USU BLANDING COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY
April 29, 2022
ACADEMIC HERALDRY The history of academic heraldry reaches back into the early days of the university. A statute of 1321 required that all “Doctors, Licentiates and Bachelors” of the University of Columbia wear gowns. When American colleges and universities decided to adopt some suitable system of academic apparel, it seemed best to agree on one that all might follow. From a conference of various institutions’ board representatives held at Columbia University in 1895 came a code of academic dress for higher learning institutions in the United States, which most adopted.
GOWNS The academic gown for the bachelor’s degree has pointed sleeves and is designed to be worn closed. Master’s degree gowns have an oblong sleeve, open at the wrist. The sleeve base hangs down in the traditional manner. The rear part of its oblong shape is square cut, and the front part has an arc cut away. It is designed this way so it can be worn open or closed. The gown for the doctoral degree has bell-shaped sleeves and may be worn open or closed.
COLORS For all academic purposes, including trimmings of doctoral gowns, edging of hoods and tassels of caps, the colors associated with the different academic disciplines are as follows: • • • • • •
Agriculture, Maize Arts, Brown Business, Drab Education and Human Services, Light Blue Engineering, Orange Humanities and Social Sciences, White
• • • • •
Natural Resources, Russet Science, Gold-Yellow School of Graduate Studies, Black Associate Degrees, Black Integrated Studies, Black
HOODS Academic hoods are worn by recipients of advanced degrees. Master’s degree hoods are three-and-one-half feet in length and lined with the official color(s) of the college or university conferring the degree, which at Utah State University are navy blue and white, displayed in the heraldic chevron. The doctoral hood consists of a larger and longer assemblage of institutional color draped over the recipient’s shoulders, falling well down the back. The binding or edging of the hoods is of velvet or velveteen, three inches wide for the Master’s degree and five inches wide for the doctoral degree.
CAPS Academic caps come in two forms: the traditional mortarboard (from Oxford) or square cap, and a soft cap that resembles an oversized beret (from Cambridge). The mortarboard used by Utah State University is worn with a tassel.
ACADEMIC PROCESSION The commencement procession is composed of three divisions: (1) color guard, University President, Utah Board of Higher Education members, Board of Trustees, administrative officers and special guests; (2) the faculty; and (3) candidates for degrees.
UTAH STATE UNIVERSITY BLANDING
COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY PROCESSIONAL WELCOME Kristian Olsen Associate Vice President, USU Blanding
NATIONAL ANTHEM Nadia Armajo San Juan High School Student
REMARKS & LAND GRANT ACKNOWLEDGEMENT Kristian Olsen Associate Vice President, USU Blanding
STUDENT ASSOCIATION GREETING & SPEAKER Quandinna Begay
ADDRESS TO GRADUATES Curtis Bud Frazier CEO, Navajo Strong
CONFERRING OF DEGREES Noelle E. Cockett President
USU BLANDING VALEDICTORIANS Lincoln Holliday – Associate of Applied Science in Nursing Carver Black – Bachelor of Science in Accounting
USU BLANDING SALUTATORIANS Alysia Lusko - Associate of Applied Science in Nursing Darial Black – Bachelor of Science in Family Life Studies
PRESENTATION OF DIPLOMAS Jim Dandy Program Coordinator
GREETING TO GRADUATES Kim Larson Executive Director, USU Alumni Association
RECESSIONAL
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CURTIS BUD FRAZIER CEO, NAVAJO STRONG Commencement Speaker
Curtis “Bud” Frazier is Tl’izi Łání, Hooghan Łání bashíschíín. Tábąąhá dashicheii. Tsé Nahabiłnii dashinali. Bud is Diné of the Many Goats clan, born for the Many Hogans clan. His maternal grandfather is of the Waters Edge clan and his paternal grandfather is of the Sleep Rock clan. He was born and raised in American Fork, Utah, but calls Blanding, Utah his home. Bud graduated with honors from USU Blanding with an Associate of Science and Associate of Applied Science in Nursing. He received his Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Utah and is currently working on a Master of Business Administration degree. Bud has thirteen years of experience as a registered nurse, working for Utah Navajo Health Systems, an intensive critical care unit nurse, managed several clinical teams, and as a nurse manager. Bud was one of two nurses honored by IASIS Healthcare in the State of Utah by University of Utah College of Nursing and Alumni Associations for his nursing career work at Mountain Point Medical Center. One of his greatest experiences was serving as a critical care nurse in 2017 during Hurricane Harvey in Houston, Texas. Currently Bud works for a health technology company as a care management program manager. Bud is the founder and executive director of Navajo Strong, a non-profit organization that he started to aid the Navajo community during the COVID-19 pandemic and economic crisis. He’s honored that Navajo Strong has been recognized by news stations across the country, featured in television shows, news articles and media. He’s especially appreciative of those who have given to Navajo Strong. He and his team plan to continue to support those in need by focusing on self-sufficient projects that promote health, culture, and empowerment in long-term and meaningful ways. Bud loves to spend time outdoors — especially fly fishing, playing his guitar, and spending time with his dog, Mayci, and family.
QUANDINNA BEGAY Student Association Speaker
Quandinna “Que” Begay is from Many Farms, Arizona. She is of the One Who Walks Around clan, born for Caddo Kiowa. Her maternal grandparents are of the Coyote Pass clan, and her paternal grandparents are of the Mississippi Chickasaw Tribe. She is currently in her third year at USU Blanding, studying mathematics. She serves in the statewide student association as the executive Vice President for Blanding. Que enjoys outdoor activities like hiking, long boarding, and watching sunrises and sunsets — but most importantly, she loves to help people.
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2022 CANDIDATES FOR GRADUATION Names listed in this program do not constitute graduation.
CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION CONSTRUCTION TECHNOLOGY & MANAGEMENT Amando Rubert Cody Zedekiah Richard Hall Mehki Hatathli Nez Dusty Ray Parrish Jacey L. Sayetsitty Nicholas Whitehorse
MEDICAL ASSISTANT Paige Tammy Benally Sage Benally Adrienne Eddie Dawnrae Jim Huberta Slim Taniyah Shaye Staley Kimerie Thomas++
PRACTICAL NURSING Brittney Bastian Tiarra Ashleigh Begay Marilisa Rachelle Boone Benjamin J. Brewer Angel Cristine Card Ashley Marie Hoggard Taylor Rayn Martinez Abigail Nielson
RANCH HORSE MANAGEMENT Leah Ann Wheelwright Michelle Anna Yazzie
PHARMACY TECHNICIAN Paisley Lynn Lyman++
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CERTIFICATE OF PROFICIENCY COMMERCIAL DRIVER’S LICENSE Hubert Atene Kaleo Atene Andrea Ann Benally++ Dylan John Blake Jordan Dean Blake Malcolm Charley Boyd++ Donovan Delmar Fernando Francis+ Leman Harvey Jr. Derick Stanley Holiday Travis Jake Raymond Jones Jason Lamour Keith Duran W. Lang Kyle Crag Leavitt Luke Charles Lessner Wuliton Wakiza Mann Jersen Martin Oliver Parker Pamela Ann Pearson-Fuller Logan Pemberton Alicia Skeets Joshua Debriel Smallcanyon Terri Valdez Lamuel Kee Williams Deeona Billy Clitso Wilson Jerrame William Yarbrough Brenda Young
HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATOR
Therman Ben+ Andrea Ann Benally++ LaDawn Bitsinnie++ Treynae Shania BooSilas Malcolm Charley Boyd++ Olivia Tisha C. Claw Nicneal Crank Dillon M. Dash Sampson Enrico Fernando Francis+ Atasha Shaylene Grey Derick Stanley Holiday Latrell D. Holiday Travis Jake+ Nathan Neal June++ Kyle Crag Leavitt Jonah Harvey Nez III++ Charleston Salt++ Sheena Lynn Salt Fidel Whitefeather Saltwater Tricia Ann Smith Dan Thompson Jr. Brandon Ronald Walker Lamuel Kee Williams++ Taylen Teron Woody Jerrame William Yarbrough++ Travis James Younker++ Violet Littlegirl Younker
PHLEBOTOMY Nichole Odina Butler Melanie Leighann Holiday Sharayah Francheska Yazzie
Kaleo Atene Jileo Oscar Begay Lydell James Begay++ Malcom Begay++
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ASSOCIATE DEGREES PROVOST’S OFFICE Francis D. Galey, Executive Vice President and Provost ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE – GENERAL TECHNOLOGY Nicneal Crank David Adam Fife Manuel Harrison Joe Athina Mae Silas
ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE – IT SUPPORT & WEB DEVELOPMENT Kimberly Irene Keith
ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE – NURSING Valerina Adakai Amber Nielson Black Lincoln Seth Holliday Stephanie Ivins Autumn Pauline-Warren Keith Caitlin Paige Lyman Devin C. Lyman Justin T. Nielson Riley Wilson Orr Bethanie Ann Palmer Remington Stellar Perkins Kallie Thomason Kyle Wilson
ASSOCIATE OF SCIENCE – AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE Shay L. Curleyhair
ASSOCIATE OF SCIENCE – CRIMINAL JUSTICE Daan Rainy Filfred Victor James Keith Gayle Luna Victoria Polanco
ASSOCIATE OF SCIENCE – GENERAL STUDIES KayDe Lyn Alleman Chanel Amber Bahe Melissa J. Bahe Euphemia Begay Shinea April Benally Hasbah S. Bitsui+ Katie Giddings Black Sterling Black Morgan M. Blackhorse Elizabeth Brewer Nichole Odina Butler Angel Cristine Card++ Shinshyna Ann Begay Christensen Lita Marie Cowboy Kauldrinn Saiyah Crank Lindsie S. Damron Alyssa Gladys Denny Jacqueline Lindsey Duran Daan Rainy Filfred Ashley Marie Hoggard Jeanna Nizhoni Holiday Shastee Kira Holliday Katara Lynn Hungary Riana Rene James Monet M. Jemmott Shanaya Kananiokapuamaeole John Angel Nizhoni Jones Rose Ann Kee Norman R. Lameman
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ASSOCIATE OF SCIENCE – GENERAL STUDIES (CONT.) Alysia Corine Lusko Paisley Lynn Lyman++ Hannah Mariah Merschel Abigail Nielson Malachi Oliver Heidi Denice Parker Angel Nizhoni Parrish Shailyn Amber Parrish Shania Laraye Paul Melinda Perry Shikera Brit Russell Jimmy Austin Searle Marina B. Smallcanyon Erin J. Smiley Hughston Dan Sullivan Michelle Sullivan Jalynn Shay Swenson++ Timika Tisi Benjamin Tohsonii Jacob Austin Walker Jade Gladys Warren Kianna Willie Ethan F. Yazzie Sydney Megan Yazzie
The quality of performance in academic work enables those indicated to be graduates with distinction: ++High Honors..................................................................................................................... grade point average of 3.75 to 4.00 +Honors................................................................................................................................ grade point average of 3.50 to 3.74
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BACHELOR’S DEGREES COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE & APPLIED SCIENCES Kenneth L. White, Dean
TECHNOLOGY SYSTEMS Benny Fatt Jr. Renisha Lori Joe Jeffrey Walker*
JON M. HUNTSMAN SCHOOL OF BUSINESS Douglas D. Anderson, Dean ACCOUNTING Carver Bruce Black**
EMMA ECCLES JONES COLLEGE OF EDUCATION & HUMAN SERVICES Alan L. Smith, Dean
FAMILY LIFE STUDIES Dariel Angelique Black Emma Squires
HEALTH EDUCATION & PROMOTION - HEALTH SCIENCE Kimberlynn Chiquito Nizhoni Ella Whitehorse
RN TO BSN COMPLETION PROGRAM: NURSING Jens Christian Grover*
COLLEGE OF HUMANITIES & SOCIAL SCIENCES Joseph P. Ward, Dean ENGLISH Ashley M. Lacy
SOCIOLOGY Reionna Leyonka Silas
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S. J. & JESSIE E. QUINNEY COLLEGE OF NATURAL RESOURCES Chris Luecke, Dean ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES Shaila Jeane Ben
RECREATION RESOURCE MANAGEMENT Miranda Ashton Peterson
PROVOST’S OFFICE Francis D. Galey, Executive Vice President and Provost INTEGRATED STUDIES Autumn D. Benally Tylan Dee Kalvina Hanley Kori Brittany Valentine
The quality of performance in academic work enables those indicated to be graduates with distinction: ***Summa Cum Laude ......................................................................................................... grade point average of 3.95 to 4.00 **Magna Cum Laude............................................................................................................. grade point average of 3.80 to 3.94 *Cum Laude.......................................................................................................................... grade point average of 3.50 to 3.79
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SCHOOL OF GRADUATE STUDIES Richard Cutler Interim Vice Provost of Graduate Studies
MASTER’S DEGREES EMMA ECCLES JONES COLLEGE OF EDUCATION & HUMAN SERVICES Joquel Yanabah Begay-Haudley
Master of Public Health in Health Education & Promotion
Calandra L. Hollie
Master of Public Health in Health Education & Promotion
Colleen McKinnon Timothy Master of Rehabilitation Counseling
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UTAH BOARD OF HIGHER EDUCATION Harris H. Simmons, Chair Nina R. Barnes, Vice Chair Aaron V. Osmond, Vice Chair Jesselie B. Anderson Mike Angus Jera L. Bailey Stacey K. Bettridge Lisa Michele Church Wilford Clyde
Sanchaita Datta Alan E. Hall Patricia Jones Crystal Maggelet Tanner Marcum Arthur E. Newell Shawn Newell Valirie Serawop Scott L. Theurer
David R. Woolstenhulme, Commissioner of Higher Education
UTAH STATE BOARD OF TRUSTEES Kent K. Alder, Chair John Y. Ferry, Vice Chair Clara Alder Gina Gagon David H. Huntsman Kacie Malouf
Wayne L. Niederhauser Steven L. Palmer David A. Petersen Jacey Skinner Tessa White
Janalyn G. Brown, Interim Secretary to the USU Board of Trustees
BLANDING’S LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT We recognize Utah State University Blanding resides on the ancestral, traditional, and contemporary lands of the Navajo Nation, San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe, and the White Mesa Ute peoples. USU commits to creating and instilling a continuous relationship with tribal nations and fostering a partnership through community, family (clan/bands), research, education, and programming. In offering this land acknowledgment, we affirm Tribal Sovereignty, history, and experiences.
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