COMMENCEMENT CEREMONIES 
SATURDAY, MAY 7 at 10 AM

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.

Please rise for the presentation of colors by the BHSU ROTC Color Guard.

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.

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.

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?

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.

Would you help me in welcoming our 50 year graduates?

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?

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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--

Or...yes, thank you. Garnett, sorry!

Laurie Nichols: I am pleased to introduce the Black Hills State University Commencement Wind Ensemble, under the direction of Dr. Dave Berberick.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

Let's give them a round of 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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?

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, you should be loud. One. challenge accepted. Two. Yellowjackets. 3...

I don't think so, forget it.

We're gonna do it one more time, because we gotta go. 1, 2, 3...

Excellent, here we go. Here's your challenge--

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!

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.

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.

Laurie Nichols: I think they all deserve a huge round of applause, don't you?

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.

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."

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.

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."

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.

Class of 1972, wow! 50 years, welcome home. It's great to have you here.

Dale Lamphere, congratulations on a well deserved honorary doctorate. Your artwork is amazing. Congratulations.

Sherry Davis, homecoming queen. Your address was awesome, and I, too, want to welcome you home.

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!

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.

Hey, I offer you my personal congratulations, my respect, my best wishes, and go Jackets!

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.

Again, our warmest congratulation, graduates. Enjoy the rest of your day, and come back often. Graduates, faculty, the platform party, we will now process.