A CELEBRATION WORTH HAVING

By Hannah Ruth Pettyjohn

“The overall impact of Lewis-Clark State College is quite literally indescribable for me,” said Tiara Yount, who graduated this spring. “I went from a stay-athome mom (pre-pandemic) to a student (during the pandemic) who was very out of touch with technology and was able to jump right in and begin a career path that I’ve been dreaming of for a very long time. LC provided everything that I needed to go from zero to 100.”

With over 900 degrees awarded in spring of 2024, there were many success stories just like Yount’s. Lewis-Clark State College celebrated them all with four commencement ceremonies, pinning ceremonies, barbecues, banquets, and more.

May 10 marked the start of commencement season with two ceremonies held at the P1FCU Activity Center. The traditional commencement ceremonies had approximately 420 students walk within the Schools of Professional & Graduate Studies, Liberal Arts & Sciences, and Career & Technical Education. Special recognition was given to graduates Grace Villelli (Gertrude Mellen Dick Award), Yount (President’s Award), and Tessa Guinn (Provost’s Award).

“To be told that the efforts I had made — that were consistent, sincere, and committed — were noticed by so many faculty was truly humbling and such a beautiful gift,” Yount said. “I think I cried for ten days, happy tears, when I received that news because I really did give school my all despite many, many challenges and responsibilities.”

These three graduates weren’t the only ones recognized; retiring LC State faculty Deborah Lemon, Jenni Light, Clay Robinson, and Lee Ann Wiggin were recognized as emeritus faculty for their contributions to LC State. Dr. William Mannschreck, who passed away in June, not long after the ceremony, was recognized for receiving the President’s Medallion.

On May 13, LC State held a unique commencement ceremony at the Idaho Correctional Institution-Orofino (ICIO), where two graduates, Austin Sherper and Scott White, were awarded degrees through the prison education program. In attendance were 56 of their classmates, six family members, and 20 college administrators. For these graduates, commencement meant more than just a new beginning.

“What LC is doing for these inmates here at the facility is unbelievable,” said White while holding back tears. “It gives us an opportunity to make our family and friends proud that we don’t usually have. It’s very emotional.”

Sherper’s mom, Dawn Sherper, said, “I’m really proud of Austin, and also really appreciative of the opportunity because I think it’s made such a big difference for him and can be life-changing for so many others.”

Later that same day, a GED graduation ceremony was held in the Silverthorne Theatre, which was also attended by many LC State administrators. In the past year, LC State helped over 100 students receive their GED, seven of which walked during the May 13 celebration.

Though LC State’s graduates may come from different backgrounds and have completed different degrees, they all have one thing in common – their success at Lewis-Clark State College has set a brighter future before them.