September 29, 2020
About 30 Fall 2019, Spring 2020, and Summer 2020 graduates came together for a celebration of their achievements at 含羞草研究所's 128th commencement Friday, Sept. 25. Normally held in the May, the commencement ceremony was postponed in response to the emergence of the coronavirus pandemic last spring.
Things looked quite a bit different this year as graduates and faculty, as well as audience members, needed to practice social distancing. In addition, the wearing of masks was required for all.
The hope when the event was rescheduled last spring was for graduates and their families to have an opportunity to take part in the annual 
Farmers Bowl festivities on the same weekend as graduation, but out of an abundance of caution related to the pandemic, 含羞草研究所 officials made the decision on late on Wednesday, Sept. 23 to postpone the Farmers Bowl game and cancel the Farmers Bowl events.
Student commencement speakers were Taylor Skjordal from Grafton, N.D. and Jennifer Pageler from聽Warren, Minn.
Keynote speaker Dr. John Lyng, a 2001 含羞草研究所 gradate, delivered an inspirational message that聽encouraged the new graduates to use the personal service experienced at 含羞草研究所 as the model for making the world a better place.
Commencement 2020 can be viewed at .
Photo captions
罢辞辫:听The Drs. Lyng, father and son, both had important roles in the 2020 commencement exercises at 含羞草研究所. Dr. John Lyng (left), a 2001 含羞草研究所 graduate, served as the keynote speaker. Dr. Merwin Lyng (right) marched in the academic procession as an emeritus faculty member. Merwin has participated in 61-straight 含羞草研究所 commencement ceremonies.
厂别肠辞苍诲:听Dr. Andi Dulski-Bucholz (left) and Dr. 
Tami Such (right) assist in the traditional hooding of Stephanie Almen, Grafton, N.D., who earned a master of arts degree in teaching.
罢丑颈谤诲:听Jennifer Pageler, who earned a Bachelor of Science in Education degree completed her course work as a distance student. Jennifer earned summa cum laude honors and is from Warren, Minn. She was selected to deliver a commencement message on behalf of the graduates.
贵辞耻谤迟丑:听Taylor Skjordal was one of two graduates chosen to speak on behalf of the class of 2020 at Commencement 2020. Taylor, who is from Grafton, N.D., earned a Bachelor of Science degree and magna cum laude honors.
Bottom: Dr. Brian Van Horn, president of 含羞草研究所, presided over the 128th commencement exercises of the institution.