representing the College of Business and Natural Sciences, the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences, and the College of Liberal Arts, led by Dr. Brain Eberhard, assistant professor of education. And now ladies and gentlemen, it is my pleasure to present the graduates from the class of 2022. Candidates for the master's degree lead by Dr. Charlie Lamb, professor of biology and chief research officer. Also led by Dr. Jane Klug, Dean of Students. Baccalaureate degree candidates graduating from the university honors program, led by Dr. Katrina Jensen, associate professor of chemistry and the director of the honors program. Candidates for the baccalaureate degree from the College of Business and Natural Sciences, led by Dr. Dan Asunskis, associate professor of chemistry, and chair of the school of natural sciences. Candidates for the baccalaureate degree from the College of Education and Behavioral Science, led by Dr. Emilia Flint, professor of psychology and chair of the school of behavioral sciences. Candidates for the baccalaureate degree from the College of Liberal Arts, led by Dr. Nicholas Drummond, associate professor of political science, and the chair of the school of mathematics and social sciences. Candidates for the associates degree, led by Ms. Gina Gibson, professor of digital communication and the chair of the school of arts and humanities. Please remain standing for the national anthem, performed by Ayden Reed. We remind all in attendance that proper respect is to face the flag and stand at attention, with your right hand over your heart. Men should remove their hat or cap. Veterans or active military not in uniform may also salute the flag. And now ladies and gentlemen, our national anthem.
[Singing of the national anthem.]
[Applause]
Please be seated. And now ladies and gentlemen it gives me a great deal of pleasure to introduce to you the president of Black Hills State University, Dr. Laurie Nichols.
[Applause]
Laurie Nichols, BHSU President
Good morning. Welcome to our winter commencement. We are so happy you're here, and I want to say a very special congratulations to our graduates. It is now my honor to introduce members of the platform party. I would ask that they stand for a moment as a call their name, and would you please hold your applause till the end. Regent John Bastian is our ceremonial representative from the South Dakota Board of Regents. Dr. Jon Kilpinen serves as Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. Dr. Amy Fuqua is interim Associate Provost and Dean of Graduate Studies. Ms. Marissa Danforth serves as our student senate president. Dr. Cynthia Anderson is interim Dean of the College of Business and Natural Sciences. Dr. Betsy Silva is Dean of the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences. Dr. Daluss Siewert is acting Dean of the College of Liberal Arts. Mrs. April Meeker serves as our registrar. You've already met Mr. Steve Meeker, Vice President for University Advancement. And Ms. Jodi Garcia is the Black Hills State University Alumni Association President. Would you help me in welcoming our stage party?
[Applause]
Graduates, now is an appropriate time to recognize a group who have been your educators and your partners in this journey. They provided mentorship, encouragement, certainly teaching, and possibly a little prodding as you completed your coursework. So I'm going to ask if the faculty would stand and maybe turn around and face the graduates- so faculty would you help me out and stand- and graduates, would you stand, and would you help me in thanking this distinguished group of faculty? Please stand graduates, and let's thank the faculty for all of their work.
[Applause]
Thank you so much, and you may be seated. Congratulations graduates. Your day has arrived. Today, you become a college graduate, where you join about one third of all adults in the United State who hold a bachelors degree or more. Your degree will open doors to opportunities that, quite frankly, you can't even imagine today. It certainly did for me, and I know it will for you as well. I'm so excited for your future and all the possibilities that you will realize. Becoming a college graduate is a distinction in our society that sets you apart from many others, and that distinction comes because our society values education. Evidence suggests that college graduates are not only highly employable, but they also enrich the civic and economic life of their communities as they volunteer, provide community leadership, and make philanthropic contributions. As Nelson Mandela said, "Education is the most powerful tool which you can use to change the world." Today, with a degree in hand, your ability to make our world a better place becomes much greater. As hard as you have worked on earning this degree, we all know you didn't get there alone. Your family has been a great source of support to you throughout these college years. And in a reciprocal fashion, your achievement has provided inspiration and hope to your family. Today, they are here to celebrate with you. And I know as you walk across the stage, they will be bursting with pride. They love you. You matter to them. So, graduates, I'm going to ask if you would stand one more time, so graduates would you stand up for me? And look around, see if you can find your family, and then will you help me in thanking them for all the support they have provided to you?
[Applause]
Families, thank you so much for being here to support these graduates. Thank you, graduates, you may be seated. There are two words that are commonly used today, one is graduation, the other is commencement. Graduation really signifies the end- the finish line. It celebrates the fact that you have completed this phase of your education, and it really brings closure to this chapter in your life. Graduation says, "Woo hoo! You're done!" Commencement, on the other hand, signifies the starting gate- the beginning of a new life. It says, "You're transitioning from the past to the future." Commencement celebrates that the best part of your life is ahead of you. Both terms are most appropriate today and both are very meaningful, but today I choose to leave you with my congratulations on your commencement- on your beginning. Your future is bright. You have ability, passion, and commitment to make a difference. And as Yellow Jackets, graduates of this great university, I know that wherever you go, you will carry your alma mater with you, and represent us well. Congratulations graduates on your commencement- on all the bright and beautiful possibilities that are in store for you. Congratulations, we are so proud of you. It is my pleasure now to ask our student senate president, Ms. Marissa Danforth to come forward to deliver the charge to the graduates- Marissa.
Ms. Marissa Danforth, Student Senate President
Good morning Dr. Nichols, Regent Bastian, platform members, parents, friends, and family, and most importantly, graduates. It is my pleasure to be here this morning to celebrate the graduates and all their accomplishments. My name is Marissa Danforth. I am from the Oneida Nation in Oneida, Wisconsin. I currently serve as the student senate president. Black Hills State University, as an academic institution, understands it's responsibility to recognize the history in the land on which we reside. We would like to acknowledge the land of the (unintelligible) that our university now lies on, and the significance it holds for neighboring tribal people. This past month, our campus lost a significant person to many of our Native students, Jace DeCory. Professor DeCory served as a mentor, teacher, advisor, and leader to many of us. While we miss her earthly presence in our lives, we celebrate her teachings and her beliefs daily in the Jace DeCory Center for American Indian Studies. So today, I'm going to share with you three things that I have learned from Jace. First, is the importance of family. While we are so thankful for those family members who are here today, I would like to focus on the concept of our chosen families. As each of you know, in order to be successful and survive college, we all must create our own chosen families. For some of you, it's your student organizations. Perhaps its your late-night group that meets at Millstone. Or it can be your roommate that you met your very first semester. For me, my chosen family is the members of Lakota Omniciye and the community we have created in the American Indian Center. No matter who your chosen family is, what makes those special is what you share together. It is unconditional acceptance and support. Your chosen family are the people that know you better than yourself. So, for our families and those who we chose to be in our family circle, thank you for being here and helping our graduates celebrate this fantastic accomplishment. The second lesson I have learned from Jace is the important lesson of human kindness and the spirit of inclusion. As we gather here today, we honor and include those who came before us, who have shared their lives, wisdom, and strength. So, they may not be here in person, yet their impact on us is great. If Jace hadn't served BHSU and our students for over 30 years, we wouldn't have the American Indian Center. If the Center was not here, many of us, including myself, would not be here. So, for all those leaders, mentors, caregivers, parents, and elders who may no longer be here with us, their spirit is here. Their legacy has taught us the importance of kindness and mentorship. I want to press on you today to think of those who have taught you to be kind- to be humble- to be human. Our world needs more human kindness, understanding, and community unification. As graduates, that will be your charge- to go our into the world to demonstrate what we have learned from being here these past years. We have experienced kindness, we understand the importance of hard work, and we have practiced the art of patience and understanding. May each of you continue to serve your new communities in a humanistic way, where kindness and understanding prevail. So this leads me to my final lesson that was gifted to me and so many others by Jace. We are honored to experience and receive her gift of good will. Jace was willing to give up herself freely. She shared her knowledge extensively, and she made the world a better place every day. So graduates, as we move forward in your careers, not only do I challenge you to be kind and humanistic, I encourage you to use your skills, strengths, and abilities to make this world better. We are fortunate to have incredible faculty and staff who teach us great things every day. Take what they have taught you and use the knowledge and experience you have gained these past years to do good. Live your lives well. Bring joy to others. Be a credit to your profession, and never stop learning. So congratulations graduates, I leave you with one final thought today: Mitakuye Oyasin: We are all related. Thank you.
[Applause]
Laurie Nichols, BHSU President
Thank you so much, Marissa. Well, well said. We're privileged to have Regent John Bastian, who will bring you greetings from the South Dakota Board of Regents.
Regent John Bastian, Ceremonial Representative from the South Dakota Board of Regents
Thank you, President Nichols and good morning, everyone. It's an honor for me to join you this morning and greet you on behalf of the South Dakota Board of Regents. The board joins your families and friends in commending and congratulating you on your hard work in earning a university degree. Each of you have your own success story. You set a goal and you saw it through. Your time here was during the worst part of the pandemic. You continued your education but not without difficulty. Surviving newly created online learning, lockdowns, and periodic isolation. But today, you're embarking on a new adventure. Entering high school was new. Starting education at this university was new. And now, at graduation, you face new challenges. With a college degree, in addition to your expertise in your field, you are showing future employees that you can get to work on time. That you know how to prioritize your time and your tasks. That you have had tough assignments and completed them successfully, and when you don't know the answer, you know how to find the answer. You're leaving this university with a foundation of curiosity, creativity, and leadership skills. You will be problem-solvers. Critical-thinking will help you discern real problems from imaginary ones. And assist you in finding real solutions- solutions that matter. The Board also thanks your commitment to South Dakota public higher education. The state, the nation, and the world will benefit from the success that you had here. I would also like to recognize the parents, grandparents, and the family members- and there is a bunch of them here. Over these past years, you've given encouragement, moral support, and perhaps financial support. You helped your student through the tough times, and part of the degree that is earned today is yours as well. I also want to recognize the hard work and success that the faculty, the administration, and the leadership of President Nichols and her team. The faculty in particular are the heart and soul of the institution. No university is any better than it's faculty who encourage, cajole, and support students, and who convey the wonder of rigorous teaching and learning. A college degree is unique. It is one of the few things that once earned is never diminished and can never be taken away. 30, 40, 50 years from now, you will have the degree that you earned today. And most importantly, you'll be able to look back on the tangible and intangible awards that your degree, continued hard work, commitment to lifelong learning have bestowed. So it is indeed an honor for me to join you this morning. The poet Robert Frost once wrote that, "Home is the place where when you have to go their, they have to take you in." Soon you will be alumni, and please remember that Black Hills State University is home. You will always be welcomed when you return. A former member of the Board of Regents always referred to this part of the program as one that should have a short beginning, and short ending, and not too much in-between. So in that spirit, and with the authority invested in me by the constitution of the state of South Dakota, I delegate to president Nichols the authority to award degrees and diplomas with the attendant rights, privileges, and responsibilities. Thank you for the opportunity to join you this morning.
[Applause]
Laurie Nichols, BHSU President
I am pleased to introduce the Black Hills State University commencement wind ensemble under the direction of Dr. David Berberick.
[Wind ensemble plays]
[Applause]
Thank you Dr. Berberick and wind ensemble. Black Hills State University has a long history of supporting our military. Before continuing our program, we would like to recognize all veterans, active service members, and their spouses for service to our nation. So I am going to ask if you would stand and be recognized and that includes- would all of our veterans in the crowd, in the student audience as well, would you stand. If you are active military also stand. Spouses, stand as well. We would like to recognize you. Thank you. Thank you for your service and thank you for being with us today. We extend a special welcome to each of you. Graduates, we are at a moment for which you have been preparing for the past several years. Before you come forward to receive your diploma, I would like to take a moment to recognize those who are first generation graduates. This extends to both the graduates and members of our audience. So if you're first in your family to attend college and graduate from college would you stand so we could give you a special congratulations. First generation, please stand.
[Applause]
Thank you and congratulations. A photographer from The Grad Team will be taking photos today, which we be available one week following the ceremony. The website is on the inside cover of your program. Family and friends of the graduates, as a courtesy to our students who are graduating as well as the people sitting near you, we would ask that you remain seated until the conclusion of the ceremony. It is my pleasure to present Dr. Cynthia Anderson, interim Dean of the College of Business and Natural Sciences.
Dr. Cynthia Anderson, interim Dean of the College of Business and Natural Sciences.
Graduates, please stand. President Nichols, I have the honor to present the class of 2022 on behalf of the faculty, I present them to you as fully qualified to receive their diplomas
Laurie Nichols, BHSU President
By virtue of the authority vested in me by the South Dakota Board of Regents and upon recommendation of the faculty, I hereby confer upon you associate's, bachelor's, and master's degree with all the rights, privileges, and responsibilities pertaining thereto. You may be seated.
[Applause]
Dr. Jon Kilpinen, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
The first group of students who will be asked to come forward are graduating with master's degrees. They will be hooded as part of today's ceremony. Will the candidates for the master's degree please rise and come forward?
[Students receive master's degrees]
The next group of students who will be asked to come forward are graduating from the university honor program. They will receive a medallion symbolizing their distinction as honors scholars. Will you please rise and come forward?
[Students receive medallions and bachelor's degrees]
Dr. Cynthia Anderson, interim Dean of the College of Business and Natural Sciences.
Will the first row of bachelor degree candidates from the College of Business and Natural Sciences please rise and come forward to receive your diplomas?
[Students receive bachelor's degrees]
Dr. Jon Kilpinen, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
At this time I would like to present Dr. Betsy Silva, Dean of the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences.
Dr. Betsy Silva, Dean of the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences
Will the first row of bachelor's degree candidates from the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences, please rise and come forward to receive your diplomas.
[Students receive bachelor's degrees]
Dr. Jon Kilpinen, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
At this time I would like to present Dr. Amy Fuqua, interim Associate Provost and Dean of Graduate Studies.
Dr. Amy Fuqua, interim Associate Provost and Dean of Graduate Studies
Will the first row of bachelor's degree candidates for the College of Liberal Arts please rise and come forward to receive your diplomas?
[Students receive bachelor's degrees]
Dr. Jon Kilpinen, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
Will the candidates for the associate's degree please rise and come forward to receive your diplomas?
[Students receive associate's degrees]
Laurie Nichols, BHSU President
Would you help me in congratulating the graduates one more time? Academic traditions, such as the symbolism of the tassel are steeped in tradition. Moving the tassel to the left after graduating is symbolic of moving from college to another stage in your life. It is my privilege now, graduates, to ask you now to move your tassel from right to left. Congratulations. Here to bring you greetings from the alumni association is Miss Jodi Garcia. She serves as Black Hills State University Alumni Association President. Jodi.
[Applause]
Jodi Garcia, BHSU Alumni Association President
Good morning graduates, friends, and family. As president of Black Hills State Alumni Association, I am excited to welcome this graduating class to our....
[Microphone cuts out]
Laurie Nichols, BHSU President
[Microphone cuts in slightly]...with the singing of our alma mater. The recession will follow immediately after. Please remain in the bleachers until graduates and faculty have exited. So I will ask you now to please stand and join us in singing our alma mater, which is printed in the back of your program.
[Alma mater is sung]
Laurie Nichols, BHSU President
[Microphone cuts out]
Graduate Features
Isabella Montero: My name is Isabella Montero, I'm from Rapid City, South Dakota, and I will be graduating with a degree in History with a minor in American-Indian Studies and English.
[Intro music]
I did go to school in Nebraska for a year, and then I took a year off. I was kind of figuring out what to do and what I wanted to go to school for, and I ended up coming to Black Hills State because it was close to home and also, too, I just wanted to be in the Black Hills. I actually spent a lot of time at the University Center in Rapid City, and then while I was there I got to know the professors there, particularly Dr. Stone. I took a lot of history courses, and then the last couple years I've been driving up to Spearfish to the main campus to take my classes. And while I've been up here, I've gotten involved with Lakota Omniciye, and spent a lot of time in the Center for American-Indians Studies, and that's just been really really huge in just kind of making the, like, University experience more enjoyable. After graduation, I was approached with an opportunity in the Center for American-Indian Studies to work as a professional Advisor, so I will be working in there for a period of time. I'm also applying to graduate programs at the moment, and if I get into those then I will be going to grad school in the fall next year for history. This is a very very beautiful campus, and the faculty that I've gotten to know and work with have been extremely nice and really really just, helpful. And so I would just really encourage them to apply and to come here, just because the campus and everything is so inviting and definitely...I don't know, you get to form like, relationships with your faculty and make good friends here too, yeah.
[Outro Music]
Major in Human Services and Sociology from Dell Rapids, SD
What are your plans after graduation?
My plan after graduation is to move to Sioux Falls and work there. I will also be working on getting my Social Work license.
What will you miss about BHSU?
I am going to miss all my friends that I have made here. I am going to miss the campus activites and the community the college brings.
What were you involved in on campus?
I was involved in SWARM, NSLS, Psi Chi, and Lost and Found.
How has BHSU prepared you for the future?
BHSU has prepared me for the future by giving me lots of opportunities for growth. All the faculty and staff truly want you to succeed, and they will give you all the resources you need to succeed.
Paxton Klug: My name's Paxton Klug, I was born and raised in Spearfish, and I'm a double major in Human Services and Psychology.
[Intro music]
You know, it was actually kind of a procrastination situation, and it was a kind of a last-minute decision to "I'll go to BH, and if it doesn't work out, I'll go somewhere else." And so, due to family ties I was able to come here, and I actually fell in love with campus, even more than I already was. It's been very rewarding, is what I'll say. I've learned all kinds of things that I never even thought about. I've learned a lot more social skills, not only just classroom things but that community is really big in learning and things like that. So I've been able to learn a lot of classroom things and strengthen my skills that way. But I've also been able to make a lot of great connections and work on myself in a different way that we usually don't think of. So I plan to be a High School counselor, or some type, something in a school somewhere. So I have to go--I get to go--to graduate school after my time at BH, so I'm in the process of applying to various grad schools to further my education. I really appreciate the people that we have here. Some of my favorite times at BH have been in the residence halls with my friends, and those people that I keep close to my heart are gonna hopefully stay that way.
[Outro music]
Human Services major from Timber Lake, SD
What are your plans after graduation?
After graduation, I plan to attend grad school to get a master's in children's counseling.
What were you involved with on campus?
Aside from academics, I was a part of the BHSU rodeo team where I competed in barrel racing.
Who is your favorite professor at BHSU?
My favorite professor at BHSU is Dr. Trenton Ellis. He really cares for his students personally and academically. I have learned a lot within the human services program from him that I can apply to my future. He is also a great advisor too!
What's your favorite memory at Black Hills State?
My favorite memory at Black Hills State was qualifying for the College Nationals Finals Rodeo where I got to compete against the best in the nation while representing the BHSU Yellow Jackets.
Psychology Major from Mount Ayr, IA
What are your plans after graduation?
I am actively applying for a graduate program in mental health counseling and crisis intervention, with the goal to become a licensed psychologist and treat mental health. After that I will be going back to school again to get my PhD in Philosophy and hopefully teach and practice clinically at the same time.
What were you involved with on campus?
I was involved in Psych Club here on campus, I joined the first week of my freshman year and I have been a member since. I was the secretary my sophomore year and have actively been the President the last year and a half. I have also been part of SLAP Lab with Dr. Alissa Call as a research assistant and am a member of Chess Club.
Who is your favorite professor at BHSU?
Tim Steckline has been a wonderful professor to me over the years. He has always been kind, and compassionate when I ran into trouble not only with my studies but with my personal life at BH. Being a philosophy student of his, he has impacted my view on life and extraordinary ways to approach them. I consider myself very lucky to have learned from him, and I can only hope to keep learning.
Gabriella Hertz:
Hi, my name is Gabriella Hertz, and I'm from Gillette, Wyoming. I will be graduating in December with a degree in Psychology, Theater, and Education in Speech Communication.
[Intro music]
You know, honestly I didn't initially plan to go to college, so when I found it it was a quick Google search and, you know, the internet showed me a bunch of lovely photos of campus, and I just thought that that's what initially drew me in. It was great, I really enjoyed the professors that I met, I liked that it was a smaller campus, because you could have a close relationship with your peers, and the education environment in the class. After I graduate, since I graduate in the middle of the year, I'm going to student substitute around the area, pick up some odd theater jobs here and there, and then I assume teach next fall. So we'll see where that leads me.
[Outro music]
Steve Meeker, Vice President for University Advancement: Good morning, I'm Steve Meeker, Vice President for University Advancement. It is my pleasure to welcome you to the 183rd commencement ceremony at Black Hills State University.
[Applause]
Please rise for the presentation of colors by the BHSU ROTC Color Guard.
[Audience pauses for presentation]
[Music]
Today's ceremony is led by one of the graduates, Mr. Keegan Baatz, Student Senate President. Joining him are participants in today's commencement ceremony, and platform party guests, including President Laurie Nichols, and Regent Jim Thares. Also represented are members of the Black Hills State University Administration, the Council of Deans, and the Faculty Senate. Members of the esteemed faculty of Black Hills State University, representing the College of Business and Natural Sciences, the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences, and the College of Liberal Arts, led by Dr. Susie Dana, Professor of Law. And now, it is my pleasure to present the graduates from the Class of 2022.
[Applause]
Candidates for the Master's degree, led by Dr. Ryan Amys, graduate Coordinator for the Master's in Secondary Education. Also led by Dr. Jane Klug, Dean of Students, and Dr. Charlie Lamb, Chief Research Officer and Professor of Biology. University Honors Program graduates, led by Dr. Daniel May, Assistant Director of the University Honors. Candidates for the Baccalaureate Degree from the College of Business and Natural Sciences, led by Dr. Ron Debeaumont, Professor of Economics and Chair of the School of Business. Also led by Dr. Daniel Asunksis, Associate Professor of Chemistry and Chair of the School of Natural Sciences. Candidates for the Baccalaureate Degree from the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences, led by Dr. Emelia Flint, Professor of Psychology, and Chair of the School of Behavioral Sciences, and Dr. Brian Eberhard, Associate Professor of Education, and Graduate Coordinator for Curriculum and Instruction. Candidates for the Baccalaureate Degree from the College of Liberal Arts, led by Dr. Martin Fashbaugh, Associate Professor of English and Chair of the School of Arts and Humanities. Also led by Dr. Daluss Siewert, Professor of Mathematics and the Chair of the School of Mathematics and Social Sciences. Candidates for the Associate's Degree, led by Mr. Michael Baum, Assistant Professor of Studio Art. Please remain standing for the National Anthem, performed by BHSU Music Education student, Mr. Paul Carriveau. We remind all in attendance that the proper respect is to face the flag and stand at attention, with your right hand over your heart. Men should remove their hats or caps, veterans and active duty military not in uniform may also salute the flag. And now, ladies and gentlemen, our National Anthem.
[Singing of the National Anthem]
[Applause]
Please be seated. Ladies and gentlemen, it is my pleasure to introduce to you, the President of Black Hills State University, Dr. Laurie Nichols.
Laurie Nichols, President of BHSU: Good morning, and welcome. It is my honor to introduce the members of the platform party. I would ask if you would stand when I call your name, and audience, if you would hold your applause until the end. Regent Jim Thares, will serve as our ceremonial representative from the South Dakota Board of Regents. Mr. Dale Lamphere is receiving an Honorary Doctorate from Black Hills State University. Dr. Pam Carriveau serves as our Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. Ms. Sherry Davis is a 1993 Black Hills State University Alumna, and this year's commencement speaker. Mr. Keegan Baatz serves as Student Senate President, and member of this year's graduating class. Ms. Laura Prosser is interim Dean of the School of Business. Dr. Cynthia Anderson serves as interim Dean of the School of Natural Sciences. Dr. Betsy Silva serves as Dean of the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences. Dr. Amy Fuqua is Dean of the College of Liberal Arts, and Director of Graduate Studies. Ms. April Meeker is our Registrar. Mr. Steve Meeker serves as Vice President for University Advancement. Dr. Colin Garnett is an Associate Professor of Mathematics, and the 2022 Distinguished Faculty Award recipient. Dr. Nancy Roberts is our Faculty Senate President. Captain Laura Arnolds serves as Assistant Professor of Military Science. Mr. Jerry Rawlings is Associate Professor Emeritus of Mass Communications. Dr. Bobbi Looney is Assistant Professor Emeritus of Managerial Communications, and a member of the 50 year reunion class celebrating with us today. Would you please help me give a round of welcome for the platform party?
[Applause]
I would now like to introduce other members of the Class of 1972 who are with us today in the gold gowns, and are participating in today's ceremony. And again, I would ask if you would stand when I introduce you, and audience if you would hold your applause to the end.
[All Class of 1972 present are read off]
Would you help me in welcoming our 50 year graduates?
[Applause]
Thank you so much for being with us today. Graduates, now is an appropriate time to recognize a group who have really been your partners in this journey. They have provided mentorship to you, I know they have given you encouragement on some of your hardest days, and possibly, they've given you a little prodding as you completed your coursework and ultimately reached graduation today. So, graduates, I'm going to ask if you would help me, and then faculty, I'm gonna ask, would you stand? So our faculty, if you would stand right now, and graduates, would you help me in thanking this distinguished group of faculty for all the help they've given you?
[Applause]
Thank you, faculty for being here today. Congratulations, graduate. Your day has arrived. Today, you become a college graduate, where you join about one third of all adults in the United States who hold a Bachelor's degree or more. Your degree will open doors to opportunities that, quite frankly, you can't even imagine today. It certainly did for me, and I am so excited for your future and all the possibilities that you will realize. Becoming a college graduate is a distinction in our society that sets you apart from others. And that distinction comes because society values education. Evidence suggests that college graduates are not only highly employable, but they also enrich the civic and economic life of their communities as they volunteer, provide community leadership, or make philanthropic contributions. As Nelson Mandela said: "Education is the most powerful tool, which you can use to change the world." Today, with the degree in hand, your ability to make our world a better place becomes much greater. As hard as you've worked on earning this degree, I know you didn't get here alone. Your family has been a great source of support to you throughout these years. And in a reciprocal fashion, your achievement has provided inspiration and hope to your family. Today, as you can see, they are here to celebrate with you. And I know, as you walk across the stage in just a little bit, they will be bursting with pride. They love you. You matter to them. So graduates, now I'm gonna ask if you would stand, and if you would look around and see if you can find your family that's with you today. So graduates, stand up.
[Applause]
And graduates, I'm gonna ask, would you help me by giving them a huge round of applause for all the love and support they've given you?
[Applause]
Thank you, graduates. You may be seated. There are two words that are commonly used on days like today. One is graduation, and the other is commencement. Graduation signifies the end, the finish line. It celebrates the fact that you have successfully completed this phase of your education, and brings closure to this chapter of your life. Graduation really says, "Whoohoo! You're done!" Commencement, on the other hand, signifies the starting gate, the beginning of a new life. It says that you are transitioning from the past to the future. Commencement celebrates the fact that part of your life is ahead of you. Both terms are appropriate, and both terms are very meaningful. But today, I choose to leave you with my congratulations on your commencement. On your beginning. And as Yellowjackets, graduates of this great university, I know wherever you go, you will carry your alma mater with you, and you will represent us well. So, from me to you, congratulations graduates, on commencement. On all the bright and beautiful possibilities in store for you. Congratulations, graduates.
[Applause]
As part of today's ceremony, we are pleased to recognize Mr. Dale Lamphere with the awarding of an honorary doctorate of Humane Letters. The honorary doctorate is the highest honor bestowed by the South Dakota Board of Regents, and the six public universities. Regents have distinguished themselves through outstanding service and exemplary achievements within their field of endeavor. Mr. Lamphere, will you join Dr. Carriveau and I on the lower stage for the presentation of your honorary doctorate?
Amy Fuqua Dean of the College of Liberal Arts: Dale Claude Lamphere has completed 60 major public sculptures over his 51-year career. His work covers the full spectrum from classic figuritive sculpture, to cast bronze, to monumental fabricated stainless steel sculptures involving design, fabrication, and structural engineering disciplines. Three of his most recent works are: The Hive, a 20 foot, 4 ton stainless steel sculpture in the Spearfish roundabout that greets visitors and students at BHSU. Dignity of Earth and Sky, a 50 foot, 70 ton monument along the Missouri River in Chamberlain. Arc of Dreams, a 300 foot by 800 foot, 60 ton abstract monument spanning the Big Sioux River in Sioux Falls. Lamphere was appointed to the South Dakota Arts Council by Governor Michelson in 1989, and is the current president of Arts South Dakota. He received the Anna Hyatt Huntington Award from the Artist Professional League, the South Dakota Governor's Award in the Arts, the Outstanding Creative Achievement Award form the South Dakota Art Museum, and was inducted into the South Dakota Hall of Fame in 1987. He was appointed South Dakota Artist Laureate by Governor Daugaard in 2014, and was reappointed by Governor Noem in 2019. Lamphere recently received the American Institute of Architect South Dakota Champion of Architecture Award for bringing great public art to the people of South Dakota, and beautifully articulating the intersection of art and engineering. Please join me in congratulating Mr. Lamphere, and help me welcome him to the podium for a few words.
[Applause]
Dale Lamphere, Recipient of the Honorary Doctorate: Thank you, President Nichols, Dr. Carriveau. I very much appreciate it. I'm humbled, and very appreciative to the faculty of Black Hills State University and the Board of Regents for granting me this honorary doctorate. And to the graduates, I acknowledge and respect the achievement that each of you have reached. When I was your age, I never thought I would be standing here today. Just like you cannot imagine where you will be 50 years from now. Because I'm nearing the close of my career, and you the commencement of yours, the degree that you are receiving today is even more important than the honor given to me. Please allow me to share several things that I have learned. If it's in your area of interest, training and talents, always say yes. You will grow with each challenge. No matter how menial the task may seem, do your best, because it does lead to the next opportunity. Other than that, believe in yourself, and work hard. When it seems overwhelming, think of The Hive, and what it represents: the power of collective effort. Few great achievements are accomplished alone. This world is just waiting for your contribution, so be bold. And most of all, remember, you are now the living expression of all of your ancestors. You uniquely posses the voice and genetic energy that they have given you, so honor them with your efforts. Congratulations to all the graduates today, to your families and teachers that helped you achieve this milestone. I wish you the best.
[Applause]
Laurie Nichols: At this time I will ask Dr. Pam Carriveau to present the faculty who are retiring.
Pam Carriveau, Vice President of Academic Affairs/Interim Provost: As part of today's ceremony, it is fitting that we recognize the faculty who are retiring. Black Hills State University wishes to express their sincere appreciation for their years of dedicated and distinguished service to the students, the university, the community, and the profession. We are sad to see them leave. but pleased to announce the awarding of emeritus status. Dr. Barbara Bobbi Looney, will you please join President Nichols on the lower stage? For 17 years, Dr. Looney has served Black Hills State University, and the state of South Dakota with distinction. As a member of the Arts and Humanities faculty, as well as the Business faculty, teaching a variety of courses in the humanities, English, and business. She served as the program coordinator for the Master of Business Administration program, and as the Co-Advisor of the Enactus student organization, where she advised student projects such as Facebook for Retirees, and an impact investment in bee keeping in Zambia. Therefore, be it resolved that henceforth, Dr. Barbara Bobbi Looney will carry the title of Assistant Professor Emeritus.
[Applause]
Professor Jerry Rawlings, will you please join President Nichols on the lower stage? For 10 years, professor Rawlings has served Black Hills State University in the state of South Dakota as a member of the Arts and Humanities faculty, making a name for himself in photography education, and helping to build the signature BFA programs currently offered. He has demonstrated devotion to his profession by maintaining his professional practice to allow him to provide expert instruction in commercial and studio photography, in addition to photo journalism. Professor Rawlings has been an active member of the arts community of Spearfish, and the Black Hills. Particularly to the Dahl Arts Center, and regularly commits his time and artwork to notable causes. Therefore, be it resolved that henceforth, Professor Jerry Rawlings will carry the title of Associate Professor Emeritus.
[Applause]
Jerry, would you please?
Jerry Rawlings, Associate Professor Emeritus: I would like to dedicate this to my father. Dad, I think about you every single day. And I'd like to dedicate this to my mother. I love you, Mom. I could not have done this without your support. I also want to dedicate this to my colleagues. Steve Babbitt, he mentored me into the teacher that I am today. Skott and Allen, I love you guys. One of the best things that I ever did was facilitate getting you two guys hired, but you better not screw up my program or I will hunt you down!
[Laughter]
I was asked just the other night about a retirement party by a young faculty member. What is the secret to being a good and effective teacher? And after thinking about it, and conferring with my good friend, Gina Gibson, I have to say that that secret is: make sure that your students know that you care about them. Thank you, congratulations graduates.
[Applause]
Pam Carriveau: Today, we are honoring a distinguished faculty member, selected by his peers and recognized by the South Dakota Board of Regents for his excellence in teaching, research, and service. The honoree is Dr. Colin Garnett. Will you please join President Nichols on the lower stage? Following his graduation with a PHD in Mathematics from the University of Wyoming in 2011, Dr. Garnett received a post doctoral fellowship at the University of Victoria in Victoria, Canada. He joined the Mathematics faculty at Black Hills State University as assistant professor in 2013 and received tenure and promotion to associate professor in 2019. He regularly travels with students to the rocky mountain section of the American Math Association, and has often led Black Hills State University math circle sessions, which provide enrichment activities to high school students. Professor Garnett is an active scholar with publications in the areas of Graphic Theory, Combinatorial Matrix Theory, and Combinatorics. He received the College of Liberal Arts Outstanding Research Scholarship and Creative Activity Award for the 2015-2016 academic year, and the University Outstanding Service Award for the 2018-2019 academic year. Please join me in congratulating Dr. Arnett--
[Laughter]
Or...yes, thank you. Garnett, sorry!
[Applause]
Laurie Nichols: I am pleased to introduce the Black Hills State University Commencement Wind Ensemble, under the direction of Dr. Dave Berberick.
[Music]
[Applause]
Thank you so much, Wind Ensemble. Black Hills State University has a long history of supporting our military. Before continuing with our program, we would like to recognize all veterans, service members, and their spouses for service to our nation. So I'm going to ask, if you are a veteran or an active service member, would you stand so we can recognize and thank you for your service? Please stand.
[Applause]
Thank you for being here, and again, thank you for your service. It is now my pleasure to ask Captain Laura Arnold to come forward for the Conferring of Commissions.
Laura Arnold: Can I please have my three comissionees come forward? So, one of the founders of ROTC, or at least one of the known founders of ROTC, said to be brief and to be brilliant. And I promise you I will be brief.
[Laughter]
ROTC is in the business of leadership. That's my job, I'm a shepherd of leaders. I can tell you from experience that leadership is not a trait that you're born with. It's not blue eyes, it's not a widow's peak or bad eyesight, Peter.
[Laughter]
But it's something that you choose. Leading is absolutely a choice. Over the last 4 years, the young men that stand before us made choices. Daily, deliberate choices. And because of that, they're here, and they're choosing to serve. Today, they will be commissioned by the President of the United States, not to serve any office, but to protect and defend the Constitution. There are are a set of Ethos and shared values. Cadet Jaque, Sallus, and Ketwig, you choose to be loyal, you choose to answer the call of duty, you choose the life of respect, to selflessly serve the American people with honor and integrity. You are choosing to have the personal courage to live these values, even when sometimes they'll have terrible consequences. Courage is unnecessary if there is nothing to sacrifice. And I promise you, you will sacrifice. You will sacrifice your time, you will sacrifice part of your youth, you will even sacrifice your own personal freedoms so that you can safeguard someone else's. With all that said, you guys wanna do this?
[Laughter]
Are you sure? Alright...alright. If you're ready to take this charge, go ahead. Give me an about face, I'd like them to see you make this promise.
[Applause]
[The 3 accept their Commission]
Let's give them a round of applause.
[Applause]
I'll give you guys one last piece of advice: live a joyful and grateful life. The truth is, is all of this is worth it. Everything that you do is absolutely worth it. We fight so hard because we love so deeply. What you're doing is important, and I am so grateful for you guys and what you do. Thank you.
[Applause]
Laurie Nichols: Ms. Sherry Davis is a recognized coach, facilitator, and change management leader. She has over 3 decades of experience in Human Resources. Sherry's career landed her in key assignments worldwide to lead and influence change. She culminated her military career at the Pentagon by leading the Army Chief of Staffs, transitional strategy in 3 pivotal roles: Chief of Operations for Transitions Strategic Outreach, Deputy Director for Transition Strategic Outreach, and as the Employment Director for the Soldier for Life Program. After her military service, Sherry served as the Human Resources Director for Our Lady of the Lake, Quality Trainer and Organizational Developer for General Electric Financial Services, and Marketing and Sales Director for General Electric Lighting. Her corporate culmination came as the Senior Integration Leader for GE Capital. She is the President at Shift Forward Consulting, based in Atlanta, Georgia. Sherry received her Bachelor's of Arts Degree in Communications from Black Hills State University in 1993. It is my pleasure to ask Ms. Davis to come forward and deliver the charge to our graduates.
[Applause]
Sherry Davis, BHSU Alumna: How y'all doing? How you doing? You ok? Because y'all kind of quiet on such an important day. You're making me nervous... So, before we get started, there are a couple of things I must do, because my momma did teach me good manners. So first, I want to say that I appreciate the wonderful introduction, Dr. Nichols. Thank you so much. And, for actually inviting me back home. It is my esteemed honor, pleasure, and privilege, and I am absolutely, completely humbled by it. I'd like to thank the faculty and staff for their commitment to setting the stage for students to excel. Thank you to the newly commissioned men who will help protect us and keep our liberties safe. Their willingness to serve the country goes unparalleled. And lastly, but most importantly, I'd like you, with a little bit more energy, because the first time you did it was a little suspect. thank your family and friends when I let you know, for the sacrifice, love, and support that served as your foundation to ensure that this day would surely come. So, when you're ready, get on your feet, please. Oh, that was a request, come on! Find your family and if they start yelling loud, your charge is to clap and yell louder. Thank your family and friends.
[Applause]
Okay, I think you got it. I think you got it. I don't know if they're still showing a little bit more enthusiasm than you, but, you know. Okay. Now it's time to turn our attention to really the most important people in the room. And that's the Black Hills State 2022 graduating class. Go Yellowjackets.
[Applause]
[Takes off glasses]
Oh, I don't need them, I made big font today. Listen, you are tech savvy, you are business ready, and you are most definitely the most social conscious class that this university has ever produced. So for you, that means you are so much better than my class was, or any class before mine. So congratulations. You have absolutely earned the privilege to step into your power. And that's the power of your perspective, the power of your courage, and the power of your voice. When you step into your power of perspective, I would absolutely love it--okay I'm gonna do it differently. I absolutely require you, when you step into your perspective, to step in close when needed, so you can get into the details. I'm talking about the tiny details. Like the kind you see when you get up on somebody and you see that one black head that they don't see. That kind of close. Because, when you do it that close, you become extremely familiar, which lends to being extremely comfortable with something that's new. With someone who's different. With your new self, because you are different, and you'll be very new when you leave here today, I assure you. When you do that, you're then poised to step back and effectively take a strategic view of your whole world. And when you can take a strategic view, you really have the opportunity to contribute, grow every talent you already have, but more importantly, develop new talents you don't even know are there. It's coming. Then when you step into your power of courage--you know, courage to me. That's, it hits home. I'm a retired Lieutenant Colonel, I've spent 28 years in life, and I've been to every war in my time frame. I've been to Bosnia, I've been to Hungary, I've been to Afghanistan, I've been to Iraq, I've even been to South Korea. And courage is not just about the military uniform. Courage is about what's inside of you. Allow yourself to be transparent and vulnerable in all that you do. When you do that, when you allow your transparency and vulnerability to come, you will always remember it takes a village to make you great. And you're a part of that village, because it's not just people pouring into you. It's you opening up, pouring into others, and then changing for the better, each and every moment of your life. It'll always hold onto your ability to navigate the world, and when I talk to people, I talk to CEOs and board members. I talk to students, and I always ask them this one thing: maintain your intense curiosity. I mean intense. Because when you maintain that intense curiosity, you are in the company with the likes of world leaders who changed the way we think, who changed what we do, who innovate. Who make way for your next, big great idea. Intense curiosity, hold onto it like fairy dust. You probably don't use fairy dust--what's important here? Hold onto it like the belt buckle you earn at the rodeo.
[Laughter]
And then when you step into the power of your voice, which is really the most important thing you have quite honestly, be ready to use and lift your voice when necessary to strengthen, enhance, and advance humanity. Because if you don't, you're just kind of taking up space, and that's not what education is about. Your education has taught you and poised you to think, problem solve, improve, and bring others with you. So use your voice to do that. Speak up to create exciting things that make as always believe. What do we say here? "Anything is possible." And it is. I was your 1993 homecoming queen, who would have thought it?
[Laughter]
It's amazing, I still don't believe it, and when I tell the story people go, "you went to South Dakota?" I'm like, "yes, and it's a cool place." And then I hit them with the bomb: "and then I was the homecoming queen." Whaaaat?
[Laughter]
Okay, listen I've had many highlights in my career. And one that stands out most to me is when I accepted a challenge. In 2009, I was deployed to Iraq as the 10th Mountain Aviation Brigade S-1. That looks like human resources to everybody else. It kind of looks like the director or up and coming VP of a job. And my job, my main job, was to keep butts in their seats. We provided HR services for 24 hours, but my job was to make sure we had enough pilots, loadistitions, people who fed us, anything it took to keep that mission alive. And the mission at hand was to provide helicopter flight--who's the captain? I don't want her...don't say I'm jacking it up, just go with whatever I'm saying. You know, because captains are dangerous. They're like, in the middle. They're no longer Lieutenants, so they know a lot of stuff, but they're not really in the senior part yet, so they can say a lot of stuff, so you gotta check them real quick. Our job was to lead flight missions to ensure that we can support the ground mission and move troops around. So that was pretty important, and we had about 10,000 people on staff--that's a lot of people. We never dropped between 95%, and I'm happy to say we actually never dropped between 97%. Not because of me, but because of the great staff I had. And so because of that, a couple of officers had this great idea: Lets put the HR leader in a helicopter and let her fly it. Don't do that, aww, don't do that. Because it's not even bad yet. So I thought it was great in theory. Yeah, I'm the only HR person in the Army who they're going to let fly a fighter helicopter UH60--I got that right. A UH60 across the battlefield and drop a test missile. Woah, drop the mic moment. Yeah, until I got in. Because now, I've got all of these buttons, and dillybobs--and that's not even a real word. But I'm real educated so I can use it today. And what happened was, the master trainer was next to me, "you got it, ma'am. Just stay steady, you got it," and we're doing this, all over the place. I'm about to throw up my cookies, but I wouldn't give him the satisfaction, so I swallowed it--eugh. Nonetheless, we're still dipping and diving. After 30 minutes, we get good, we get steady. My nerves settle down. My hands settle down. My brain relaxes. I lean into the challenge. So when we landed, and yes, I landed it--a little bumpy. Everything was still intact but we came down. I thought to myself, "oh my god, that's gonna be an awesome story to tell later in life." Because, I touched the buttons. I took the aircraft up. We were in the air for 30 minutes, with my fast helmet and my super go fast goggles. It was awesome. But when we came down, I was like--Oh, I can't say the word because it's an official environment. It has 4 letters that begins with 'S' and ends with 'T'. "Oh ___! I can't believe that just happened." Now, imagine someone hands you the controls to a UH60, and tells you to fly. Just think about it for a minute. and you have a shaking hand, and no knowledge of what to do. You're gonna be scared, I was scared--I mean we were flying in broad daylight, it was like 6 o'clock in the morning, 101 degrees, it was ridiculous. But it was bright as the sunshine could be, but I felt like I was moving around in the dark. And you're gonna feel that way when you leave here. It's okay. It's absolutely okay. Because if things look so familiar to you, that means you didn't really leave here. That means you're still walking around in your old shoes, and there are a whole new pair of boots outside those doors for you to step into, and to make this world better. And now, I have a question--and you already know this is an interactive session, so do not act like you can't hear me. Here's the question--don't answer yet, though. My question is: are you willing to accept a challenge? If you are, do not let those 3 brand new Lieutenants show you up. They already think they're the bees knees--and they are--but, you know. If you're ready to accept a challenge, on the count of 3, I want you to say, "challenge accepted." Do a head nod if you kind of got where I'm going with this. I should see a whole bunch of boards doing this. One--oh wait. Are you ready to accept the challenge? and I shouldn't be loud, youshould be loud. One. challenge accepted. Two. Yellowjackets. 3...
[Graduates shout]
I don't think so, forget it.
[Laughter]
We're gonna do it one more time, because we gotta go. 1, 2, 3...
[Graduates shout louder]
Excellent, here we go. Here's your challenge--
[Cut off by applause]
They love you so much they don't even know what you have to do, and they're like, "my baby can do it." Okay, here's your challenge: when you walk out of these doors today, I want you to move with intention. Move with intention. I want you to shift forward your thoughts, your behaviors, how you feel about people. I want you to elevate to action. I want you to find your place on the global stage. Earlier, somebody said, "The world is waiting." I absolutely agree. The world has been waiting for you for 4, 5, or 6 years, whatever it took. They have held your place and now they know it's time to fill it. So go out there and take that stage. And the last thing I'm gonna tell you: when you do it, make sure you win at it. So knock the ball off the cover, have fun, grow and pull those behind you--and oh, take care of humanity. Congratulations, Yellowjackets, you are wonderful and ready to go!
[Applause]
Laurie Nichols: Thank you so very much, wonderful words. We are now privileged to have Regent Jim Thares, who will bring you greetings from the South Dakota Board of Regents.
Jim Thares, SDBOR Representative: Thank you, president Nichols. Good morning, Yellowjackets! I didn't quite get the response... On behalf of myself and the South Dakota Board of Regents, we want to wish each of you congratulations on this special day, and the achievements you have received and accomplished as a student here at Black Hills State University. 5 plus years ago, the governor asked if I would serve on the South Dakota Board of Regents, and I chose to do so because I believe in the value of education. I believe every individual deserves an opportunity to further their education. I believe the more educated your society, the more successful it'll be. And most importantly, I believe in each one of you. President Nichols and her faculty and staff have worked hard to prepare you for this day, and to prepare you for the next chapter in your life, and the successes that you can achieve. So many people think success has to do with money, and that's wrong. Success has to do with being the best at what you are. What you can be. You know, there's one class you all took that's not on your transcript, you didn't have to pay for it, and it's called Social Learning. These experiences you got in the classroom, hanging out at the Student Union, participating or supporting your athletic events, maybe happy hour down at the local pub? There you go. Or after, at the Newman center after church on Sunday. All those experiences helped shape who you are, and prepare you for life. And so, I challenge each of you that you take on the next chapter in your life. That you be bold, that you don't take average as being acceptable, and chase your dreams. You will be successful. With that...by the authority vested to the Board of Regents by the Constitution of the state of South Dakota, I hereby delegate to President Nichols the right to confer the degrees and diplomas with all the rights, privileges, and responsibilities pertaining thereto.
[Applause]
Laurie Nichols: Thank you, Regent Thares. Graduates, we are at the moment for which you have been preparing for the past several years. A photographer from the grad team will be taking professional photographs, which will be available for purchase following the ceremony. The website address is on the inside cover of your commencement program. Family and friends of the graduates, as a courtesy to the students who are graduating as well as the people sitting around you, please remain seated until the conclusion of the ceremony. It is my pleasure to present Ms. Laura Prosser, Interim Dean at the School of Business.
[All graduates are called]
Laurie Nichols: I think they all deserve a huge round of applause, don't you?
[Applause]
Academic traditions such as the symbolism of the tassel are steeped in history. Moving the tassel to the left after graduating is symbolic of moving from college to another stage in your life. So it is now my privilege to ask you graduates to move your tassel from right to left. You are a graduate.
[Applause]
Here to bring you greetings from the Alumni Association is Mr. Steve Meeker, Vice President for University Advancement.
Steve Meeker: Oh, come on! Let's hear it for Steve Meeker, a round of applause! Thank you, President Nichols. I have to be real honest with you, it's hard not to feel like leftovers when you get to this part of the program. But we all know, sometimes leftovers are great, right? Alright, here we go. So on my way here this morning, my wife April said in the car, "when you get up there to do the alumni greetings, try not to be so witty or charming or intellectual. Just be yourself."
[Laughter]
You know, Class of 2022, you and I have something in common. You have no idea what I'm gonna say and neither do I.
[Laughter]
I graduated in Black Hills State in 1984. I walked across this stage 38 years ago, got my diploma cover just like you today, I was so excited. Go back to my chair, I open up my diploma cover, I have a really beautiful certificate sitting inside my diploma cover. It was signed by then president Jay Gilbert Hawes. It was a nice little scripture on this certificate, so I read it to myself and it said, "Birds on a mountain, fish in the sea, how you, Steve Meeker, graduated is a mystery to me."
[Laughter]
Ok, now I have your attention. On behalf of the BHSU Alumni Association, I want to take this opportunity to congratulate you, and wish you the best, and welcome you to our association. Your parents and your grandparents that are here today are so very proud of you. Your brothers and your sisters on the other hand, are shocked that you made it this far.
[Laughter]
Class of 1972, wow! 50 years, welcome home. It's great to have you here.
[Applause]
Dale Lamphere, congratulations on a well deserved honorary doctorate. Your artwork is amazing. Congratulations.
[Applause]
Sherry Davis, homecoming queen. Your address was awesome, and I, too, want to welcome you home.
[Applause]
What an honor to be homecoming queen. I never was homecoming queen or king, even though I thought I deserved it I never was, so that's great. And I want to give a special congratulations to my football teammate from 1981 here at Black hills State, Clark Sauers who walked through here today and received his associates degree. Clark, congrats, buddy!
[Applause]
So class of '22, the Alumni Association would like to challenge you to create the highest, grandest vision possible for yourself, because you will become what you believe. Work hard and you'll achieve success with your BHSU degree. We ask that you stay connected with us. Be an engaged alumni. You will have opportunities to volunteer, attend networking events and see how you can support BHSU's mission. Come back to visit us, like you see the class of '72 doing today. You're about to do great things in your career and your life. If you really want a leg up on the competition, I'm gonna give you a piece of advice: never forget, there's no substitute for hard work. Nothing is beneath you. This has been forgotten in todays world, and if you go out there with your BHSU degree and you give it your all, your gonna be way ahead of most of 'em out there, I guarantee ya. Put in the time, do your job well, go above and beyond, and make BHSU proud. Always remember that the alumni community is there for you, and we Weill always be with you everywhere you go. In closing, please remember the heavier you get physically, your body, as you go on in life, you are more difficult to kidnap, so eat plenty of cake today at your reception.
[Laughter]
Hey, I offer you my personal congratulations, my respect, my best wishes, and go Jackets!
[Applause]
Laurie Nichols: Thank you so much, Steve. We will conclude today's ceremony with the singing of our alma mater, led by Mr. Paul Carriveau. The recession will follow immediately after. Please remain in the bleachers until the graduates and the faculty have exited. Would you all please stand and join us in the singing of our alma mater? And it is printed in the back of your program.
[Music and singing of alma mater]
[Applause]
Again, our warmest congratulation, graduates. Enjoy the rest of your day, and come back often. Graduates, faculty, the platform party, we will now process.
[Music plays as all exit]
Graduate Features
Taylor Christensen: My name is Taylor Christensen. I'm from Kyle, South Dakota, on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. I am enrolled Oglala Lakota and I'm a senior here at Black Hills State, studying sociology and American Indian Studies. My plans after graduation, I actually accepted a position here at Black Hills State as a Native American Advisor. And I'm so fortunate to have...have this opportunity so that I can be there for future indigenous students, in their educational journeys. And I am so excited to be able to be able to stay here. As I approach graduation I am just super excited as um...I came here for an education and that's in our belief system and back home. And my parents have just always told me that an education is one thing that no on can take away from us. So I'm really excited to receive a degree and go on to the next chapter. And I will go into grad school in the fall so I'm very excited for that.
Cody Robinson: My name is Cody Robinson. I am majoring in mass communications with an emphasis in graphic communication and a minor in marketing. I am from a super small town in Northeastern Colorado. After graduation, I plan to keep working at the job I'm currently at, which is the Belle Fourche Beacon. And then I'm also going to be working at Prairie Berry as a brand and marketing associate and I start there May 11th. Something I'll miss most about Black Hills State is probably um...definitely the area. Um...I mean I'm not leaving, but like the views from campus are just like...amazing. And I do love all the facilities and the small-town feel of the classes and getting to know your professors. And it's not just like you're left in the dust and everyone wants you to succeed here. And you're not going to be forgotten so I think it's a really awesome culture that we have here.
Nolan Maher: I'm Nolan Maher. I'm from Bismarck, North Dakota and I'm a mathematics, physical science, and chemistry major. After graduation, I'll be going to the University of Minnesota Twin Cities in the fall, to pursue graduate studies in physics. I'd like to do research, at least for the foreseeable future, and eventually maybe do a professorship and teach at a university somewhere. The thing I'll miss most about Black Hills State and the area is like the environment. Uh...growing up in Bismarck, I mean we had the river and stuff, but there wasn't a lot of nature stuff you could really do. And like around here you can go hiking you can uh...just running, running was great, and being on the cross country and track team. Approaching graduation I have mixed feelings of fear and excitement. Afraid because like I'm completing one more part of my life and although I know that I'm probably gonna go to grad school next year, I don't know what that's gonna be like that's an entirely new ballgame. Excited to...to start that new process, to see where it takes me.
Ruby Lindquist: My name is Ruby Lindquist and I'm an English major graduating this May. Um...I'm from Alaska and I've run cross country and track and field here for the past four years. In Alaska I do a lot of mountain running and trail running and I think that's a big reason why I competed here for BH in cross country and track and field because it's just such a huge passion of mine. And I actually want to continue that. My plan is to basically train for trail and mountain running and eventually, hopefully, gain a sponsor for that so I can continue that far down the road. So those are kind of my immediate plans for after graduation, as I think I have um...this...this talent and I feel like it'd be almost silly of me to not try to, you know, continue that a little bit more and kind of dig into that passion. I think that...I mean college has prepared me to like go into the big world and you know it is intimidating, but it's also really exciting to graduate.
Alyssa Jones: My name is Alyssa Jones, I'm a major in psychology with a minor in Spanish and I'm getting a certificate in criminal justice. I'm from Madison, South Dakota. I think my favorite memory at Black Hills State was being a part of my research lab. I've gotten to know so many people through that and form really close connections with those people. What I'll miss most about Black Hills State is the sense of community, like everybody kind of knows everyone, and the beautiful scenery of course. I'm feeling very excited for graduation, I'm going to miss BH but I'm also really excited for what's going to happen in the future. Black Hills State prepared me because um...we have some wonderful professors here, they challenge you, but they also really help you and it was awesome to have that kind of relationship with the people that I look up to.
Gracie Kosters: My name is Gracie Kosters, my major is elementary education and I am from the Black Hills area. After graduation, I have been hired at Sturgis Elementary School to teach first grade. So that's where I will be going next year. I am very excited about it. I will miss the close community that it is you really get to know everyone in your classes and your class size is pretty small so you get to know your professors as well. My favorite memory would be from this last year, my senior year, because of...I'm a part of elementary education. The way that that's set up is, you end your college here with the people who are also going to be graduating as teachers. And I've got to be really close with all of those individuals and I probably have made lifelong friends there. As I approach graduation I'm feeling very nervous, but I'm really excited for the next adventure in my life to start. Black Hills State has prepared me for my future just through my courses and everything and like I said, I've met lifelong friends here that I'll be able to rely on at different points in my life.
David Miller: My name is David Miller. Um...I'm from Oswego, Illinois and my major is environmental physical science. After graduation, I'm going to spend the summer working hopefully and then I'm actually going to be pursuing a master's degree at Central Washington University looking at geological sciences. Favorite memory at my time at Black Hills State was probably getting to present my research in Portland, Oregon. The university gave me the opportunity to do undergraduate research and then present it and then just going to a place I'd never been before to present and network and share all the things that I learned and meet so many cool people was an amazing opportunity that I wouldn't have gotten. As I approach graduation, I'm really excited for the next step going to get a master's degree is going to be a really really big thing. Functionally Black Hills State has prepared me because they've just given me the education baseline that I need. And without Black Hills State, I don't think I would have gotten necessarily that quality of education and that, that guidance, that direct guidance form my advisors and professors.
Lex Brady: I'm Lex Brady, I am a graphic design major, and I am from Powell, Wyoming. Plans after graduation is to be working with the Black Hills Pioneer here in Spearfish, which is great because I really wanted to stay within this area. One thing I will miss about Black Hills especially is just the people that I've interacted with, and the opportunities that I've had here, especially within my field. They've really just prepared you for giving you the skills and the knowledge to make you feel comfortable in the field that you're entering in. And that's what I liked about, originally, Black Hills in general. My favorite memory right now is participating in the Senior show. I've never done an art show at all before. I've never seen my art actually in a show. Once it happened, once the reception happened, it was just more like, "oh." It was just a sigh of relief but also just like, "Oh wow! I actually have things that are in the show." So it was great, I really loved that part of it. It was fun.
Pasiensia Lockman: Name's Pasiensia Lockman, my major is elementary education with speech communication, with an emphasis in theatre, and I am from Scottsbluff, Nebraska. After graduation, I plan to get a teaching job somewhere in the Black Hills. I don't have a specific age group, I really find myself loving whatever age group I'm with. If the opportunity arises, I would love to coach theatre, or one acts, or something in the performing arts. I also want to continue my education and get my master's in administration or teaching and education. Black Hills State has prepared me for my future by providing me with, providing me with awesome real life experiences to student teach. I just feel really prepared, and I feel like I haves some great resources. As I approach graduation, I am feeling really excited. I feel really prepared to go out into the world and be a real functioning adult. Um...yeah, I just feel really excited and prepared, and ready to rock and roll.
Exercise Science Major From Belcourt, ND
What are your plans after graduation?
Attending University of North Dakota to become a physical therapist.
What were you involved with on campus?
I was on the women’s basketball team and helped Lakota Omniciye when I had time to do so.
What will you miss about BHSU?
I am going to miss how beautiful it is here and all the amazing people I’ve met along the way.
Biology Major From Gillette, WY
What are your plans after graduation?
After graduation I plan on applying to Veterinary Medical School and hope to attend in the fall of 2023. In the meantime, I will stay here in the Black Hills and work towards gaining more experience in veterinary medicine, hopefully by working as a veterinary assistant.
What were you involved with on campus?
I have been involved with the Health Science Student Organization since coming to BHSU as a freshman. I was able to serve as an officer for the organization both junior and senior year.
Who is your favorite professor at BHSU? My favorite professor at BHSU is Dr. Charlie Lamb. I’ve been able to get to know him both as a professor and an advisor. His classes are tough but always enjoyable.
How has BHSU prepared you for your future?
BHSU has prepared me for the future by teaching me communication, analytical thinking, and laboratory skills that I will be able to use going forward. Additionally, BHSU provided a great opportunity to work alongside professors conducting research projects throughout the school year. The opportunities available at BHSU have allowed me to grow as both a student and a professional moving into my career.
Mass Communications Major with an Emphasis in Integrated Media & Graphic Communications from Valley City, ND
What were you involved with on campus?
On campus, I was the Editor-in-Chief of the school newspaper, The Jacket Journal. As well as the Online Editor for BHSUMedia.com, and the Station Manager for KBHU-TV.
How has BHSU prepared you for your future?
BHSU has prepared me for my future by providing me with the real-life experiences of working with various campus media outlets. From learning how to design a newspaper spread to working a video camera, I am confident BHSU has prepared me for my next steps.
English Education Major and Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages Minor From Sheridan, WY
What are your plans after graduation?
After graduation, I have signed for a job at Madison High School. I will be teaching speech, debate, sophomore literature, and creative writing. I also plan to go to graduate school sometime soon to continue my education in teaching.
What were you involved with on campus?
I was first involved with the Resident's Hall Association. I then joined Three Peak Review where I am now vice president. I briefly participated with The Buzz Radio when I shared a radio show with a peer titled “Aimless Rebellion.” Towards the end of my career, I was a senator on the Student Senate. In Student Senate, I got the wonderful opportunity to work with remarkable and thoughtful individuals who encouraged me to help improve the experience of students. I was able to work on multiple projects for voter registration, briefly talking with professionals about issues on campus, and worked with others to create ways to challenge food insecurity on campus. I also worked with and participated in the College Democrats Club to help register students for voting during the 2020 election. Finally, I was also able to work on campus during my education, which provided me with a professional space to practice skills that will be critical to my future profession.
What will you miss about Black Hills State?
One thing I will miss about BHSU is that this school is so open to taking risks. As a future educator, I know the importance of creating a safe environment for students to take risks in learning. All of my professors supported me in my learning journey and encouraged me to take the risks I needed to take in order to advance my learning and push my academic ability. I will also miss the great selection of literature and articles. One of my favorite parts of my major was reflecting on the world and reading about different perspectives. My professors did an amazing job at providing me with a wide variety of texts to help me gain a better understanding of the world and the way people around me perceive it.
What's your favorite memory at Black Hills State?
One of my favorite memories from BHSU would be from the times I spent working with my peers. During the beginning of the pandemic, I was working with BHSU Senate to help with the food insecurity that students were facing on campus. I had worked to create an outreach program for quarantine students facing food insecurity with my peers. One of my peers, Julz Neilson, had a wonderful idea of doing a food collection “trick or treat” to get more food for the food pantry. Due to COVID-19 this was postponed until February. We ended up walking around in the snow going to strangers’ doors asking them for donations. In the end, I and most of my peers had a blast getting to know the community and weathering the cold together.
What are you feeling as you approach graduation?
As I approach graduation, I feel capable. My experience at BHSU has transformed me as a thinker. Not only do I feel that I have the knowledge level needed to be successful in my field, but I also feel like I have learned things that will continue to build me as a person for the rest of my life. My literature classes have prepared me to be an active learner throughout my life. I know that whatever comes my way in the future, BHSU has helped me to build the skills that I need to overcome it and grow.
How has BHSU prepared you for your future?
BHSU has prepared me to live a life that is fulfilling in my career field and outside of it. Throughout my time interacting with clubs, classes, and my friends, I learned the importance of balance in life. BHSU also taught me how to make a bad experience into a transformative experience that I could grow from. There have been numerous times that I have done my best and not received the outcome I had hoped for. In those moments of perceived failure, the staff and faculty at BH had helped me grow and learn from those moments. As an educator, they have prepared me to help coach students through the process of failing and learning. I hope that my experience at BHSU can guide students to “fail upwards."
Elementary Education Major From Eden Prairie, MN
What are your plans after graduation?
I will remain around the Black Hills, I own a home with my husband in Belle Fourche, and am looking forward to having my own elementary classroom very soon!
Who is your favorite professor at BHSU?
I would have to say Dr. Sydney Haugland, although it was a tough choice because I got to work with so many talented educators in the senior methods block this past year!
What will you miss about Black Hills State?
The thing I will miss the most is meeting up with a group of friends and enjoying a snack, meal, or coffee on our beautiful grounds in the fall and spring. We are fortunate to have our campus in such a beautiful area that I try to take advantage of that any chance I get.
Chemistry Major & Biology and Psychology Minor From Rapid City, SD
What are your plans after graduation?
I plan to continue my education at Montana State University in their Chemistry Ph.D. program.
What were you involved with on campus?
I was involved in BRIN Undergrad Research.
Who is your favorite professor at BHSU?
Dr. Katrina Jensen
What will you miss about Black Hills State?
The people, I made lifelong friends and made great connections with professors.
What are you feeling as you approach graduation?
I am mostly excited to start this new chapter, but with that it is bittersweet that I must part from all my friends and move away from family.
Elementary Education Major From Humboldt, SD
What are your plans after graduation?
I plan to become a certified teacher and teach at an elementary in eastern South Dakota, but I am open to staying in the beautiful Black Hills.
What will you miss about Black Hills State?
There will be so much that I am going to miss from Black Hills State following graduation. I am going to miss the amazing professors, who have been mentors throughout my time, and the relationships that I have made. Although I am excited for my future in education, BHSU was my home away from home.
What's your favorite memory at Black Hills State?
One of my favorite memories was when I was a Resident Assistant in Humbert Hall my sophomore year on move in weekend. Some of the students from my hall and I walked from campus to Spearfish Downtown Friday Nights, one of my favorite things to do in Spearfish. We also went to so many events to get students involved on move in weekend, and it created the best community that I could have been a part of.
Graphic Design & Studio Art, Minor in Commercial Art From Watertown, SD
What are your plans after graduation?
My husband and I plan to move to his hometown, Hot Springs, SD after graduation. As an expecting mother, I plan to stay at home and do freelance graphic design work as well as manage my husband's welding business website, social media, and advertisements.
What will you miss about Black Hills State?
The thing I will miss most about BHSU is my on-campus job in the Marketing & Communications Department. I have loved every second of working here and have learned so many new and useful things for my future as a graphic designer.
What are you feeling as you approach graduation?
As I approach graduation, I'm feeling excited for what the future hold. Taking this next step in life will be a new experience and I know I will be able to use what I've learned in my classes and on-campus job to become a successful graphic designer/artist.
Double Major in Chemistry & Biology From Kodiak, AK
What are your plans after graduation?
I got accepted in BHSU's accelerated master program called project second. I will get a master in Secondary Education in 1 year here at BHSU and hope to get certified to teach high school chemistry!
What was I involved with on campus?
I was a part of the Cross country and Track team and will continue to compete for BHSU as I pursue my masters! I am also a part of Campus Ventures which is a college ministry here at BHSU and is a great way to surround yourself with fellow Christian's to figure out life and faith.
What's your favorite memory at Black Hills State?
My favorite memory of Black Hills State University is taking a PE class my senior year. It was PE 263 with Professor Chris McCart. This class was an introduction to teaching outdoor skills and activities for a professional physical educator. This class taught me a lot of useful outdoor skills and gave me the ability to learn how to teach outdoor skills and activities to younger kids in the future. We got to experience a lot of these outdoor skills and activities within the class. We did an orienteering unit and we got to actually go out and do it on a course. We also did a rock-climbing unit, fly fishing unit, challenge course unit and so much more. It was a really engaging and hands-on class and I loved it.
Who is your favorite professor?
Dr. Lamb went over the top not only by his expectations for the quality and quantity of knowledge for all his student to gain from his classes, but he has been a tremendous help in helping me decide what to do in the future.
Environmental Physical Science Major From Saint Paul, MN
What are your plans after graduation?
I plan on moving back to Minnesota or possibly Georgia. I would love to work with soil and soil conservation.
Who is your favorite professor at BHSU?
My favorite professor is Abigail Domagall. I had her for Volcanology, Mineralogy and Petrology, and my Seminar. Professor Domagall is an amazing professor. She knows a lot about her field, and she can answer any question you have related to Environmental Science. She always made class fun and was really engaging with her students. She also helped me set up a summer internship that I did in the summer of 2020.
What's your favorite memory at Black Hills State?
My favorite memory of Black Hills State University is taking a PE class my senior year. It was PE 263 with Professor Chris McCart. This class was an introduction to teaching outdoor skills and activities for a professional physical educator. This class taught me a lot of useful outdoor skills and gave me the ability to learn how to teach outdoor skills and activities to younger kids in the future. We got to experience a lot of these outdoor skills and activities within the class. We did an orienteering unit and we got to actually go out and do it on a course. We also did a rock-climbing unit, fly fishing unit, challenge course unit and so much more. It was a really engaging and hands-on class and I loved it.
What are you feeling as you approach graduation?
I am feeling very nervous to start this next chapter of my life, but also very excited. I have been in school nonstop for 18 years and now I will be done. I am excited to find my path in this world and see where it takes me
Photography Major From Eagle Butte, SD / Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe
What are your plans after graduation?
I would like to say that it's full of many opportunities and possibilities now. I will be expanding my photography business to work alongside other indigenous photographers to represent our own tribes and stories through art. This is only a part of many aspirations I have planned at this time and graduating has opened many of those doors.
What were you involved with on campus?
This Senior year I was Vice President of Lakota Omniciye and Creative Direction in the Center for American Indian Studies NEH Grant Project. It was a great experience to work with a close-knit 'family' of students and build a stronger bond for future indigenous scholars.
Who is your favorite professor at BHSU?
My favorite professor here at BHSU was Steve Babbitt. Although Steve retired, I wouldn't have thought of pursuing photography as a major. He was truly a great mentor in the department.
What will you miss about Black Hills State?
I will miss the Center. I treasured the life-long friendships and community that we have. Getting to rely on each other and truly become that 'home away from home.'
What are you feeling as you approach graduation?
As graduation approaches, I feel cathartic. Tears of happiness and sadness. I am thankful for every connection I've made on this educational journey. Having the support of not only my big family but, everyone back home. After 6 years of struggling to make it to the finish line, I can finally say I am an Indigenous college graduate that is helping break the statistics.
Mass Communications & Corporate Communications Major From Wall, SD
What are your plans after graduation?
After graduation I plan to work as the Community Relations Specialist for Western Dakota Technical College in Rapid City.
What were you involved with on campus?
I was on the Rodeo Team and served as the team's media personnel which kept me very busy! It taught me how to manage my time and stay organized.
Who was your favorite professor at BHSU?
Mary Caton-Rosser. She was my advisor and taught many of my classes throughout my time as a Mass Comm student. She genuinely cared about my successes and would often try to catch up not only with my academic standing, but also with my progress in rodeo and life.