Congratulations 2018 Graduates! 🐝

Nearly 180 students will graduate during BHSU fall commencement Dec. 8

Nearly 180 candidates for graduation will be recognized during the 176th Black Hills State University commencement ceremony. View the full list of graduates.

The fall commencement ceremony begins at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 8 at the Donald E. Young Sports and Fitness Center on the BHSU campus. The public is invited to attend and celebrate the students’ achievements. Degrees to be awarded include 6 master’s degrees, 156 bachelor’s degrees, and 16 associate’s degrees.

Dr. Chris Crawford, provost and vice president for academic affairs at BHSU; Dr. Joan Wink, with the South Dakota Board of Regents; and Wyatt Osthus, president of the BHSU Student Senate; will offer greetings to the graduates. BHSU President Dr. Tom Jackson, Jr., with the assistance of April Meeker, registrar at BHSU, will present diplomas to the graduation candidates.

Lauren Beyersdorf, president of the BHSU Alumni Association and title examiner at Black Hills Title Company, will welcome graduates into the community of more than 17,000 university alumni.

The National Anthem and “Hymn to BHSU” will be performed by the BHSU Chamber Singers under the direction of Dr. Jonathan Nero, professor of music. The processional and recessional will be performed by Dr. Symeon Waseen, associate professor of music, and Dr. Christopher Hahn, assistant professor of music.

The fall 2018 commencement ceremony will be broadcast live at http://www.BHSU.edu/Classof2018 for those who are unable to attend. BHSU encourages attendees to share their commencement story on social media with the hashtag #BHSU2018 in Twitter, Facebook and Instagram posts. A photo gallery from the ceremony will be available at http://photos.BHSU.edu after Monday, Dec. 10.

All graduates are listed in the attached Excel document by hometown or current residence. Degrees are indicated by the following: MS, master of science; BA, bachelor of arts; BGS, bachelor of general studies; BS, bachelor of science; BSED, bachelor of science in education; AA, associate of arts; and AS, associate of science.

Bachelor degree candidates who graduated with honors are noted by the following designations: Cum Laude, grade point average (GPA) 3.5 to 3.699; Magna Cum Laude, GPA of 3.7 to 3.899; and Summa Cum Laude, GPA of 3.9 or higher. Associate degree candidates who graduated with honors are noted by the following designations: With Honor, GPA of 3.5 to 3.699; with High Honor, GPA of 3.7 to 3.899; and with Highest Honor, GPA of 3.9 or higher.

The candidate graduating from the University Honors Program is noted by the following designation: University Scholar, a four-year comprehensive Honors program with an emphasis on undergraduate research and creative scholarship.  

View the full list of graduates by hometown.

About Black Hills State University

Black Hills State University is a masters-level state university with more than 4,000 students. The campus leads the region in sustainability efforts and maintains top academic programs in business (AACSB Accredited), exercise science, natural sciences, social sciences, the arts, mass communication, health sciences and education. The University, founded in 1883, is located in the northern Black Hills, a region abundant with outdoor activity and culture. Spearfish, S.D., is recognized as one of the top 10 most livable small towns in the USA and has also been recognized nationally for outdoor recreational opportunities. A second location, BHSU-RC, was recently established in Rapid City, the state’s second largest city. BHSU, a member of NCAA Division II athletics, offers 14 sports. BHSU has a legacy of champion rodeo teams.

What's next for the Class of 2018 Fall?

I will be teaching Junior High/High School math at the Selby Area School in Selby, SD for the upcoming school year. This summer I will be working at a Bible camp for kids age 8-18.

I am hoping to get a special education teaching position in Casper, WY. I also plan on starting grad school in July of 2018! Making for a busy new school year!

I have accepted a Chemistry teaching job at Rapid City Central High School starting this fall. I am excited to share my love for Chemistry with high school students in the area! I will also be coaching volleyball at the freshman/sophomore level where I can hopefully work with some prospective yellow jackets!! 🐝 My experience at BHSU in academics and athletics has me feeling as prepared and excited as I can be for this major milestone in my life. Thanks BHSU!

I have accepted a position at Rapid City Central High School. I will be teaching freshman Physical Science starting in the Fall. I'm extremely excited for this opportunity. Thank you, BH, for the inspiring professors and for being my home for the past couple of years!

This summer I will be working as a Residential Worker at the Canyon Hills Center. Then in the fall I will be furthering my education at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas as I work towards a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.