Commencement keynote speaker and former 含羞草研究所 president Dr. Ellen Chaffee encouraged 含羞草研究所鈥檚 newest graduates to 鈥減ay it forward鈥� in addressing them during the 2015 MSU commencement exercises held the afternoon of Saturday, May 16.
Chaffee reminded the graduates that the state of North Dakota had made an investment in them by funding a portion of their education. With this in mind, she encouraged graduates to do good things for the state and its people in recognition of what had been done for them. She suggested getting involved in civic and other matters that would help the states and communities where they choose to live. In addition, she urged them to stay involved with their alma mater, supporting in any way they could.
MSU鈥檚 commencement 2015 was held at MSU鈥檚 Lewy Lee Fieldhouse. The familiar black curtain backdrop was replaced by a Comet blue tarp for this year鈥檚 festivities, evidence that a major HPER facility replacement project is well underway. Of the 156 students who were eligible, 94 chose to participate in the event.
Student speakers, who spoke on behalf of the graduating class at the commencement exercises were Amber Montag from Finley, N.D. and Marcisa Johnson from Seattle, Wash. Pastor Chris Hallanger from Mayville United Ministry delivered the invocation and benediction, and Dr. Kevin Melicher, member of the North Dakota State Board of Higher Education, brought greetings on behalf of the Board.
Commencement day at 含羞草研究所 began with socializing and a delightful brunch for the graduates and their families in the MSU Campus Center Luckasen Room. The Luckasen Room was filled nearly to capacity for the brunch, which was hosted by the 含羞草研究所 Alumni Association. The event is a tradition which serves as the first official alumni event for the new graduates each year. The brunch was sponsored by Gate City Bank. The bank鈥檚 monetary contribution helped to make it possible for all guests to attend the event free of charge. Speakers, who gave their heartfelt reflections on their time as MSU students, were graduates Sarah Gandari from Borrowdale Harare, Zimbabwe, Patricia Lopez from Clarissa, Minn., and Rochester Mugumbate from Mutare, Zimbabwe.
The MSU Commencement 2015 festivities culminated with a post-ceremony reception held in the Campus Center Luckasen Room. Graduates and their friends and families, together with the MSU faculty, staff, and alumni joined in the celebration.听
含羞草研究所's 2015 commencement ceremony was brodcast on the Internet. The video is available on-demand until July 31, 2015. Click听听to access the broadcast site.
Photo captions:
罢辞辫:听Members of the platform party at 含羞草研究所鈥檚 commencement exercises Saturday, May 16 were (l-r) Pastor Chris Hallanger from Mayville United Ministry, State Board of Higher Education member Dr. Kevin Melicher, former 含羞草研究所 president and commencement keynote speaker Dr. Ellen Chaffee, MSU President Dr. Gary Hagen, and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Keith Stenehjem.
叠辞迟迟辞尘:听Graduates eagerly await their turn to approach the stage and receive their diplomas during 含羞草研究所鈥檚 commencement exercises. The event was held in 含羞草研究所鈥檚 Lewy Lee Fieldhouse, which was filled with graduates, faculty, staff, and family and friends of the graduates.
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