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 177th commencement ceremony at Black Hills State University. [Video glitches] ...presentation of colors by the BHSU ROTC. [Video glitches]. Today's ceremony is lead by Dr. Colmenero-Chilberg, professor of sociology, and the 2018 Distinguished Faculty member. Joining her are participants in today's commencement ceremony, and platform party guests, including President Tom Jackson, Jr. and Regent Joan Wink. Also represented are members of the Black Hills State University Administration, the Council of Deans, the Faculty Senate, and the Student Senate. Members of the administration and 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.. [video glitches]. And now it is my pleasure to present the graduates from the class of 2019. Candidates for the master's degree, led by Dr. Ryan Amys, graduate coordinator for secondary education, and Dr. Brain Eberhardt, graduate coordinator for curriculum and instruction. Also led by Dr. Jane Klug, Dean of Students and Mr. Steve Babbitt, professor of mass communication. university honor program graduates, led by Miss Kelly Kirk, director of university honors. Candidates for the baccalaureate degree from the College of Business and Natural Sciences led by Dr. Charlie Lamb, professor of biology and chief research officer, and Dr. Daniel 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 Sciences, led by Dr. Jim Hess, professor of psychology and the chair of the School of Behavioral Sciences, and Dr. Betsy Silva, associate professor of physical education. Candidates for the baccalaureate degree from the College of Liberal Arts, led by Dr. Martin Fashbaugh, associate professor of English, and the chair of School of Arts and Humanities. They are also led by Dr. Daluss Siewert, professor of mathematics and the chair of the School of Mathematics and Social Sciences. Candidates for the associates degree, led by Mr. Skott Chandler, assistant professor of mass communication. Please remain standing for the national anthem performed by BHSU's senior music student, Miss Amy Haun under the direction of Dr. Jonathan Nero. We remind all in attendance that proper respect is to face the flag, stand at attention with your right hand over your heart, Men, we ask that you please remove your 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 remain standing for out opening prayer. I would like to ask Miss Beverley Running Bear, instructor of Lakota language to come forward to share the prayer.
Miss Beverley Running Bear, instructor of Lakota language
[Miss Beverley Running Bear give the opening prayer in Lakota language]
My relatives, good morning. On this day, there are three hundred, over three hundred graduates, and, Creator watching over them as they pursue their lives after this time. And, Creator, watch over them as they go out into the world to pursue their degrees and jobs. For that, "Mitakuye Oyasin" is "we are all related." Amen.
Steve Meeker, Vice President of University Advancement
Thank you, Miss Running Bear. Audience, you may be seated. Ladies and gentlemen, it is my pleasure to introduce to you the Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs, right here [video glitches], Dr. Chris Crawford.
Dr. Chris Crawford, Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs
Good morning. I am honored to introduce the members of our platform party. Will each of you please stand for a moment as I call your name. Please hold your applause until the end. Black Hills State University President, Dr. Tom Jackson Jr. Regent Joan Wink, who's the ceremonial representative of the South Dakota Board of Regents. Dr. Brett Theeler, the 2001 Black Hills State University alumnus. Dr. Courtney Huse-Wika, who's an associate professor of English and the 2019 Distinguished Faculty Member. Dr. Amy Fuqua, the Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Director of graduate studies. Dr. Sharman Adams, who is Dean of the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences. Dr. Greg Farley, Dean of the College of Business and Natural Sciences. Dr. Rodney Custer, chair of the School of Education. Dr. John Dixon, associate professor of communication. Dr. Dan Durban, professor of physics. Dr. Michael Zahfus, professor of chemistry. Miss April Meeker, our registrar. Miss Micheline Nelson, assistant professor of math and science education, and director of field experiences. Dr. Priscilla Romkema, who's an associate professor of business and former Dean of the College of Business and Natural Sciences. Dr. Laura Colmenero-Chilberg, professor of sociology, and the 2018 Distinguished Faculty Member. Dr. Lois Flagstad, Vice President for Enrollment and Student Affairs. Miss Kathy Johnson, Vice President for Finance and Administration. Mr. Steve Meeker, Vice President for University Advancement. Dr. Cheryl Anagnopoulos, professor of psychology and Faculty Senate President. And Miss Hannah Neumiller, Student Senate President.
[Applause]
Graduates, now is an appropriate to recognize a group who have been your partners in this journey. They provided mentorship, encouragement, and possibly some prodding as you completed your coursework. Would you please show your appreciate to the faculty for their efforts.
[Applause]
Thank you Black Hills faculty. Please help me welcome to the podium the tenth president of Black Hills State University, Dr. Tom Jackson Jr.
Dr. Tom Jackson Jr., BHSU President
Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. To the families and graduates, congratulations. Congratulations on completing your course requirements because now you join a small group of people, those who call themselves college graduates. That distinction is important because society places great value in your success as a college graduate. Society is invested in you and your education in hope, in a sincere hope, that you will do all you can to better this world. You carry this responsibility, this duty, and this obligation. Now you do not need to be amazing no do you need to be great. You honestly just have to genuinely care and own the trust that society has in you. The trust that we have in you, and the trust that I have in you as your University President. Now we didn't get here alone, whether you knew it or now, you have provided enormous inspiration and hope to your family. Today, they are here to see you walk across the stage with pride. You matter to them more than you could ever imagine. So to the parents, the guardians, and grandparents of our graduates today, please stand if you are able as we honor and thank you for your support. Parents, guardians, and grandparents, please stand.
[Applause]
Black Hills State University is a special place where anything is possible. As a BH graduate, inspire us. Inspire us through your words, your actions, your work, your family, and your dreams. As a BH graduate, engage us. Engage us through your faith, your integrity, your commitment to others, and your involvement in your community. As a BH graduate, be innovative. Be innovative through your sincere efforts, your openness to ideas, and to just trying. Lastly, as a BH graduate, imagine. Imagine a world that is safe. Imagine a world that is free from ailments and poverty, and is filled with hope and kindness. Now graduates, now alums, you represent the absolute best Black Hills State University has to offer. We are proud of you and so hopeful for your continued success. So again, congratulations. And never, ever, ever, forget your alma mater, Black Hills State University.
[Applause]
Dr. Chris Crawford, Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs
As part of today's ceremony, it is fitting that we recognize the faculty and directors who are retiring. I'm pleased to announce the awarding of emeritus status and a special resolution. Please come forward as I call your name and join President Jackson on the lower stage for the presentation of your award. Audience, please hold your applause until all awards have been received. Dr. Rodney Custer, professor in the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences and chair of the School of Education. Dr. Custer has eight years of dedicated service to Black Hills State University, five as Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. Dr. John Dixon, associate professor of chemistry. Dr. Dixon has 12 years of dedicated service to Black Hills State University. Building an accomplished research program and developing and delivering curriculum in organic chemistry. Dr. Dan Durban, professor of physics, and NCAA faculty representative. Dr. Durban has 26 years of dedicated service to Black Hills State University, publishing more than 20 papers on topics ranging from particle physics to sports science and agriculture. Ms. Micheline Nelson, assistant professor of math and science education and director of field experiences. Ms. Nelson has 20 years of dedicated service to Black Hills State University. She has served as faculty senate president, intake coordinator, South Dakota Science Teacher's Association President, and as the South Dakota representative for the National Council of Supervisors of Mathematics. Dr. Priscilla Romkema, an associate professor in the College of Business and Natural Sciences. Dr. Romkema has more than 20 years of dedicated service to Black Hills State University, serving as department chair, director for the Center for Business Entrepreneurship, and as Dean of the College of Business and natural sciences. And, Dr. Michael Zahfus, professor of chemistry. Dr. Zahfus has 21 years of dedicated service to the university, publishing papers on topics ranging from quantifying alpha and beta acids in hops, to deep underground lab water analysis, to biochemical analysis of Great Lake fish.
[Applause]
Today we are also honoring a distinguished faculty member selected by her peers and recognized by the South Dakota Board of Regents for her excellence in teaching, research, and service. The honoree is Dr. Courtney Huse-Wika. Will you please join President Jackson on the lower stage. Courtney is an associate professor of English, and a published author. Dr. Huse-Wika joined the Black Hills faculty in 2010. She spearheaded the development of Black Hills State University's creative writing minor, and launched the popular Geek Speaks lecture series. She has served as director of the university honors program, and director of the writing center, and was founding editor of the journal of undergraduate research on creative activity. Today, we join with the South Dakota Board of Regents in congratulating Dr. Huse-Wika, and expressing interest for her example of excellence in education.
[Applause]
As part of today's ceremony, we are pleased to recognize Dr. Brett Theeler with the awarding of an honorary doctorate of science. 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 exemplarily achievements within their field of endeavor. Dr. Theeler, will you please join President Jackson and myself on the lower stage for the presentation of the award.
Unnamed individual at podium, platform party
Dr. Brett Theeler graduated from Black Hills State University in 2001 with a degree in biology. He went on to the Uniform Services University in Bethesda, Maryland, where he completed a medical degree in 2005. A neurologist and fellowship-trained neuro oncologist, Dr. Theeler is a lieutenant cornel in the United States Army Medical Corps, and currently serves as deputy chief of the department of neurology at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. He also serves as associate program director for the Neurology Residency of the National Capital Consortium, associate professor of neurology at the Uniform Services University, and as a clinical collaborator in the National Cancer Institute Neuro-oncology Branch. He is the principle investigator on brain cancer clinical trials at Walter Reed, and the coinvestigator in multiple clinical trials at the National Cancer Institute. In support of Operation Enduring Freedom, Dr. Theeler served in Afghanistan as a TBI Neurologist at Bagram Air Force Base in 2013. Please join me in congratulating Dr. Brett Theeler, and help me welcome him to the podium to say a few words.
Dr. Brett Theeler, Honorary Doctorate Recipient, class of 2001
"Wow. As a kid at heart from Mitchell, South Dakota, this is a lot to take in. I do remember being a graduate, sitting down there, and I know what I was thinking. I wanted the guy sitting up here to get on with it so I could get onto the party with my friends and family. I know that many of you feel the same, we're going to get through this together, okay? President Jackson, the Black Hills State University administration, faculty, the class of 1969, friends, family, graduates- I'm truly humbled. I want to take this unique opportunity to also thank Joseph and Martha Nelson, and the Nelson family. I was honored to be the first four-year recipient of the Nelson scholarship in science and mathematics at Black Hills State. I will forever be a BH alum, and a Nelson scholar. So I left Black Hills and I went and joined the Army. I've spent the last 18 years in the United States Army Medical Corps. There have been ranked titles and accomplishments, and important lessons learned along the way. None of that tells you who I am or how I got here today. It all started for me here in the halls of Black Hills State. When this kind of things happens to you, you can't help but look back and ask yourself, "How and why?" And for me, I always circle back to my professors here at Black Hills State. It make surprise you that someone with as little hair on his head could actually have professors that are still here. But I do. I do think that's a testament to what a wonderful place this is to be. Dr. Zahfus taught me biochemistry. Happy retirement Dr. Z. Dr. Shane Sarver taught me genetics. Dr. Brian Smith taught me about statistics. Dr. Smith, if you're listening, your tests still give me nightmares. I'm a neurologist and I've dedicated my life to the care of patients who have diseases of the central nervous system. My neuroscience professor, Dr. Charles Lamb, had a profound impact on my life. His tests were pretty darn hard too. Dr. Lamb, I want a second shot at that first semester on physiology final. I needed over a 90 to get an A. I didn't even get close. I guess it still haunts me. But it's not the hard tests that I really remember. I remember my neuroscience class, my absolute favorite class of my entire life at any level of education. I remember that we would go to the old Jonas science building, not nearly as nice as it is now and today. We would sit in one of the classrooms and why would we study in the classroom when we could go to the library or somewhere else? It's because Dr. Lamb would frequently, you know, he'd poke in his head and ask if we had questions. And if we did, he'd go to the board and he'd answer them for us, well after business hours, mind you. When you have faculty that care that much about your education, something changes inside of you. For me, I stopped trying to understand what I was learning, and I tried to master it. I didn't leave Black Hills State University with aspirations, I left with a professional destiny. Graduates, that's now yours. To Dr. Lamb, all of the faculty who taught me, and all of the faculty that are here today, thank you so much for doing what you do. Thank you for dedicating your life to the education of these graduates. I wish I had better words to express my gratitude. I'm a neuro-oncologist. I take care of patients who have incurable types of brain cancer. Unfortunately, the most common type of brain cancer is called glioblastoma. For point of reference, this is type of cancer that recently took senator John McCain from us. Unfortunately, most of my patients will eventually pass away from their cancer. It's also important to point out that my patients don't fail cancer therapy. My cancer therapy fails them. And that is a stark reality to face again and again. The point is that I have experience with failure- repeated, disappointing, heart-wrenching failure. And I have some advice that I feel could help you. So here we go, Dr. Theeler's three-point process for dealing with failure: 1) Celebrate the small stuff. Finishing a year of chemotherapy or even just being alive on a beautiful day can be a reason for a hug, for a celebration, or a small party. You can't save happiness for only the greatest of success. Celebrate the small stuff, because the rough stuff might be just around the corner. It is my patients and their families that have taught me this more so than anyone else, and I cerebrate the small stuff with my patients whenever I can. 2) Surround yourself with people who will support you when you fail. I work with doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals, and we console each other. We laugh, we curse, and we cry when caring for patients with the worst afflictions of mankind. They get me through some tough times, and I hope I do the same things for them. The person who is there for you when you fail repeatedly is worth their weight in gold, and is worthy of the same treatment from you. The person who is not, is not worth your time. 3) You have to learn to deeply analyze and understand your failure, but at the same time, you have to allow yourself to move on. I have to be completely honest, doing what I do, I am still a work-in-progress here. But I have learned that deep reflection on my failure is not acceptance of that failure. And that moving on isn't giving up, but a necessity. Failure's going to hurt. Sometimes it's going to hurt badly. But if you celebrate the small stuff, surround yourself with people who will support you, you will find that after awhile, failure turns into something else completely. It turns into motivation to do better and to be better. For me, that means flying out of bed early in the morning and I'm turning my attention immediately to the patients that i have to take care off, spending the extra time to work out that clinical trial that may help my future patients. Graduates, you will overcome your failures too, and you will turn them into something better. I am a Black Hills State University alumni. I have memories of this place that will last me a lifetime. I had near perfect attendance at the upside down margarita party at Swarm Days.
[Audience laughs]
I made eight three-pointers and a win against South Dakota Tech. I made the best friends that I've ever made here, and most importantly, I met my beautiful wife, Stephanie, when I was a freshman in Heide Hall. But the interesting part of my story has been written. Look, we aren't graduates of some bland state school in Brookings, or Vermillion, or somewhere else, okay?
[Audience laughs]
You guys weren't supposed to laugh there, so, okay. When you leave this place, the further that you go there's, a very small chance that anyone's going to ever have heard of Black Hills State University, or have any idea where Spearfish, South Dakota is on a map. But graduates, I'm telling you now that they aren't going to see you coming. A few more things- be an involved alumni because I think you will find it's rewarding. Send your kids to school here- Braden, Allison, and my niece, M.J., I'm talking to you. And finally, tell everybody who will listen about the wonderful place that you went to school. All right graduates, we got through it. You're a few minutes closer to party time. So in closing, go jackets. Beat tech. Thank you.
Dr. Chris Crawford, Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs
Thank you, Dr. Theeler. I'm pleased to introduce Black Hills State University senior music student, Miss Amy Haun to sing "May it Be".
[Singing of "May it Be"]
[Applause]
At this time, I'd like to ask Captain Jeremy DeLoach to come forward for the conferring of commissions.
Captain Jeremy DeLoach
First of all, I'd like to say thank you to all the graduates here today, what a great accomplishment. Secondly, these two fine gentlemen standing in front of you today are two of my ROTC cadets who are not only graduating, but will be commissioned as second lieutenants of the United States Army today. I have David Oerlline on your left, and Jered Kovall-Scarlett on your right. Here in a second I will give them- [applause] Round of applause please.
I will read them their oath of office and swear them into the United States Army. Please turn around. Raise your right hand and repeat after me. [repetitions by graduates are unintelligible.]
"I, state your full name." "Do solemnly swear." "That I will support and defend." "The constitution of the United States of America." "Against all enemies, foreign and domestic." "That I bear true faith and allegiance to the same." "That I take this obligation freely." "Without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion." "And that I will well and faithfully discharge." "The duties of the office which I am about to enter." "So help me God." Congratulations.
[Applause]
Dr. Chris Crawford, Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs
It is my pleasure to ask Dr. Colmenero-Chilberg, the 2018 Distinguished Faculty Member to come forward and deliver the charge to the graduates.
Dr. Laura Colmenero-Chilberg, 2018 Distinguished Faculty Member
Good morning. I'm Dr. Laura Colmenero-Chilberg, and I'm professor of sociology here at Black Hills State University. I had the honor in 2018 to be selected Distinguished Professor, and one of the gifts that I received was the opportunity to speak at this years commencement. Those students who have had me as a professor are well aware that I am rarely without something to say. But as I began to write this speech, I struggled to find words that would be meaningful. To be perfectly honest, I have four degrees, and I don't remember a single word anyone said at any of those graduations. So, I wanted to try and find something worthwhile, and maybe even memorable to say. As the time to give my speech drew closer, I sat down at my desk, poised and ready to type those wise words of wisdom. I stared at the empty computer screen. Nothing. I thought maybe I'd switch to paper. So I sat down with my favorite pen and my notebook, anticipating the elegant prose that would soon slow from me. Still, nothing. I turned on music, more nothing. I tried total quiet. Nothing. And I started to panic. What now had become my war with the speech, I thought, "Okay, let's try a new tactic." I thought about all the great thinkers I've read during my many years of education and teaching. Should I use Shakespeare? Emily Dickenson? Mark Twain? How about the wisdom of great sociologists like Marx and Durkheim? Did I try to quote Martin Luther King Jr.? John F. Kennedy? Mother Theresa? Should I read a poem? Quote an essay? Act out part of a play? Sing a song? By this point, I was really getting myself worked up. Frightened that when the day of commencement arrived, I would not represent a distinguished professor, but instead, I would experience a real life occurrence of that dreadful nightmare I have had every single year since I started teaching in 1980. The one where I stand there in front of the class in my nightgown. Thank goodness I wasn't at least naked. A class I didn't know I had been assigned with nothing prepared. No books, no syllabus, without the faintest idea of what I was going to say or do. Only this wouldn't be a nightmare, everyone would know that I was an imposter. Terror engulfed me. Then, I paused. And I realized there was a whisper in my head slowly growing louder. I listened, and I hear it say, "That's it, Laura." Wasn't it? You'd had that dream for almost 40 years, always terrified. And yet, you show up every class everyday of course not counting snow, illness, or surgery. You're prepared. You're excited. And you're ready to share with students what you consider interesting and important. Maybe you should ask yourself why? So I did. And I realized that I always showed up because I am passionate about teaching and learning. I'm that nerd that still gets excited every August knowing that school will be starting again in a few weeks. I gather all of my books, my binders, my handouts. I create syllabi and notes in anticipation of the new semester. I love teaching. Or as the great mythologist Joseph Campbell names it, teaching is my bliss. And I realized that's what I want to share with you today. The importance of finding that one thing in your life that you approach with joy and anticipation. That causes that inner light to burn brightly within you. Sometimes it takes a while to find that passion. There's sideroads and detours. I spent a delightful three years in New York City working in publishing. It was a wonderful experience, but it somehow wasn't exactly the right thing. Sometimes the direct route has orange cones around it screaming, "Under construction!" You might need to wait until someone builds that road before you're able to travel it. Or maybe you'll be the one to build it. You won't always find that passion or that bliss in that hometown that you find so safe and so comfortable. Even though your parents probably found there's there. Instead, you may need to take a chance and travel out into that large and at times scary world. And sometimes, like Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz, you won't recognize that your bliss was always in that hometown. But you were unable to see that before you experience that larger world. Then, like Dorothy, your challenge may be to find your way home again. No single person's bliss will match anyone else's. In my case, my work is my passion. And my mother's her bliss was her family. Others find it in their religion, their writing, their volunteering, in nature, or in a myriad of other areas. The important thing is to realize that we all have that light burning deep within us. And we need to find what makes it burn bright and grow. We need to nurture that passion, believe in it, and be brave enough to follow it. And, by the way, I want to give a shoutout to Erin Atkins and Andy Haeger. Erin and Andy, you out there somewhere? Yeah? Okay. Who when I thought I had grown weary of teaching this semester reminded me of why it was that I do what I do. After you return from your trip to Botswana, you reenergized me with the excitement you showed for sociology and how it truly does explain our world. Thank you. Does everyone find their passion? Unfortunately, no. Some are not brave enough to venture out. Some know where to find it, but they decide to wait a while, to put up with a life that they are less that passionate about about, for just a while mind you. But then they never actually make a journey. Slowly, their life fades, never totally going out, but becoming almost invisible. Don't ignore the search for your own bliss, and hopefully, you will find, like I, that when you look back on your life, to paraphrase one of my favorite poems, Robert Frost "The Road Not Taken", somewhere ages and ages hence, two roads diverged in a wood, and you? You took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference. You have completed something marvelous today. You are a college graduate. You have learned much, you have a degree, and you are poised to begin the rest of your life journey. In closing, I want to leave you with just a few words of wisdom from another of my all-time favorite authors. See if you can guess who it is. You're on your own. And you know what you know. And you are the only one who decides where to go. You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You're off to great places. Today is your day. Your mountain is waiting, so get on your way! Thank you, and congratulations to the graduates of 2019.
Dr. Chris Crawford, Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs
We're privileged to have Regent Joan Wink, you will bring you greetings from the South Dakota Board of Regents.
Regent Joan Wink, Ceremonial Representative from the South Dakota Board of Regents
Good morning, Dr. Jackson, honored guests, faculty, staff, families, and students. I'm really delighted to be here with you today, and I am the final speaker, too. I want to thank you for all each of you do to get us here today. I'm just finishing my third year now with the Board of Regents, and I want you to know they're really a fabulous group of people, and I am honored to be a part and to be able to contribute and pay back in this state. As you know, I was assigned this year to be your ceremonial representative, which is a fabulous assignment for me. Black Hills State University truly has been my happy place since I was a little girl when my Grammy and Grampy lived down here on Main Street in the house that is now the quilt factory. And the highlight of visiting Grammy and Grampy was always to get a picnic basket packed and come up here to what is your football field and track area now for our picnic. And we kids could run in the creek and then we could have Grammy's picnic. And since those days, this has been my happy place. And BH grads, that's what I want for you. I want this to be your happy place and I want you to have happy memories like Dr. Theeler does. For many years, I taught at Cal State, and when I retired, I was lucky enough to come here to be an adjunct, part-time, faculty. And I loved those students, one if whom is graduating here today. And it was like I couldn't believe I was able to come back to Spearfish, the place I loved so much. I was the sort of kid who grew up on both sides of the river. I went to school in Mobridge. Go tigers. That's on the east side of the river. However, our ranch was on the west side of the river near Howes. Three people lived there. We lived near there, and I know all three of those people. But the trouble with we river kids is we never know what time it is. And we're always an hour early, or an hour late. And it's happening again in my life as I run back and forth to Pierre. Sometimes my little IPhone changes as I cross the river, and sometimes it doesn't, so it doesn't know either. Well the good thing is we river kids know all about east river and west river. And this all came to haunt me when I first met my husband when I was 18, Dean Wink, sitting over here. We were at Yankton College, those were the years when it was a college, not a federal prison. It was a great college. And anyway, Wink asked me to dance. We were 18 the very first night we were on campus. It was awkward and we were nervous. And I do recall our first conversation. I foolishly asked him where he was from, and he told me a farm in Iowa. Now, I was raised on a ranch in South Dakota, and I knew there was nothing worse than farmers from Iowa.
[Audience laughs]
So we ask each other a few more questions about, you know, churches, political perspectives, or just perspectives. And actually, we didn't match on much then either, but apparently it didn't hurt us because that was well over 50 years ago. You know, there is something about us in South Dakota now. We're all trying to define what intellectual diversity is. But in our home, we don't define it. We live it everyday. Families, I want to give a special shoutout to you. You have made it and we honor all of your sacrifices. Your babies are really going to leave you now. And we know you hate it, and we know you love it. But if your experiences are anything like ours, your kids will be boomerangs. They'll out and they'll come back, and they'll go out and they'll come back. So don't throw out that old couch yet. And they will keep leaving their pets with you. Okay, graduating seniors, I wish you the very, very best, and I know that you have cleverly arranged to graduate into real life in 2019. This is the year when we're all learning this new word: adulting. Even my spellcheck doesn't know adulting yet, but fortunately, I know all about adulting. It's like going from failure to failure and never loosing your enthusiasm for life. Graduates, I would wish for each of you a bright and shiny super highway of life. And I promise you, on that highway of life there are going to be potholes, bumps, twists, turns, and detours. It's called adulting. And we of my generation have carelessly left a few messes and problems strewn around on that highway for you. And the God's truth is I have every confidence that you can fix each of them. You're learning will not end today on your graduation. Like Dr. Laura, I love learning. But you know what? Sometimes learning involves change. And every now and then, change can be very, very annoying. Actually, your learning is going to continue and maybe even at a faster pace than here at my happy place. Recently, I was interviewed by a student at Faith High School. Her name was Cody. She had a senior project and she had to write a story about me. I haven't read the story. And, during the last interview she asked me one question very seriously, and it kind of took my breathe away. She said, "Joan, if you had one bit of advice for me, what would that be?" And I love this young women. I love her family. And the weight of that question kind of hung on my shoulders. I looked her in the face and I said, "Cody, be Cody. To thy owe self be true. Just be Cody, find yourself before the world gets ahold of you. Be you." And BH, that's what I say to you. BH, be you. Or, as Dolly Parton would say, "Figure out who you are and then do it on purpose." And now, by the authority vested in my by the constitution of the state of South Dakota, I hereby deligate to President Tom Jackson the right to confer degrees and diplomas with all the rights, privileges, and responsibilities thereto appertaining contingent upon the completion of all requirements. My very best.
Dr. Chris Crawford, Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs
Graduates, we're at the moment for which you have been preparing for the last several years. As you cross the stage and receive your diploma, please remember the importance of what you've achieved. You're now part of an elite group. Congratulations on reaching this milestone. Family and friends of graduates, as a courtesy to the students who are graduating, as well as the people sitting near you, please remain in the arena until the conclusion of the ceremony. Life Touch Special Events will be taking professional photographs which will be available for online purchase one week following the ceremony. Their website is given on the inside cover of your program. Graduates, please stand. President Jackson, I have the honor to present the candidates who have fulfilled all of the requirements for the associate's, bachelor's, and master's degree. On behalf of the faculty, I present them to you as fully qualified to receive their diploma.
Dr. Tom Jackson Jr., 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 associate's, bachelor's, and master's, degree with all of the rights, privileges, and responsibilities appertaining thereto. Please be seated.
Will the candidates for the master's degree please rise and come forward to receive their diploma.
[Students receive master's degrees]
Dr. Chris Crawford, Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs
The next group of student's who will be asked to come forward are graduating from the university's honors program. They will receive a medallion symbolizing their distinction as university scholars. Will the honors program graduates please rise and come forward.
[Students receive bachelor's degrees and medallions]
I would like to present Dr. Greg Farley, Dean of the College of Business and Natural Sciences.
Dr. Greg Farley, Dean of the College of Business and Natural Sciences
Will the candidates for the bachelor's degree in the College of Business and Natural Sciences please rise and come forward to receive your diplomas.
[Students receive bachelor's degrees]
Dr. Chris Crawford, Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs
I would like to present Dr. Sharman Adams, Dean of College of Education and Behavioral Science.
Dr. Sharman Adams, Dean of College of Education and Behavioral Science
Thank you. Will the candidates for the bachelor's degree in the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences please rise and come forward to receive your diplomas.
[Students receive bachelor's degrees]
Dr. Chris Crawford, Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs
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
Would the candidates for the bachelor's degree in the College of Liberal Arts please rise and come forward to receive your diplomas.
[Student's receive bachelor's degrees]
Dr. Chris Crawford, Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs
Will the candidates for the associates degree please rise and come forward to receive your diplomas.
[Students receive associate's degrees]
How about a great big round of applause for our graduates. Academic traditions, such as the symbolism of the tassel and the turning of the class ring are steeped in history. Moving the tassel from the right to the left is symbolic of moving from college to another stage in your life. Changing your class ring to face outward signifies that you've graduated. It's my privilege to ask you to move your tassel from right to left, and for those of your wearing your class ring, to turn your ring to face outward. Congratulations.
[Applause]
Here to bring you greetings from the Black Hills State University Alumni Association is Mr. Steve Meeker, Vice President for Institutional Advancement.
Steve Meeker, Vice President of University Advancement
Thank you, Dr. Crawford. Congratulations class of 2019 and welcome to the Black Hills State University Alumni Association. A special congratulations goes out to our honorary doctorate recipient, Dr. Brett Theeler. I will tell you, Dr. Theeler, we couldn't be more proud and I think in your speech today everybody understands why, so congratulations.
[Applause]
I also want to take this opportunity to congratulate the class of 1969, who's sitting in the front row in gold robes, celebrating their 50th anniversary of graduating from Black Hills State University, which was then Black Hills State College.
[Applause]
At this time, I would like to introduce the members from the class of '69 that are here this morning to join us. And I would ask that they please stand to be recognized when I read your name. I would ask the audience to please hold your applause until I have introduced all of members of the class. Bruce Brunner. Dennis Chowen. Connie Morrissey Erickson. Janet Batchelder Fernau. Jim Hood. Beverly Wilson Marion. Clair F. Maynard, Jr. Susan Lynn Maynard. Bruce Morgan. Olaus Njos. Allan Oberembt. Pat Sparks Parks. Betty Young Peace. Larry Shuck. Linda “Jodie” Simons. Connie Vanvactor White. And Bob Young. Ladies and gentlemen, the class of 1969.
[Applause]
Well ladies and gentlemen, it's that time again. The birds are chirping. The flowers are blooming. And the graduates, the graduates are wondering what the heck they're going to do next, right? Well I will tell you this, graduates. Whatever it is you do next, don't include the word fear. Jeez, I can't talk today, sorry about that. The word fear. You heard Dr. Theeler talk about failing. But the one thing you did not hear him talk about was fear. I, for my job, I meet with a lot of successful alums from Black Hills State. And I will tell you, the majority of the people who are successful take chances. They don't fear fear. So I just want to tell you if you run from fear, your potentially running from the greatest opportunity in your life, so please do not do that. You now have a Black Hills State Degree and you're prepared to take on the world. To get this degree, many of you spent the last 4-6 years at Black Hills State. The question that I have for each and every one of you, during that 4-6 years, how many of you washed your bed sheets? There's a few. Or, how many of you actually wrote a letter to mom and dad and sent them money? Mom and dad, you like that right? Seriously, you have spent a good majority of your young life here at Black Hills State, but I want you to know it's only the beginning. Now you have started the Black Hills State alumni family. And as Dr. Theeler said, we need your help. We need you to spread the word about the great time that you had here at Black Hills State. We need you to help us recruit students. We need you to lobby the legislature when Black Hills State University or higher education in South Dakota need you to talk to some folks. But we also need you to participate in alumni gatherings and reunions. I think you'll find it real rewarding, so please be involved as an alum. Another way of course to support Black Hills State is through financial resources. Help future students with scholarships so when you become successful, give back and help future students. In closing, I want to tell you to not take life too seriously. The last time I checked, none of us are going to get out of here alive. So don't take it too serious. I believe in laughing. Having a good time is very, very important, so please do that. And as Regent Wink kind of talked about, your parents worst nightmare is that they are driving home today from commencement, they look in the review mirror, and they see you following them home to live in their basement. Don't do that. Go out there and make us proud. Alright? Congratulations, I offer you my personal congratulations, my respect, and my best wishes. Thank you.
[Applause]
Dr. Chris Crawford, Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs
Please join me in recognizing Dr. Symeon Waseen, Dr. Christopher Hahn, and Dr. Jonathan Nero for providing the music for today's ceremony.
[Applause]
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 the graduates and the faculty have existed. Please stand and join us in the singing of our alma mater, which is printed in the back of your program.
[Applause]
Congratulations, graduates. Enjoy the rest of your day. Graduates, faculty, and platform party, we're ready to begin the recessional.
Name, major, and hometown? Baylee LaCompte, Išnála Nážiŋ Wi (Stands Alone Woman), from Standing Rock Nation, McLaughlin, South Dakota. I’m double majoring in American Indian Studies and Human Services.
What were you involved with on campus? Lakota Omniciye and the Thompson Diversion Program as a jury member – that was a great experience because I plan to be a lawyer. I also worked in the Mail Room on campus.
Who is your favorite professor at BHSU? I learned a lot about my culture and my language from Jace DeCory and from the sacred He Sapa, the homeland of the Lakota Nation and other nations as well. Rosie Sprague is my advisor and is from the same reservation as I am. That connection has made me feel at home.
Tell me about your plans after graduation. I plan to attend Arizona State in Tempe where I got accepted into my master’s program for American Indian Studies/Indigenous Rights and Social Justice. I was talking with Dr. Urla Marcus and she helped me look at different programs. The emphasis in justice through my Human Services major and the government and contemporary issues courses I took through American Indian Studies at BHSU, that’s what made me passionate about this field.
What will you miss about Black Hills State? The scenery, the fresh air, and the connection to the land. I’ll miss being able to go hiking whenever I want to like I can now in the Black Hills.
What’s your favorite memory at Black Hills State? Making many pieces of fry bread with my student organization Lakota Omniciye for our Indian Taco Sale to raise funds for the Pow Wow (I have the burn marks to prove it)! I really appreciate the sustainability on campus, recycling and taking care of the Black Hills – home to our sacred sites.
What are you feeling as you approach graduation? I’m graduating with two degrees; it’s a very positive feeling. My mom graduated from BHSU in 1994 and still has her student ID! She will bead my graduation cap in my regalia colors. I’m a jingle dress dancer so it will be blue, yellow, orange, and black. I will carry forth the teachings that go with wearing the plume during graduation - always being industrious as a woman because women are the backbone of our Nation.
How has BHSU prepared you for your future? Coming from a smaller university has helped me think clearly about what I want to do in the future. My objective is to go back to my reservation, Standing Rock, and be a tribal judge. What I’ve learned from college is it doesn’t matter where you earn your education, it’s how you use that education after you graduate.
Name, major, and hometown? My name is Makenzie Skovlund. I’m from Sturgis, South Dakota, and I am a Special Education major.
Who is your favorite professor at BHSU? Dr. Jessica Zanton. She was always willing to help. I took many classes with her – she’s very knowledgeable and I really connected with her. I’ve talked with Dr. Zanton about the classroom I’ll be teaching in next year; she’s already a great resource for me in that sense, too. In one of her classes I wrote my first-ever Individualized Education Program (IEP). For special education, that’s a huge part of our job. Having the class to practice and her feedback was incredible.
Tell me about your plans after graduation. I accepted a position with Meade School District at the Sturgis Elementary School. I’ll be building an autism classroom, it’s the first in the district. I’ll be building it from the ground up.
What were you involved in during college? I was a program aide at an afterschool program. Because many of my classes were online, I was also able to be a paraprofessional at a school in Sturgis. It was a great opportunity to get hands-on experience while I was going to school.
Tell me about a moment when you experienced growth during college. Student teaching. When you’re in the classroom every day, you realize there is so much that impacts student learning. The biggest thing I realized is that it doesn’t always matter what’s in your lesson plan. If the child is having a bad day, they just need their teacher to be there for them, to give them a hug, and to encourage them. That’s what I learned through student teaching – sometimes the content of your lesson plan is going to take the back burner and you just need to be there for those kids, love them, and be there for their emotional health as well, not only the mental and academic aspects of teaching.
What will you miss about Black Hills State? I think I’ll miss the comradery – having those other special education majors that I can talk to and text. That sense of belonging that I’m a SPED major and I have all these people on my team.
What’s your favorite memory at Black Hills State? I loved homecoming week and going to the football game. BHSU is not a huge school and you still have that “hometown” feel here, along with the college athletics.
How are you feeling as you approach graduation? I feel ready. Black Hills State really prepared me. The education program is wonderful. I’m also a little sad. It’s going to be hard to say goodbye to this chapter and have that new one on the horizon.
How has BHSU prepared you for your future? Having all those opportunities to be in the classroom, even before you get to student teaching, is very helpful. Having the Field Experiences Office at BHSU, Micheline Nelson and Jean Osborn, there for you during the entire process and you can always turn to them with your questions. I’m so thankful I came here. My mom said the same thing – she earned her teaching credential from BHSU. It’s a great program and it really prepares you for your future and your teaching career.
Name, major, and hometown? My name is Jase Wilts. I’m from Morris, Minn., and my major is Mass Communications with an emphasis in Photography.
Who is your favorite professor at BHSU?
Seth Harwood - he’s really relatable with students. The class I took with Seth was Alternative Processes. He’s very down to earth and good at explaining course material.
Tell me about your plans after graduation. I’m going to Iceland with a photography group from BHSU in May. BHSU professors Scott Chandler and Jerry Rawlings are leading the trip. Then I start my job June 3 at Superior Industries as a graphic designer and videographer. Superior is a manufacturing company – they manufacture conveyors mostly for sand and gravel. I had a month-long internship with them last summer. They offered me a full-time job.
Tell me about a moment when you experienced growth during college. The most growth for me was making the decision to transfer to BHSU and pursue what I wanted to do. I went to South Dakota State University for a year-and-a-half for an ag-related major then I got into photography. I looked for programs where I could study photography and saw Black Hills State. I didn’t know the town of Spearfish until I looked it up. I visited Spearfish and loved it.
What will you miss about Black Hills State? I’ll miss being able to go fishing or hiking after class for a little bit before work.
What’s your favorite memory at Black Hills State? For the Senior Show with photo and graphic design students, we were able to hang our photos in the Dahl Arts Center in Rapid City; I actually sold one of those photographs the other day. I also had some black and white photos hung on the walls of Jonas Hall. It’s cool to see people come up close to look at those photos.
How has BHSU prepared you for your future? I worked with Janette Hettick, retention and recruitment specialist in the College of Liberal Arts, to search for internships. I came up with one through Fauna Forever working with Untamed Photography in the Amazon Rainforest in Peru. Janette encouraged me to pursue the internship and my photography professor Jerry Rawlings said I should go for it. I applied and got accepted a couple of weeks later. I flew to Puerto Maldonado, was in the city for a week and then we went into the jungle for 28 days. It’s probably the craziest experience of my life. We went on night walks to find reptiles to photograph. The main skills I learned photographing wildlife – reptiles and frogs that stay still – is focusing on the eye and getting that focus perfect by zooming in. We also helped with a mirror project. The footage was picked up by National Geographic. We helped our coordinator set up a mirror in the rainforest and then a camera right next to the mirror. It recorded the reactions of animals walking by and seeing their reflection in the mirror. Wildlife photography and my internship at Superior were totally opposite experiences, but they gave me different perspectives on what I could do with photography. I won’t have to just be doing one thing for the rest of my life. The photography studio classes at BHSU taught me a lot about light. I have a minor in entrepreneurial studies and those classes taught me about the business field. I was able to find a good balance between photo and business at BHSU.
Name, major, and hometown? Julie Penney, Business Administration - Human Resource Management major from Alliance, Neb.
What were you involved with on campus? I was involved in the Student Advisory Board at BHSU-Rapid City. I really enjoyed being part of the Board and having my and other students voices heard.
Who is your favorite professor at BHSU? Dr. Carrie Stringham. She taught the class very well. She knows what she’s doing because she’s worked in this profession. With me being a little older, when she came into the class - I felt like we clicked right away.
Tell me about your plans after graduation. I just started a job in human resource management in February at Simon in Rapid City. I’m doing exactly what I wanted to do with my degree.
Tell me about a moment you experienced personal growth during college? Growth was more gradual for me. You start out not knowing what to expect in college with the classes, and then you realize, “I can do this.” You gain a confidence as you go through each semester.
What will you miss about Black Hills State? I will miss meeting the professors and the students. When you start a college class there’s a certain anxiousness and excitement. I’ll miss that excitement and being in the classroom.
What’s your favorite memory at Black Hills State? I received a few scholarships from BHSU and when I was given that support it really made me feel good. It showed BHSU was willing to invest in me.
How as BHSU prepared you for your future? A college degree gives you critical thinking skills. Even though I had those skills, I feel a degree sharpens that ability.
What does it mean to you to be a first-generation college student? If you have a dream of getting a degree, it’s not too late. We made sure our kids achieved their college degrees, and I was in college while they were in college, too. It is something that is really special to our family now - a dream fulfilled together.
Name, major, and hometown? My name is Jared Kovall-Scarlett. I’m from Rapid City, South Dakota. My major is Business Administration.
What have you been involved with on campus? On campus I was involved in the Trap Shooting Club, history and cultural classes with international travel, and ROTC (Reserve Officer Training Corps). ROTC has been a huge part of my life here at BHSU: physical training three days a week, going to lab, doing different lanes/tactical exercises. It’s really helped develop my leadership abilities, self-confidence, and provided a great opportunity for me to come to BHSU and start a career in the Army.
Tell me more about your international experiences during college. I traveled on four different BHSU-led international trips and received course credit for each during college. The way I was able to pay for this was through my ROTC Scholarship. ROTC pays my tuition up to $9,999 each semester, and thanks to BHSU’s tuition being low I was able to take a full load of 18-19 credits, also take the international classes and still be under that threshold. I’m graduating debt free. The first place I went was on a service learning trip to Africa. We went on a safari, did a bike ride around Johannesburg, experienced the local life and culture, and then traveled to Gaborone, Botswana, where we taught three days in a secondary school. After Africa I went to Italy for a food, culture and history class. I then went to China over the summer. I took language and cultural classes at China Three Gorges University. I was in tears after that, I made many good friends from China, Korea, and Italy that summer. Then in the fall, I went to the Philippines for another international service learning course. Interacting with all these different cultures and people really expanded my worldview. Before I went to college I was more narrow-minded. Getting a new perspective on global issues and how others approach world issues really benefited me. Taking that into the Army – a multicultural and global organization, we have hundreds of military bases around the world – already having interactions with different cultures will give me a one-up over my colleagues.
Who is your favorite professor at BHSU? All of them have contributed something to my education and I really appreciate every single professor for teaching me and helping develop me as a person. I especially appreciate Dr. Courtney Huse Wika. She was director of the University Honors Program and my advisor. I’ve taken many of her classes and went to Italy with her for a cultural class. I’ll also give a shout-out to the cadre for ROTC: Captain Jeremy DeLoach and Nadim Antar. They’ve both developed me as a person and as a future Army Officer. Without them I would not be where I am today.
Tell me about your plans after graduation. I’ll be going into the active duty Army. I’ll be stationed in Fort Drum, N.Y., and have a four-year commitment. In the Army I’ll be a transportation officer – basically that’s moving things: ammunition, water, fuel. Once I graduate on May 4 I’ll go to Fort Lee in Virginia for 16 weeks to learn how to do my job. I’ll be graduating without any debt and the military gave me a monthly stipend throughout school. My mom was in the National Guard, my dad was in the Air Force, my grandpa was in the Army. We have a long family history of serving our country and I will continue that tradition.
Tell me about a moment when you experienced growth during college. In ROTC we have Field Training Exercises where BHSU, South Dakota School of Mines & Technology, and Chadron State College in Nebraska get together to do different tactical lanes. During that I was Platoon Sergeant and it really tested all I’d learned through ROTC and molded me into the leader I am today.
What will you miss about Black Hills State? I’ve really enjoyed the sense of community with all the students at BHSU. I’ve made a lot of connections. The area is beautiful, the Black Hills, the small town community – I’ve found that really comforting. I was also 45 minutes away from my hometown which was also nice. I’ll be going away here soon to the Army, a much different world.
What’s your favorite memory at Black Hills State? Going out in the Hills and hiking with friends. I remember my freshman year, everyone was so welcoming, I made a lot of friends that way – piling into a car, driving out into the Hills, and finding a place to hike. I’ll miss that so much.
How has BHSU prepared you for your future? I feel like Black Hills State has definitely prepared me for my future, although what I’m going into next will be a different environment. I feel like we have such a diverse student body and faculty. I’ve been able to experience different cultures despite being in small town South Dakota. I feel like that’s really given me an advantage.
Name, major, and hometown? Luis Bach, Exercise Science major from Rodenburg, Germany
What were you involved with on campus? Most of my extra time was spent with the football team. I was offered a scholarship to play football at BHSU and the majority of my day was spent in class, in the weight room or on the practice field. After my final football season I got involved with Student Support Services. I was a tutor for a couple of classes. I also worked over the summers for the grounds crew at BHSU.
Who is your favorite professor at BHSU? Dr. Daniel Jensen from the Exercise Science Department. He made classes fun and interactive. He’s a cool guy to be around and very knowledgeable. Another professor would be Dr. Ashley Pfieffer. She had a fun nickname for me. I brought grilled cheese sandwiches for breakfast on the first day of class, and from that day on I was known as “Grilled Cheese Man.”
Tell me about your plans after graduation. I got an internship at Stanford University in California for strength and conditioning. I’ll help the Athletic Department with development of the athletes there and get more into the field of exercise science. I used the knowledge I gained in the exercise science program at BHSU during the interview for this internship.
Tell me about a moment you experienced personal growth during college? Last October I tore my ACL and MCL, two ligaments in my right knee. That was a hard reality to take in. The first couple weeks I was pretty down. But all then with all the people at BHSU – the support staff, the coaches, players, other students – it helped me to get past that stage and look more to the future. Bad things are going to happen and you have to learn how to deal with them. I used what I learned from playing football and being a student at BHSU, taking it one day at a time. I can see myself being more grownup from that experience.
What will you miss about Black Hills State? Definitely the Hills. My favorite hike is Crow Peak. The hiking, being out in nature, walking on campus in the morning or after workouts – seeing the sunrise and sunset from campus. It’s a really relaxed place with a great atmosphere.
What’s your favorite memory at Black Hills State? My first year here in 2016 we played Colorado Mesa University in football. They were ranked #13 in the nation at the time. We were able to pull off the upset and beat them by 14 points. That day, walking off the field knowing you’ve done something that has never been done at BHSU, was amazing.
What are you feeling as you approach graduation? Excitement. I’ve accomplished the things I wanted to accomplish in college and now it’s time for me to step into life. I leave Spearfish with a smile.
How has BHSU prepared you for your future? It helped me by having real relationships with people. I went to the University of Wyoming first - that’s where I started my college career. It was different being at a bigger school. I didn’t really know much about the professors there. You’d just show up, do your thing, that’s it. Whereas here, I interact with the professors. They know me as a person. Dr. Daniel Jensen is helping with my rehab for the knee injury. Having people here who care about you, that’s what I’m taking forward as I build relationships in the future.
Nearly 400 graduates will be recognized during the 177th Black Hills State University Commencement Ceremony. View the list of graduates. The spring commencement ceremony is at 10 a.m. Saturday, at the Donald E. Young Sports and Fitness Center on the BHSU campus. An honorary doctorate will be bestowed upon Lt. Col. Brett Theeler, MD, a 2001 graduate of BHSU, who serves as deputy chief of the Department of Neurology at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. Read Article
Nearly 400 graduates will be recognized during the 177th Black Hills State University Commencement Ceremony. View the list of graduates. The spring commencement ceremony is at 10 a.m. Saturday, at the Donald E. Young Sports and Fitness Center on the BHSU campus. An honorary doctorate will be bestowed upon Lt. Col. Brett Theeler, MD, a 2001 graduate of BHSU, who serves as deputy chief of the Department of Neurology at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. Read Article
