NDSU commencement speaker shares story of purpose and impact

For NDSU graduating student Akua Osei-Bonsu, obtaining a master’s degree in public health is a deeply personal and moving story she will share with her fellow graduates, their families and attendees at the spring commencement ceremony.

Osei-Bonsu was selected as the class representative for the 2 p.m. ceremony on Saturday, May 16. The ceremony is for graduates in the College of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Natural Resources; College of Business; and College of Health and Human Sciences.

Growing up in Ghana, Osei-Bonsu developed an interest in healthcare after witnessing her aunt experience pregnancy loss with limited access to quality maternal care. That experience stayed with her as she later became a physician in her home country, where she gained a deeper understanding of the barriers patients face, not only within hospitals, but long before they ever receive care. Recognizing gaps in access and quality ultimately inspired her to pursue a master’s degree in public health, bringing her to Fargo.

“North Dakota State University has been an incredible place to pursue my graduate studies because of the strong sense of community and the support from faculty and peers,” Osei-Bonsu said. “The public health program challenges you to think critically while also providing the guidance needed to grow. What stands out most is how learning here is connected to real-world impact, whether through research, discussions or applied projects.”

Osei-Bonsu hopes her story of perseverance and purpose resonates with her fellow graduates.

“I hope the audience takes away that our experiences, both before and during our time at NDSU, shape how we understand our purpose,” she said. “For me, that meant realizing that improving health goes beyond treating one person at a time and requires addressing the systems and conditions that affect entire communities. More broadly, I hope graduates leave knowing that they are capable, prepared and equipped to make a meaningful impact in whatever path they choose.”

As graduates step into the next chapter in their lives, Osei-Bonsu encourages them to carry forward what they’ve learned at NDSU.

“As we move forward, let us remain curious enough to keep asking questions, grounded enough to listen and committed enough to use what we have learned, not just to advance ourselves, but to improve the lives of others,” she writes in her speech. “Because once a Bison, always a Bison, that means carrying forward not just what we have learned here, but who we have become here.”

Throughout her time at NDSU, Osei-Bonsu has been actively engaged in the Student Public Health Association, serving as vice president and contributing to the planning and coordination of student-led public health events and professional development activities. In addition, she volunteered as a mentor in NDSU’s Transition and Access Program, where she provided academic and social support to students with developmental disabilities.

Osei-Bonsu has also been involved in public health education and policy discussions, including presenting on the history of North Dakota public health at the North Dakota Public Health Association Legislative Reception and participating in meetings related to a youth tobacco prevention ordinance initiative with Fargo Cass Public Health.

“These experiences have helped me connect what I learn in the classroom to real-world public health practice,” she said.

Among her most meaningful memories at NDSU was being named a recipient of the Dean’s Scholarship and delivering a speech on behalf of the Department of Public Health at the award ceremony.

“It was a moment of both joy and fulfillment, as it reflected the value of hard work and dedication,” she said. “More importantly, it gave me the opportunity to share the story of my aunt, which inspired my journey into public health. What began as a personal statement for my application to this program became a story I could now share openly, reminding me of why I chose this path.”

Osei-Bonsu, who is from Nsutam, Ghana, is the daughter of Alexander and Theresa Osei-Bonsu. In addition to acknowledging her parents for their support, Osei-Bonsu said her aunt Florence Darkwa, uncle James and uncle Richard have also encouraged her along the way.

“I am also deeply grateful to my siblings, Jacqueline, Reginald and Alexander Jr., and to my loved ones Richard, Stephen, Eugene, Mabel, Sheniel, Armstrong and Benjamin for their constant support,” she said. “A special thank you to my lovely nieces, Olive, Paisley and Janice. I am truly grateful.”