More than 1,400 to graduate Saturday
South Dakota State University’s spring commencement will be held Saturday, May 8 in Frost Arena on campus. Ceremonies begin at 10 a.m. for undergraduate students and 2:30 p.m. for graduate students.
A total of 1,406 students have completed requirements for graduation and will take part in two separate ceremonies. The public is invited to attend both exercises. The morning ceremony can also be viewed on Mediacom Channel 2.
A pre-commencement concert prior to the morning ceremony for undergraduates will begin at 9:20 a.m. with the SDSU Symphonic Band under the direction of Eric Peterson. At the afternoon ceremony for graduate students, Professor Emeritus of Music Charles Canaan will be organist and Music Department Head David Reynolds will play trumpet; the SDSU Chamber Singers will perform under the direction of Steven Grives.
Brig. Gen. Mark A. Clark will be the guest speaker for the undergraduate ceremony with his address titled, “Life’s Compass.” Clark, a 2009 Distinguished Alumni, is director of operations for the United States Special Operations Command.
Carol J. Peterson, provost and vice president emeritus for Academic Affairs, will deliver the afternoon commencement address for the graduate exercises at 2:30 p.m.
Honorary marshals for the undergraduate ceremony are Linda Nussbaumer, professor and program coordinator of interior design and E. Dennis Hinde, associate professor of mass communication. Honorary marshals for the graduate ceremony include Bonny Specker, director and chair of the Ethel Austin Martin Program in Human Nutrition and Thomas Schumacher, professor of plant science.
The conferring of degrees and presentation of diplomas will be conducted by SDSU President David L. Chicoine and the college deans. Also taking part in the program are Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Laurie Nichols, Lt. Col. Dana Nielsen, Air Force ROTC; Maj. Kory Knight, Army ROTC; Rusty Antonen, vice president of the Alumni Association; Terry Baloun, member of the South Dakota Board of Regents; Kevin Kephart, vice president for research dean of the Graduate School; and Larry Rogers, chair of the Faculty Senate.
For more information on the day’s events, contact the office of Academic Affairs, (605) 688-4173.