2023 Spring Commencement Program

“Time moves slowly, but passes quickly.”

This quote by Alice Walker is perhaps how you are feeling today. The idea that you would be graduating in two or four years may have seemed like such a long time when you embarked on your academic journey at Dickinson State University. Yet, here you are on your graduation day. Today is a celebration of the effort you put into your studies, the perseverance you had to overcome obstacles thrown your way, and the time you invested in your future career.

Congratulations! While this part of your journey is over, the rest is just starting. We hope you never forget your time at DSU, because we will certainly not forget you.

Once a Blue Hawk, always a Blue Hawk!

President Stephen D. Easton DSU B.A., 1980

Platform Party & Speakers

LESLIE WIETSTOCK Chief Operating Officer

HOLLY GRUHLKE

Dean, College of Business, Education, and Applied Sciences

Chief Enrollment Management and Communications Officer

KAYLA NOAH Dean of Students

NICK HACKER

North Dakota State Board of Higher Education

THADD O’DONNELL

2023 Distinguished Educator of the Year

ALEXA DELBRIDGE Student Speaker

KIRSTYN BOHN Student Speaker

STEPHEN D. EASTON President

JOHN MILLER Interim Vice President/Provost

Order of Ceremonies

DICKINSON STATE UNIVERSITY 2023 SPRING COMMENCEMENT

Saturday, May 13, 2023 | 10 a.m. | Scott Gymnasium | Dickinson, North Dakota

Silence your cell phones | Remain seated during the processional and recessional | Stand during the alma mater Air horns are not allowed during Commencement proceedings

PRELUDE DSU Concert Band, Directed by Brian Holder

PROCESSIONAL Pomp and Circumstance – Elgar/Shafer

COMMENCEMENT DECLARED OPEN

Debora Dragseth

Senior Faculty Member, Professor of Business Administration

WELCOME AND INTRODUCTIONS

OPENING REMARKS

MUSICAL SELECTION

GREETINGS FROM THE STATE BOARD OF HIGHER EDUCATION

INTRODUCTION OF STUDENT SPEAKERS

COMMENCEMENT ADDRESS

PRESENTATION OF GRADUATES

CONFIRMATION OF GRADUATES

CONGRATULATIONS FROM THE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

ALMA MATER

COMMENCEMENT DECLARED CLOSED

RECESSIONAL

John Miller

Stephen Easton

DSU Chorale

Mackenzie Hicks, Conductor

Parting Glass - Audrey Snyder

Accompanied by Joel Walters, piano and Kirstyn Bohn, flute

Nick Hacker

Thadd O’Donnell

Alexa Delbridge

Kirstyn Bohn

John Miller

Stephen Easton

Stephen Easton

Led by Kirstyn Bohn

Debora Dragseth

DSU Concert Band, Directed by Brian Holder

Outstanding Graduate Nominees

The Dickinson State University Outstanding Graduate Award is the highest honor bestowed on graduating seniors by the University. Students are nominated by the faculty in their academic school or department for exceptional performance in their field of study. Up to two nominees are selected by a committee as Outstanding Graduates. Nominees for the 2022-23 academic year include:

AGRICULTURE AND TECHNICAL STUDIES

MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTER SCIENCE

ARTS AND LETTERS

BUSINESS AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP

KINESIOLOGY

TEACHER EDUCATION

NATURAL SCIENCES

NURSING

SOCIAL SCIENCES

Ethan Anderson Peerless, MT

Yuuka Taniguchi Shimizu-Hokkaido, Japan

Dawson McGlothlin Sidney, MT Priyanka Davis Watford City, ND

Abigail Kludt Hettinger, ND

Samael Mabrey Mobridge, SD

Aisosa Bello Staten Island, NY Arjana Eilers Brandon, Manitoba

Natasha Baranko South Heart, ND

Alexa Delbridge Black Hawk, SD

Macradee Miller Gillette, WY

Cassi Wagner Circle, MT

Evan Henke New Salem, ND

Brendan Johnson Dickinson, ND

Kirstyn Bohn Vermillion, SD

Ashlin Hiller Lolo, MT

Chelsea Wright Circle, MT

ARJANA EILERS

Arjana Eilers, daughter of Angie Bouchard and Jon Eilers, is graduating from Dickinson State University with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and minors in chemistry and psychology. The Brandon, Manitoba, native’s plans are to end up in a career that she is passionate about and will challenge her.

Eilers is an active member in every aspect of Dickinson State. Between being a member of numerous clubs and organizations on campus, being a student worker at the DSU Heritage Foundation, a stand-out student-athlete for the Dickinson Softball team, and a volunteer for nearly any event in Dickinson, Eilers shows what it means to be a Blue Hawk.

During her time at DSU, Eilers has been a student ambassador, a peer tutor, a member of the North Star Athletic Association Student Board, a new student registration leader, a North Dakota EpScoR student research assistant, and a homecoming court nominee – to name a few.

Her plans after graduating are to attend the University of North Dakota and gain her Master of Biomedical Sciences. Eilers will be assisting in research in NIH funded laboratories. After completing her Masters, she intends to further her education and complete a medical degree.

“Being nominated as an Outstanding Graduate is an incredible honor. Dickinson State has given me so much over the past five years and will always leave a lasting impression on my life. I am glad to know I have been able to make enough of a contribution to DSU to deserve this honor.”

BRENDAN JOHNSON

Brendan Johnson, son of Hiedi Clark and Don Clark, is graduating from Dickinson State University with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and a minor in leadership studies. The Dickinson, North Dakota, native’s primary goal is to work in a field that he enjoys and to make a difference.

Johnson is an active member of the Theodore Roosevelt Honors Leadership Program (TRHLP), a mentor for the Best Friends Mentoring Program, and a member of the Dickinson State Sideline and Competitive Cheer teams. In addition, Johnson is a two-time NAIA All-American and helped lead his team to back-to-back fourthplace finishes during the NAIA National Cheerleading Championships.

During his four-year stint with the TRHLP, Johnson has exemplified what it means to be a volunteer – both for DSU and in the community. Throughout the countless events put on by TRHLP, Johnson has also volunteered his time as a wrestling coach at Dickinson High School.

Johnson’s plans after graduating are to continue his career in pipelining for a local company. Along with his desire to be outside in the beautiful Badlands for work, Johnson continues his leadership skills in whatever role he sets his mind to.

“This is such an honor being named an Outstanding Graduate. It speaks volumes about the hard work I have put in at Dickinson State – both on the mat, in the classroom, and in the community. I’m thankful for everyone who has helped me through my time at DSU – especially the people on campus and my mentors I’ve had through the TR program and the DSU Cheer team.”

Student Speakers

Alexa Delbridge, daughter of Arlin and Kathy Delbridge, was born in Black Hawk, South Dakota and graduated from Sturgis Brown High School in 2018. She will be graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing with a minor in leadership studies. Alexa was actively involved on campus as a member of the Theodore Roosevelt Honors Leadership Program and Student Nursing Association – where she served as president and vice president. In addition, Alexa also served on numerous committees across campus including Yuletyme, Coming out of COVID, and DSU Archiving committee – to name a few. In her spare time, she volunteers to deliver packages to members of the community. Currently, she is working on her Master of Business Administration and plans to attend a residency program and work as a traveling nurse all over the world.

Kirstyn Bohn, daughter of Dawn and Theodore Bohn and stepparents Justin Brown and Leslie King, was born in Dickinson, North Dakota. After moving to Vermillion, South Dakota, Bohn graduated from Vermillion High School in 2018. She will be graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Bachelor of Arts in Music. As a student, Bohn actively participated in band, pep band, jazz band, was a four-year member of the Blue Hawk Singers, and a member of the National Association of Music Education (NAfME). In her free time, Bohn gives back to her community by volunteering at the Domestic Violence and Rape Crisis Center and working at Home on the Range with at-risk youth. She plans to attend graduate school for a master’s in counseling with a concentration in adolescent counseling. Bohn dreams of opening her own trauma-informed treatment center that specializes in wilderness, equine, music and art therapy. She plans to continue to perform in semi-professional choirs, like Dickinsonbased Badlands Opera project.

ALEXA DELBRIDGE

KIRSTYN BOHN

Previous Student Speakers

SPRING 2012

Leah Walters - Gladstone, ND

FALL 2012

Zachery Keller - Dickinson, ND

SPRING 2013

Pierce Brooks - North Hills, CA

Jordan Mork - Dickinson, ND

FALL 2013

Sarah Poswilko - Killdeer, ND

SPRING 2014

Brenda Charles - St. John’s, Antigua

FALL 2014

Sarah Jennings - Dickinson, ND

Joshua Kralicek - Dickinson, ND

SPRING 2015

Mardee Clarke - Stockett, MT

FALL 2015

Damon Fichter - Dickinson, ND

Michael Landblom - Dickinson, ND

SPRING 2016

Matthew Perdue - Ray, ND

FALL 2016

Jalyn McGill - Richardton, ND

Mariam Shittu - Kaduna, Nigeria

SPRING 2017

Jessica Schmeichel - Apple Valley, MN

Jalyn Klauzer - Baker, MT

Honor Ushers

Carl Askins – Sheridan, WY

Jacob Daniel – Dickinson, ND

Riley Faller – Arnegard, ND

Natalie Lile – Ballantine, MT

Veronica Nacota - Riverton, WY

FALL 2017

Braeton Erhardt - Hazen, ND

SPRING 2018

Carlie Bowditch - Sylvania, SK

Mackenzie Hicks - Hettinger, ND

FALL 2018

Seth Moerkerke - Gillette, WY

SPRING 2019

Allisha Dworshak - Dickinson, ND

Salena Loveland - Worland, WY

FALL 2019

Rachael Solberg - Belfield, ND

SPRING 2020

Christopher Gartner - Sidney, MT

Suzanna Moberg - Dickinson, ND

SPRING 2021

Aspen Lenning - Plaza, ND

Abigail Moberg - Dickinson, ND

FALL 2021

Isaiah MacDonald - Mandan, ND

Mariah McLaughlin - Beulah, ND

SPRING 2022

Anya Baranko - Richardton, ND

Luisa Popp - Heidelberg, Germany

Haylie Oberlander – Wordan, MT

Griffin Obrigewitch – Dickinson, ND

Alexander Praus – Dickinson, ND

Grace Timm – Laurel, MT

Candidates for Degrees

Latin Honors - gold cord

Outstanding Graduates - white/navy cord

^ TR Scholar

Honor Societies: Phi Alpha Theta Phi Theta Kappa Sigma Beta Delta

MASTER OF ARTS IN TEACHING

Mackenzie Buelow Clark, SD

Taylor Conrad Glendive, MT

Payson Dirk Sturgis, SD

Reginald Fields, Jr. Inglewood, CA

Haakon Fredrickson Sun River, MT

Shari Hewson Dickinson, ND

Gresh Jones Sidney, MT

Andrew Klein Dickinson, ND

Desmond Knox Dublin, CA

Nicholas Miller Mandan, ND

Tobin O’Brien Billings, MT

Wayne Reese, Jr. Black Mountain, NC

Emilie Sickler Dickinson, ND

Jalon Tinnin Lancaster, CA

Ryan Upchurch Mokelumne Hill, CA

Clay Van Diest Helena, MT

Kyle Watson Fort Bridger, WY

Devan Williams Pinesdale, MT

MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

Martha Harrison Fort Yates, ND

Liliia Jessop Dickinson, ND

Kingsley Okoro Arochukwu Abia, Nigeria

Mackenzi Reed Farson, WY

Ashlie Watts Kimberly, ID

MASTER OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Martha Harrison Fort Yates, ND

Liliia Jessop Dickinson, ND

Kingsley Okoro Arochukwu Abia, Nigeria

Mackenzi Reed Farson, WY

Ashlie Watts Kimberly, ID

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN EDUCATION - HONORS

Tyler Bay Mandan, ND

Composite Social Science Education Cum Laude

Logan Egge Glendive, MT

Elementary Education Magna Cum Laude

Candidates for Degrees

Faith Gress Mandan, ND

Cum Laude

Madelyn Hanel Dickinson, ND

Cum Laude

Ashlin Hiller Lolo, MT

Cum Laude

Kendra Kaufman Glendive, MT

Cum Laude

Dawson McGlothlin Sidney, MT

Cum Laude

Bailey Pedersen Bismarck, ND

Magna Cum Laude

Tara Reinert Sturgis, SD

Cum Laude

Loryn Schoelerman Timber Lake, SD

Cum Laude

Hailey Sperle Napoleon, ND

Cum Laude

Chelsea Wright Circle, MT

Magna Cum Laude

English Education

Physical Education

Elementary Education

Elementary Education

Mathematics Education

Elementary Education

Elementary Education

Elementary Education

Elementary Education

Elementary Education

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN EDUCATION

Alexis Bachler Almont, ND

Dakota Dosch Cut Bank, MT

Zachary Fleming Lodi, CA

Raiden Forrest West Fargo, ND

Jennifer Gieseke Dickinson, ND

McKenzie Hallgren Noonan, ND

Tia Hallock Scobey, MT

John Koronka Burlington, ND

Michael Larios Phoenix, AZ

Logan Miller Beulah, ND

Jerrica Praus Dickinson, ND

Adrianna Sokolofsky Mandan, ND

Kennedy Sundsbak Hazen, ND

Lori Wagner Belfield, ND

Braylen Willows Mandan, ND

Hoyt Zander Killdeer, ND

Elementary Education

Physical Education

Physical Education

Physical Education

Elementary Education

Elementary Education

Elementary Education

Elementary Education

Physical Education

Physical Education

Elementary Education

Mathematics Education

Composite Social Science Education

Business Education

Elementary Education

Physical Education

BACHELOR OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION - HONORS

Skye Atkinson Bismarck, ND

Cum Laude

Administration

Human Resource Management

Emily Axtman Fairview, MT Accounting

Magna Cum Laude Administration

Finance

Candidates for Degrees

Natasha Baranko South Heart, ND Accounting

Magna Cum Laude Administration Finance

Cole Baumiller Hazelton, ND Accounting

Cum Laude

Brailyn Betlaf Dickinson, ND Administration

Cum Laude Human Resource Management

Amanda Davidson Bismarck, ND

Cum Laude

Human Resource Management

Samara Hancock Bismarck, ND Accounting

Magna Cum Laude

Allie Hicks ^ Helena, MT Administration

Summa Cum Laude

Brynn Honeyman Hettinger, ND Administration

Cum Laude Finance

Kaitlyn Keithley Sidney, MT Administration

Summa Cum Laude

Mattie Kramer Towner, ND Administration

Magna Cum Laude Human Resource Management

Whitney Leuenberger Dickinson, ND

Cum Laude

Human Resource Management

Conor McCarvel ^ Helena, MT Administration

Magna Cum Laude

Madison Pearson Newcastle, WY Administration

Magna Cum Laude Human Resource Management

Luke Peterson Mandan, ND Accounting

Summa Cum Laude

Jory Rohrich Wilton, ND Accounting

Magna Cum Laude

Faith Schnabel Beulah, ND Finance

Cum Laude

Connor Seefeld Mandan, ND Administration

Cum Laude

BACHELOR OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

Kyle Anderson ^ Hamilton, MT Administration

Karly Bang Killdeer, ND Administration

Jared Baumiller Hazelton, ND Accounting

Ashley Boepple Watford City, ND

Human Resource Management

Koby Bosch Bismarck, ND Administration

Jordan Burk Miles City, MT Administration

Human Resource Management

Ethan Cleveland Billings, MT Administration

Meg Covert New England, ND Administration

Human Resource Management

Sarah Davis Beach, ND Accounting

Sydney Faller Arnegard, ND Administration

Candidates for Degrees

Angel Faras Tucson, AZ Administration

Brandi Garrett Hazen, ND Accounting

Jakob George Buffalo, SD Administration Finance

Cathy Gross West Fargo, ND Accounting

Shalee Gross Linton, ND Administration

Merrilee Hallaway Rolla, ND Accounting

Payton Holzer Linton, ND Finance

Jackie Jenkin Killdeer, ND

Human Resource Management Administration

Mackenna Johnson Grantsburg, WI Administration

Human Resource Management

Alexander Kahl Landstuhl, Germany Accounting

Thomas Kasseth Ham Lake, MN Administration Finance

Jordan Kippenhan Hibbing, MN Accounting

Emilee Kostelecky Dickinson, ND Administration

Brooke Krapp Cleveland, ND Administration

Human Resource Management

Ariel Matthews Tioga, ND Finance

Shelby McIntyre Watford City, ND Human Resource Management Administration

Dana Melby Williston, ND Human Resource Management

Kiana Miller Savage, MT Administration

Human Resource Management

Courtney Mitchell Beulah, ND Finance

Hillary Moberg ^ Dickinson, ND Administration

Human Resource Management

Samantha Mogard Bismarck, ND Administration

Michael Moore Dickinson, ND Administration

Alice Mugabe Bismarck, ND Accounting

Hunter Myran Dickinson, ND Administration

LaShae Nash Isabel, SD Administration

Courage Olushola Ebire Lagos, Nigeria Administration

Rachel Schumacher Hazelton, ND Finance Accounting

Owen Short Slidell, LA Administration

Devin Stroh Bismarck, ND Finance

Angelica Such Dickinson, ND Administration

Yuuka Taniguchi Shimizu-Hokkaido, Japan International Business

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE - HONORS

Lauren Baumberger Morristown, SD Exercise Science Summa Cum Laude

Aisosa Bello Staten Island, NY Biology Cum Laude Chemistry

Candidates for Degrees

Kirstyn Bohn Vermillion, SD

Magna Cum Laude

Psychology

Cody Chapel Dickinson, ND Psychology

Cum Laude

Jacob Clinton Lewistown, MT Biology

Summa Cum Laude

Ali Cunningham Glasgow, MT Exercise Science

Cum Laude

Priyanka Davis Watford City, ND

Cum Laude

Information Analytics

Arjana Eilers Brandon, MB, Canada Biology

Summa Cum Laude

Alison Ellertson Brigham City, UT Psychology

Summa Cum Laude

Dalton Felish Tucson, AZ Criminal Justice

Cum Laude

Emily Gregg Dickinson, ND

Magna Cum Laude

Evan Henke New Salem, ND

Cum Laude

Cole Jensen Bismarck, ND

Cum Laude

Brendan Johnson ^ Dickinson, ND

Cum Laude

Psychology

Exercise Science

Computer Science

Criminal Justice

Isaiah Kludt Hettinger, ND Biology

Magna Cum Laude

Kamryn Kuntz ^ Dickinson, ND Chemistry

Summa Cum Laude

Calli Kuntz Richardton, ND Exercise Science

Cum Laude

Isabel Lopez ^ Dickinson, ND Biology

Magna Cum Laude

Alec Lovegren Sidney, MT Exercise Science

Magna Cum Laude

McKell Meidinger Edgeley, ND

Cum Laude

Matthew Meschke ^ Dickinson, ND

Magna Cum Laude

Keah Munsen White Lake, SD

Cum Laude

Rebecca Schmidt Center, ND

Cum Laude

Agricultural Studies

Exercise Science

Agricultural Studies

Agricultural Studies

Victoria Trochez-Opstedahl Dickinson, ND Biology

Cum Laude

Cassi Wagner Circle, MT Exercise Science

Magna Cum Laude

Aaron White Shelby, MT Exercise Science

Cum Laude

Candidates for Degrees

Jace Winter Cartwright, ND

Cum Laude

Emma Woodworth Martinez, CA

Magna Cum Laude

Farrah Zeller Dickinson, ND

Cum Laude

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE

Agricultural Studies

Criminal Justice

Exercise Science

Dakotah Aaseth Velva, ND

Ethan Anderson Peerless, MT

Ryan Barndt Dickinson, ND

Jacob Berg Wahpeton, ND

Alicia Burbank Aberdeen, SD

Agricultural Studies

Agricultural Studies

Computer Science

Mathematics

Environmental Science

Computer Science

Christian Crews Miles City, MT Psychology

Alison Daniel Dickinson, ND

Hunter Dassinger Dickinson, ND

Hunter Defoe Watford City, ND

Gunnar Farstveet Beach, ND

Martin Farver Scobey, MT

Adrian Fisher Peoria, AZ

Owen Gustafson Browning, MT

Exercise Science

Criminal Justice

Computer Science

Computer Technology Management

Agricultural Studies

Agricultural Studies

Business Administration

Human Resource Management

Agricultural Studies

Kyle Heiser Dickinson, ND Biology

Hailey Henderson-Enriquez Sparks, NV

Criminal Justice

Dalton Herbst Baker, MT Psychology

Brannan Hogan Waukon, IA

Brek Kohler Bismarck, ND

Morgan Kubischta Dickinson, ND

Jay Limpot Dickinson, ND

Riley Linder Flaxville, MT

Melissa Martinez Provo, UT

Krew Mathern Dickinson, ND

Derek Moen Minot, ND

Agricultural Studies

Computer Science

Psychology

Psychology

Agricultural Studies

Exercise Science

Exercise Science

Information Analytics

Ayomide Oyeneyin Lagos, Nigeria Psychology

Bailey Pepper Las Vegas, NV

Tristen Peterson Bowman, ND

Allison Preszler Lemmon, SD

Konrich Speelmon ^ Miles City, MT

Yuuka Taniguchi Shimizu-Hokkaido, Japan

Brooklyn Tronstad Baker, MT

Andrew Unruh Bismarck, ND

Nestor Vazquez Lost Hills, CA

Bethany Warbitsky Minot, ND

Criminal Justice

Exercise Science

Criminal Justice

Agricultural Studies

Agricultural Studies

Agricultural Studies

Accounting

Psychology

Accounting

Candidates for Degrees

Kia Ward Dickinson, ND

Elizabeth Wentz Dickinson, ND

Cole Werner Mason City, IA

Agricultural Studies

Computer Science

Information Analytics

Biology

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN NURSING - HONORS

Alexa Delbridge ^ Sturgis, SD

Cum Laude

Nursing

Macradee Miller ^ Gillette, WY Nursing Cum Laude

Hardika Neupane ^ Bhaktapur, Nepal Nursing Cum Laude

Regina Younker Garden City, KS Nursing Cum Laude

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN NURSING

Amanda Adams Dickinson, ND Nursing

Laura Barney Dickinson, ND Nursing

Kelly Borchert Alexandria, MN Nursing

Neville Chitiyo Harare, Zimbabwe Nursing

Mikayla Collins Ashland, MT Nursing

Kelsey Copenhaver Dickinson, ND Nursing

Sadi Dvorak Dickinson, ND Nursing

Elle Goetz Richardton, ND Nursing

Lexi Hartse Marmarth, ND Nursing

Alyssa Kitzman Beulah, ND Nursing

Sarah Koerner Missoula, MT Nursing

Ayomide Oyeneyin Lagos, Nigeria Nursing

Nicole Praus Dickinson, ND Nursing

Kaitlin Silbernagel Steele, ND Nursing

Bryce Vaughan Great Falls, MT Nursing

Kaitlin Vernon Dickinson, ND Nursing

BACHELOR OF ARTS - HONORS

Kirstyn Bohn Vermillion, SD

Magna Cum Laude

Sarah Griffis ^ Anaconda, MT

Music

English Cum Laude

Abigail Kludt Hettinger, ND

Communication Cum Laude

Samael Mabrey Mobridge, SD

English Cum Laude

Cade Ostenson Newcastle, WY

Magna Cum Laude

Zoey Stroop Colstrip, MT

Summa Cum Laude

Communication

Political Science

Candidates for Degrees

Jenna Swope Miles City, MT

Communication Magna Cum Laude

BACHELOR OF ARTS

Leyton Lang Minot, ND Composite Social Science

Adler Scheer Bismarck, ND Music

Penny Su’a Apia, Samoa Political Science

BACHELOR OF UNIVERSITY STUDIES

Dakia Brown Dickinson, ND University Studies

Colter Hickok Bridger, MT University Studies

Cassidy Jorensen Sturgis, SD University Studies

Anna Kludt Hettinger, ND University Studies

Cheryl Kubik Sentinel Butte, ND University Studies

Alex Mintyala Missoula, MT University Studies

Zachary Myers Vacaville, CA University Studies

Matthew Nicolai Bismarck, ND University Studies

Sunshine Megan Vicente Honolulu, HI University Studies

BACHELOR OF APPLIED SCIENCE - HONORS

Laurie Garbel Williston, ND Business Cum Laude

Courtney Reiswig Bismarck, ND Business Summa Cum Laude

BACHELOR OF APPLIED SCIENCE

Kayla Baesler Dickinson, ND Business

Nicole Boote Binford, ND Business

Laura Hobbs Stevenson, WA Business

Brayden Jorgensen Bowman, ND Business

Gary Montgomery Waynesville, MO Business

Jennifer Nagel Bismarck, ND Business

Rhea Paiva Las Vegas, NV Business

Carlos Ramirez Kaycee, WY Business

Nichole Ritterman Fosston, MN Business

Madison Stephens Las Vegas, NV Business

Jose Torres Garcia Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic Business

ASSOCIATE IN APPLIED SCIENCE - GPA DISTINCTION

Dakota Auck Hobson, MT Practical Nursing

Jaylen Baxter Sidney, MT Practical Nursing

Mattie Mastel Marmarth, ND Practical Nursing

Kaitlyn McColly Hinsdale, MT Practical Nursing

Maxinne Mosqueda Illigan City, Philippines Practical Nursing

Candidates for Degrees

Brianna Price Forsyth, MT Practical Nursing

Ava Schneider Dickinson, ND Practical Nursing

Jadyn Steiner Dickinson, ND Practical Nursing

ASSOCIATE IN APPLIED SCIENCE

Audrey Emerson Dickinson, ND Practical Nursing

Jenna Jacobson Rapid City, SD Practical Nursing

Alyssa Kessel Dickinson, ND Practical Nursing

Nicole Kessel Glendive, MT Practical Nursing

Jessica Kostelecky Dickinson, ND Practical Nursing

Sydney Mosset Hazen, ND Practical Nursing

Tonya Olmstead South Heart, ND Practical Nursing

Jessica Olson Tioga, ND Practical Nursing

David Pierson Ekalaka, MT Administration

Tamandani Sawerengera Chikwawa, Africa Practical Nursing

Abigail Semerad Dickinson, ND Practical Nursing

Styrling Sickler-Zietz Dickinson, ND Practical Nursing

Taylor Vandal Warroad, MN Practical Nursing

ASSOCIATE IN ARTS - GPA DISTINCTION

Anna Kazimierska Szczecin, Poland

Cassidy Larson Sidney, MT

Brialle Praus Dickinson, ND

Liberal Arts/Transfer

Liberal Arts/Transfer

Liberal Arts/Transfer

Samantha Wilhelm Dickinson, ND Liberal Arts/Transfer

ASSOCIATE IN ARTS

Troy King Dickinson, ND

Brant Kraft Dickinson, ND

Madeline Seror Dickinson, ND

Liberal Arts/Transfer

Liberal Arts/Transfer

Liberal Arts/Transfer

ASSOCIATE IN SCIENCE - GPA DISTINCTION

Erica Milbourn Acworth, GA

Ashley Pavlicek Dickinson, ND

Karlee Sailer Golden Valley, ND

ASSOCIATE IN SCIENCE

Agricultural Sales & Service

Liberal Arts/Transfer

Agricultural Sales & Service

Jacklyn Balfourd Ennis, MT

Rose Baranko Dickinson, ND

Dawson Cortese Laurel, MT

Dalia Delgado National City, CA

Clay Gerhardt Mandan, ND

Peyton Hanson Dickinson, ND

Seth Hetzel Stanley, ND

Stephen Steinbron Glendive, MT

Liberal Arts/Transfer

Agricultural Sales & Service

Liberal Arts/Transfer

Liberal Arts/Transfer

Agricultural Sales & Service

Liberal Arts/Transfer

Agricultural Sales & Service

Liberal Arts/Transfer

Candidates for Degrees

Emily Axtman Fairview, MT

Kayla Baesler Dickinson, ND

Jennifer Baker Minot, ND

CERTIFICATE

Accounting Technician

Banking

Accounting Technician

Jacklyn Balfourd Ennis, MT Allied Health

Natasha Baranko South Heart, ND

Austin Barnhart Dickinson, ND

Amanda Bramhall Dickinson, ND

Accounting Technician

Farm and Ranch Management

Accounting Technician

Ethan Cleveland Billings, MT Accounting Technician

Jakob George Buffalo, SD Accounting Technician

Amanda Hoffman Pierz, MN

Brynn Honeyman Hettinger, ND

Abigail Kludt Hettinger, ND

Emilee Kostelecky Dickinson, ND

Jestin Lunday Grafton, ND

Cade Ostenson Newcastle, WY

Rhea Paiva Las Vegas, NV

Elizabeth Ratka Maryville, IL

Uchechukwu Uchem Bismarck, ND

Vanessa Walek Minneapolis, MN

Amber Wetzel Lincoln, ND

Banking

Horse Production

Human Resource Management

Digital Communication

Accounting Technician

Human Resource Management

Digital Communication

Accounting Technician

Banking

Data Entry Specialist

Computer Programming

Data Entry Specialist

Human Resource Management

CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION

Lauren Baumberger Morristown, SD

Alison Daniel Dickinson, ND

Madelyn Hanel Dickinson, ND

Calli Kuntz Richardton, ND

Alec Lovegren Sidney, MT

Matthew Meschke Dickinson, ND

Aaron White Shelby, MT

Farrah Zeller Dickinson, ND

Corrective & Therapeutic Exercise

Strength & Conditioning

Strength & Conditioning

Wellness

Corrective & Therapeutic Exercise

Strength & Conditioning Wellness

Strength & Conditioning Wellness

Strength & Conditioning

Corrective & Therapeutic Exercise

Strength & Conditioning Wellness

Strength & Conditioning

THIS PROGRAM IS NOT AN OFFICIAL GRADUATION LIST

While every effort is made to ensure accuracy in this commencement program, printing deadlines may result in omission of some names and use of names of persons not completing graduation requirements as intended. This printed program, therefore, should not be used to determine a student’s academic or degree status. The University’s official registry for conferral of degrees is the student’s permanent academic record kept by the Office of Academic Records at Dickinson State University.

Outstanding Faculty and Staff

DISTINGUISHED EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR

ADJUNCT FACULTY RECOGNITION AWARD

THADD O’DONNELL

Assistant Professor of Health & Physical Education

School of Kinesiology

INNOVATIVE TEACHER OF THE YEAR

VICTORIA DASSINGER

Adjunct Faculty of Nursing

Department of Nursing

PHYSICAL PLANT STAFF SERVICE AWARD

TIM KESSEL

Assistant Professor of Business & Finance

School of Business and Entrepreneurship

PROFESSIONAL CONTRIBUTIONS AWARD

LUANN HAVELKA

Custodian

Facility Operations

ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF SERVICE AWARD

DR. MARCUS FRIES

Associate Professor of Mathematics

Department of Mathematics and Computer Science

EXCELLENCE IN TEACHING AWARD

LAURIE HEICK

Administrative Secretary

Department of Mathematics and Computer Science/Natural Sciences

PROFESSIONAL STAFF SERVICE AWARD

DR. DEBORA DRAGSETH Professor of Business Administration

School of Business and Entrepreneurship

ADJUNCT FACULTY RECOGNITION AWARD

STACY WILKINSON

Academic Affairs Coordinator

Division of Academic Affairs

PROFESSIONAL STAFF SERVICE AWARD

CARL BERCIER

Instructor of Welding

Department of Agriculture and Technical Studies

LAURIE KARIE Director

Counseling and Health Services

Faculty and Staff

The following is a listing of Dickinson State University faculty and staff, organized in chronological order based on the year of employment with full-time faculty listed first, followed by staff members who hold a baccalaureate degree.

FACULTY

Debora Dragseth Professor of Business

David Moody Assistant Professor of Health and Physical Education

Tim Daniel Assistant Professor of Health and Physical Education

Tobias Stroh Assistant Professor of Agriculture

Peter Leno Assistant Professor of Health and Physical Education

David Meier Professor of History

Thadd O’Donnell Chair, School of Kinesiology Assistant Professor of Physical Education

Myron Berg Assistant Professor of Mathematics and Computer Science

Douglas King Professor of Agriculture

Paul Johanson Professor of Mathematics

Rolf Butz Assistant Professor of Business

Timothy Kreidt Athletic Trainer

John Stanton Director of Athletics Head Football Coach

Steven Doherty Chair, Department of Social Science Professor of Political Science

Lori Hauf Associate Professor of Business

Lucy Meyer Chair, Department of Nursing Associate Professor of Nursing

Woodrow (Chip) Poland Jr. Chair, Department of Agriculture and Technical Studies Professor of Agriculture

Reba Olsen Assistant Professor of Mathematics

Shawna Egli Instructor of Mathematics

Kristen Fleury Head Softball Coach Assistant Athletic Director

Kevin Moberg Assistant Professor of English and Education

Holly McBee Professor of English

William Harris III Professor of Computer Science

Eric Grabowsky Associate Professor of Communications

Jacinta Skretteberg Assistant Professor of Nursing

Jarvis Jahner Associate Professor of Theatre and Communications

Lisa Corbin Assistant Professor of Accounting

Wendy Wilson Professor of Psychology

Holly Gruhlke Dean, College of Education, Business and Applied Sciences

Chief Enrollment Management and Communications Officer Associate Professor of Business

Amy Kass Assistant Professor of Accounting

Timothy Kessel Assistant Professor of Business and Finance

Faculty and Staff

Mark Lowe Assistant Professor of Accounting

Teresa Bren Assistant Professor of Nursing

Gregory Walter Professor of Art

Jeremy Wohletz Chair, Department of Arts and Letters Associate Professor of Music

Jundong Chen Associate Professor of Computer Science

Darla Hoffmann Assistant Professor of Education

Pamela Krueger Assistant Professor of Education

Justin Schlecht Head Wrestling Coach

Brent Rogers Dean, College of Arts and Sciences Associate Professor of Music

Shayne Wittkopp Director of Cross Country and Track and Field Instructor of Health and Physical Education

Deborah Secord Associate Professor of Education

Michelle Stevier-Johanson Instructor of English WAC/WID Coordinator

Erin Berger Assistant Professor of Nursing

Jason Their Assistant Football Coach Assistant Coordinator, Henry Biesiot Activity Center

Russell McCarvel Associate Athletic Director Assistant Football Coach

Ann Wittkopp Instructor of Health and Physical Education

Jerolyn Braunagel Instructor of Education Undergraduate and Graduate Field Experience Director

Brittany Hirth Assistant Professor of English

George Seror III Assistant Professor of Psychology

Michael Dahl Head Baseball Coach Instructor of Health and Physical Education

Eric Nelson Head Women’s Basketball Coach

Joan Aus Chair, School of Education Associate Professor of Education Director of Graduate Studies

Patience Biesiot Assistant Professor of Nursing

Elizabeth Freedman Assistant Professor of Biological and Earth Sciences

Derek Selvig Head Men’s Basketball Coach

Lynette Silbernagel Assistant Professor of Nursing

Marcus Fries Chair, Mathematics & Computer Science Associate Professor of Mathematics

Shari Hewson Head Volleyball Coach

Amy Grinsteinner Assistant Professor of Education

Niles Haich Assistant Professor of English Director, Theodore Roosevelt Honors Leadership Program

Brian Holder Assistant Professor of Music Band Director

Colin Strine Assistant Professor of Biology

Faculty and Staff

Maira Carrillo Associate Professor of Biology/Chair, Dept. of Natural Sciences

Michael Cullinane Professor of History/Lowman Walton Chair of Theodore Roosevelt Studies

Tanner Gust Track and Field Coach

Trista Keith Assistant Professor of Nursing

Sarah Crossingham Assistant Professor of Education

Hayden Gibson Assistant Football Coach/Instructor

Hyunjoo Hill Assistant Professor Business

Christopher Mallery Assistant Professor of Biology

Jeff Wells Associate Professor of History Dennis and Vaune Johnson Endowed Chair in U.S. History

Samanthika Hettiarachchi Assistant Professor of Chemistry

Taiwo Soetan Assistant Professor of Business

Jinasena Hewage Assistant Professor of Chemistry

Tyson Springer Head Women’s Wrestling Coach

STAFF

Todd Hauf Chief Information Officer, Information Technology Services

Carrie Knudson Coordinator, Student Health Services

Trent Myran Director, Facility Operations

Stacy Wilkinson Academic Affairs Coordinator

Kim Thiel Assistant Director, Information Technology Services

Kathleen Meyer Director, Academic Records

Johnna Douthit Assistant Director, Academic Records

Vidya (Sagar) Kondru Network and Database Manager

Gayle Mork Assistant Director, Financial Aid

Christopher Meek Director, Financial Aid

Krissy Kilwein Director, Human Resources

Nicole Kadrmas Lead Programming Specialist Collaborative Coordinator

Joshua Nichols Creative Services Specialist

Ty Orton Executive Director, DSU Heritage Foundation

Elena Stickel Graphic Design and Publication Coordinator

Jacinta Splichal Information Specialist, Academic Records and Financial Aid

Sandra Steckler School of Education Coordinator

Jason Watson Biesiot Activity Center Coordinator

Edward Striefel Emergency Mangement Coordinator

Kayla Noah Dean of Students

Laura Fetting Technology Education Coordinator

Samantha Wohletz Online Professional Advisor Testing Center Coordinator

Dale Dolechek Custodian

Taylor Thiel Information Systems Specialist

Alecia Dukart School of Business and Entrepreneurship Coordinator

Faculty and Staff

Andreea Evenson Administrative Assistant, Department of Arts and Letters Administrative Assistant, Department of Social Sciences

Stephanie Osborne Director, Admissions

Ruizhe Jiang Data Analyst

Kathleen Geisen Director, Special Projects Title IX Coordinator

Alan Gatheridge Heat Plant Operator

Tammy Krebs Budget/Accounting Specialist

Sheri Landenberger Verification Specialist

Erik Johnson Digital Collections Cataloger

Kelly Hyland Digital Collections Cataloger

Rachel Goslinga Director, University Relations

Stephen Easton President, Dickinson State University

Marlo Sexton Remote Course Delivery Coordinator

Monica Watson Professional Advisor Tutoring Center Specialist

Sagan Osborne Sports Information Director

Kyle Smith Development Officer - Athletics and Rodeo

Laurie Karie Director, Counseling & Health Services

Samantha Sheesley Online Learning Technician

Michael Landblom Student Accounts Coordinator

Mackenzie Hicks Director, Campus Life

Russell Kiser Director, International Programs

Catie Loftsgaard Admissions Counselor

Taylor Jones Programming Specialist

William Hansard Digital Collection Specialist - Social Media/Education

Duane Jundt Digital Processing Historian

Kierra Schneider Alumni Relations & Events Coordinator

Makayla Tysver Student Affairs & Accessibilities Coordinator

Carissa Wilcox Admissions Counselor

Chris O’Brien Director of the Theodore Roosevelt Center

John Miller Interim Vice President/Provost

Jade Madison Custodian

Gwen Mosqueda Transfer Evaluation Specialist

Melissa Wells Executive Assistant to the President

Leslie Wietstock Chief Operating Officer

TJ Dempsey Career Services/Tutoring Center Coordinator

Imee Songer Controller

Gemma Koontz Digital Collection Specialist - Cataloging

Paul Amberg Director of Stoxen Library

Haley Froelich Admissions Counselor

Academic Attire

HISTORY

Academic regalia generally consist of cap, gown, and hood worn on formal occasions at institutions of higher learning. It originated in the medieval period when the vast majority of scholars were of the clergy. The gown evolved from what most likely was the cape of the clergy. The gown was originally black, but color was introduced as institutions left ecclesiastical control. The hood originated as the skull cap worn by the clergy to protect their heads from the elements.

The hood served a three-fold purpose: head covering, shoulder cap, and bag for alms. King’s College, now known as Columbia University, was established in 1754 and imported many British regulations for academic dress. The end of the 19th century found widespread use of academic dress in the United States. It is estimated that 95 percent of the colleges and universities abide by the intercollegiate code which oversees academic dress.

STYLES AND COLORS

The bachelor’s gown is worn closed and is distinguished by its pointed sleeves. A master’s gown is designed to be worn closed with long, crescent shaped sleeves. The doctoral gown may be worn open or closed with velvet panels down the front and three bars on the round, bell-shaped sleeves. The color of the velvet may be distinctive of the field of study to which the degrees pertain. The Dark Blue of the Doctor of Philosophy degree is predominant but other representative degree colors are distinguished in the following manner:

Arts, Letters, Humanities — White

Education — Light Blue

Library Science — Lemon

Physical Education — Sage Green

Social Work — Citron

Business — Drab

Economics — Copper

Fine Arts — Brown Law — Purple

Music — Pink

Nursing — Apricot

Public Administration — Peacock Blue Science — Golden Yellow

Theology — Scarlet

The most distinguishing feature of the academic attire is the hood. The size and shape of the hood designates not only the college degree of the wearer but also the university he or she attended. The master’s hood is three and one-half feet in length, while the doctoral hood is rounded and measures four feet in length. Hoods are lined with the official colors of the institution conferring the degree. The binding around the hood is velvet with the color indicative of the major field of study.

Caps are normally black with the most common the four-point mortarboard. Tassels are worn over the left front quarter after a degree has been conferred. Students graduating with honors from Dickinson State University are distinguished with gold honor cords. Only students earning bachelor degrees may receive honor status.

The Mace

In medieval times, the mace was often carried by kings or their sergeant-at-arms into battle where it was used as a weapon to protect the king. Centuries later, as armor became stronger, the use of the mace was phased out as a weapon. It was used, instead, during ceremonial occasions to denote authority in governmental, legislative, church, and academic settings. Universities have also used the mace to denote authority, and it is carried in front of the academic procession during each commencement ceremony. The Dickinson State University mace is carried by Dr. Debora Dragseth, Professor of Business Administration for the School of Business and Entrepreneurship. Dr. Dragseth began her long and distinguished teaching career at DSU in 1989. Dr. Dragseth earned the honor of carrying the mace by virtue of being the senior member of Dickinson State University faculty.

Photos

Individual photos of graduates will be available for purchase courtesy of TheGradTeam. Ordering information will be mailed out by TheGradTeam within the next few weeks following commencement. Additional commencement photos will be available for free at flickr.com/dickinsonstateuniversity. Photos will be labeled under the name “2023 Spring Commencement.” If you are having technical difficulties, please email dsu.communications@dickinsonstate.edu, and someone will assist you.

Cane of Leadership

The Cane of Leadership was started back in 2001 by the DSU Alumni Association as a historical time piece to list the accomplishments of each academic year with a new ribbon. Prior to 2001, the graduating classes had a new metal ring indicating that year added to a cane. The cane is filled with rings from every year dating back to 1926.

HOMECOMING KING AND QUEEN

Isaiah Kludt ’22 – Hettinger, ND

Alexa Delbridge ’23 – Black Hawk, SD

STUDENT NURSE OF THE YEAR

Erica Martinez-Meza ’24 – Mountain Home, ID

OUTSTANDING STUDENTS IN TEACHER EDUCATION AWARD

Ashlin Hiller ’23 – Lolo, MT

Chelsea Wright ’23 – Circle, MT

OUTSTANDING GRADUATES

Arjana Eilers ’23 – Brandon, Manitoba

Brendan Johnson ’23 – Dickinson, ND

STUDENT COMMENCEMENT SPEAKERS

Alexa Delbridge ’23 – Black Hawk, SD

Kirstyn Bohn ’23 – Dickinson, ND

NORTH STAR ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION CONFERENCE CHAMPIONS

Football

Women’s Indoor Track & Field

SENIOR ATHLETES OF THE YEAR

Lindsay Peterson ’23 – Watford City, ND

Krew Mathern ’23 – Dickinson, ND

DSU CHEER PLACES 4TH IN NATIONAL COMPETITION & BRENDAN JOHNSON NAMED NAIA ALL-AMERICAN

DICKINSON STATE UNIVERSITY WOMEN’S RODEO TEAM WINS GREAT PLAINS REGION CHASYN YSTAAS WINS GREAT PLAINS REGION MEN’S TEAM ROPING ( HEADER )

GRAND OPENING FOR SANFORD SPORTS COMPLEX AND BRAVERA CHAMPIONSHIP FIELD

PULVER HALL RENAMED TO LOWMAN WALTON HALL

DICKINSON STATE ADDS WOMEN’S WRESTLING PROGRAM

DICKINSON STATE RENAMES

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND RECREATION TO SCHOOL OF KINESIOLOGY

GLENICE AND DALE HANSEN SIMULATION LAB COMPLETED

THE AWARD - WINNING RED PAPERCLIP PROJECT LEAD BY DR. DEBORA DRAGSETH RAISES OVER $4,000 FOR LOCAL CHARITIES

Display of Nations

In honor of the rich diversity at Dickinson State University, commencement includes the Display of Nations. The national flag of each student graduating is displayed in a salute to the students who have come together to enrich the university.

COUNTRIES

TRIBAL NATIONS

Lyrics by Mary Jane Alguire Middleton, B.A. '42 Arranged by O.T. Belsheim; Revised in 1987