NDSU spring commencement ceremony set for May 16

NDSU will celebrate its spring commencement ceremonies on Saturday, May 16, at the Fargodome.

The 10 a.m. ceremony will include graduates from the College of Arts and Sciences, College of Engineering and Interdisciplinary Studies. The 2 p.m. ceremony will recognize graduates from the College of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Natural Resources; College of Business; and College of Health and Human Sciences.

“Commencement is one of the most meaningful moments for our university and the state we serve,” said NDSU Provost Shari Veil. “It is a celebration of our students and all they have accomplished through years of hard work, resilience and growth. Our graduates leave NDSU prepared not only with knowledge and skills, but with a strong sense of purpose. As Bison, they are ready to contribute to their communities, strengthen our workforce and lead in ways that reflect the values of a land-grant institution.”

As of the end of April, approximately 1,475 students are expected to participate in the commencement ceremonies, with 2,107 students eligible for spring graduation.

Paige Sanders, who will be graduating with a degree in environmental engineering, will address the 10 a.m. ceremony. Sanders, who is from Foxboro, Wisconsin, will encourage her fellow graduates to reflect on and celebrate the moments throughout college that have shaped who they are.

Akua Osei-Bonsu, who will be graduating with a master’s in public health, will address the 2 p.m. ceremony. Osei-Bonsu, who is from Nsutam, Ghana, will talk about her journey to NDSU and encourage graduates to think about how their college experiences have shaped their perspectives.

Richard Offerdahl, an NDSU engineering alum and longtime philanthropist, will receive an Honorary Doctorate of Human Letters at the 10 a.m. ceremony. Former North Dakota governor Jack Dalrymple will receive an Honorary Doctor of Agriculture, and his wife, Betsy, will receive an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters at the 2 p.m. ceremony.

The National Anthem will be performed by Emma Erickson at the 10 a.m. ceremony, and Olivia Desing at the 2 p.m. ceremony. NDSU’s school song “The Yellow and the Green” will be performed by Kaitlin Bitzegaio at the 10 a.m. ceremony, and Ellie Knudsvig at the 2 p.m. ceremony.

Erickson, who will be graduating with a degree in vocal music education, is from Fertile, Minnesota; Desing, who will be graduating with a degree in music, is from Barnesville, Minnesota; Bitzegaio, who will be graduating with a degree in music with an emphasis in voice, is from West Fargo; and Knudsvig, who will be graduating with a degree in vocal music education major, is from Buxton, North Dakota.

Both ceremonies will also include traditional academic processionals, remarks from Interim President Rick Berg and recognition of students across doctoral, master’s and baccalaureate programs.