NDSU graduates share their fondest college memories
Commencement is a time that not only celebrates the dedication and achievements of NDSU graduates, but also the memories, friendships and experiences that have shaped their time as Bison. As graduates cross the stage, they honor the journey behind them while stepping forward into new opportunities and the next chapter of their lives.
The spring commencement ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, May 15, in the Fargodome. The 10 a.m. ceremony will celebrate graduates in the College of Arts and Sciences, College of Engineering and College of Interdisciplinary Studies. The 2 p.m. ceremony will celebrate graduates in the College of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Natural Resources; College of Business and College of Health and Human Sciences.
Read about the most memorable moments that have shaped these graduates’ time at NDSU.
NAME: Andrew Christopherson
DEGREE: Bachelor’s in psychology
HOMETOWN: Elk River, Minnesota
What has been your most memorable NDSU experience?
“My most memorable NDSU experience has been making campus a space I can call home for the past four years, and making other students feel welcome during Welcome Week and beyond as an RA.”
What are your plans after graduation?
“After graduation I intend to pursue a degree in medicine, specifically psychiatry with a fellowship in addiction. From there, I’d like to work in the prison system to help break the cycle of addiction and recidivism at the same time.”
NAME: Chance Bowlinger
DEGREE: Master’s in computer science
HOMETOWN: Bismarck, North Dakota
What has been your most memorable NDSU experience?
“On my birthday this February, several friends organized a surprise party and invited the people I value most. Seeing everyone I care about in one room made me realize the depth of the community I have built at NDSU. It was a night of storytelling and laughter that left me feeling deeply valued and supported.”
What are your plans after graduation?
“I will be working remotely as a software developer for a company called Applied Digital. I will spend several months traveling the country on a road trip as I work remotely.”
NAME: Akua Osei-Bonsu
DEGREE: Master’s in public health
HOMETOWN: Nsutam, Ghana
What has been your most memorable NDSU experience?
“One of my most memorable experiences at NDSU has been participating in a group presentation with the Student Public Health Association on the history of North Dakota public health. Our group initially presented this work to commissioners at Fargo City Hall, and following the positive feedback we received, we were invited to present again at the North Dakota Public Health Association Legislative Reception in Bismarck. Another meaningful moment was during National Public Health Week, where we presented a spoken word piece on public health and how it fosters community to commissioners at Fargo City Hall. These experiences, along with the feedback we received, strengthened my ability to communicate public health ideas in ways that inform and influence decision-making. They also reinforced my understanding that improving health outcomes requires not only clinical insight, but the ability to engage communities and leaders in conversations that shape policies affecting entire populations.”
What are your plans after graduation?
“After graduation, I plan to continue working primarily in my clinical role as an OBGYN, while also integrating my public health training into my practice to improve care and access for vulnerable populations, including individuals like my aunt who inspired my journey. I am particularly interested in using data and research to inform care and contribute to programs that address health disparities among women. I also hope to continue working at the intersection of clinical care and public health through opportunities with organizations such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or the World Health Organization, where I can contribute to improving health outcomes at both individual and population levels.”
NAME: Linnea Axtman
DEGREE: Bachelor’s in business administration
HOMETOWN: Fargo
What has been your most memorable NDSU experience?
“I’ve been blessed with many memorable experiences, but I would have to go with my time being involved in the Saddle and Sirloin Club’s 100th Little International show. It was such a privilege to get to be a part of the Centennial year and celebrate the past and alumni of the show while making countless memories and putting on the largest show yet. The Saddle and Sirloin Club is more than a club, it’s a community and a home.”
What are your plans after graduation?
“After graduation, I will be moving to Montana and working for NAU Country as a lead field marketing specialist.”
NAME: Irin Rahman
DEGREE: Doctorate in statistics
HOMETOWN: Dinajpur, Bangladesh
What has been your most memorable NDSU experience?
“I have had many memorable experiences at NDSU, from passing my qualifying exam to publishing my first Ph.D. paper. However, the most meaningful experience for me has been working as a graduate teaching assistant in the statistics department. In this role, I had the opportunity to work with students from diverse backgrounds, which made teaching especially enriching. A student came to me for help with her undergraduate project, and I supported her over several meetings. One day, I arrived late due to an unavoidable reason, and another graduate student began helping her. However, she chose to wait until I arrived so that she could continue working with me. That small moment meant a great deal to me. It reflected trust, connection and the impact we can have as educators. It reminded me that teaching is not just about explaining concepts, but about building relationships that support and inspire students.”
What are your plans after graduation?
“As I approach graduation, I plan to pursue a career in academia. I am passionate about teaching, mentoring students and contributing to research. I hope to continue creating meaningful learning experiences while also advancing knowledge in my field.”
NAME: Brayden Frank
DEGREE: Bachelor’s in food science
HOMETOWN: Elk River, Minnesota
What has been your most memorable NDSU experience?
“My most memorable NDSU experience is riding through the Homecoming parade my freshman year on the pirate ship float my fraternity built and getting to experience the community NDSU brings together within the Fargo/Moorhead area and see the impact made every day by students giving back.”
What are your plans after graduation?
“I will be traveling to Joplin, Missouri, to begin working as a food safety and quality associate for General Mills in their Blue Buffalo Pet Food Plant.”
NAME: Caryn Marty
DEGREE: Bachelor’s in industrial engineering
HOMETOWN: Chokio, Minnesota
What has been your most memorable NDSU experience?
“My most memorable NDSU experience was serving on the 2024-2025 Homecoming Court. I met so many amazing people during that week, students and alumni alike. Homecoming is such a special time to showcase our Bison Pride, and I am so grateful to have been one of the 12 that represents the university.”
What are your plans after graduation?
“My plans after graduation are to work at Bobcat in supply chain on the Engines team in West Fargo.”
NAME: Paige Sanders
DEGREE: Bachelor’s in environmental engineering
HOMETOWN: Superior, Wisconsin
What has been your most memorable NDSU experience?
“My most memorable experience at NDSU has been serving as president of Engineers Without Borders. In this role, I’ve had the opportunity to work alongside fellow students to develop engineering solutions for communities, both locally and internationally. In 2024, our chapter traveled to La Providencia, Guatemala, where we helped construct a student-designed and funded water distribution system. Seeing our work come to life and directly benefit the community was a life-changing experience and reinforced why I chose to pursue engineering.”
What are your plans after graduation?
“After graduation, I will be working for Ulteig in Fargo as a graduate engineer in hydraulics and hydrology engineering. I have worked with my Ulteig team for about 1.5 years as an intern, and I am thrilled to begin my career full-time.”
NAME: Kiley Kvamme
DEGREE: Bachelor’s in agricultural education
HOMETOWN: Kindred, North Dakota
What has been your most memorable NDSU experience?
“I have truly loved all of my time at NDSU, making my most memorable experience difficult to choose. My time and leadership spent in the Saddle and Sirloin Club serving as the 99th Little International Manager is one of my fondest memories. Being surrounded by like-minded and motivated students was so fulfilling. In the position, you listen to and lead with those students with the same end goal in mind. My other leadership positions, homecoming court and downtime spent with friends and meeting new ones make a second memorable experience hard to choose.”
What are your plans after graduation?
“I will be an agriculture educator for 7th-12th grade students at Turtle Lake-Mercer Public Schools in Turtle Lake, North Dakota. I will continue to be involved in agriculture associations and groups across the state and nation.”