[Commencement begins at 4:24]

Steve Meeker, BHSU Vice President of University Advancement

Good morning. I'm Steve Meeker, Vice President for University Advancement. It gives me a great deal of pleasure to welcome you to the 187th commencement ceremony at Black Hills State University.

[Applause]

And I have to remind everybody that we're not at a funeral. This is a celebration. So let's get after it, alright? This is normally where I tell you to please rise, look at this crowd already on their feet. Thank you, for the presentation of colors by the BHSU ROTC Color Guard.

[Presentation of the colors]

Today's ceremony is led by Ms. Isabella Rowe, Student Senate president and graduating senior. Joining her are participants in today's commencement ceremony and platform party guests including President Steve Elliot, and Regent Jeff Partridge. Also represented are members of the Black Hills State University administration, the Council of Deans, and faculty senate. Members of the esteemed faculty of Black Hills State University representing the College of Business and Natural sciences, the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences, and the College of Liberal Arts, led by Dr. Urla Marcus, Director for the Center of American Indian Studies.

[Applause]

[The band begins playing Pomp and Circumstance]

And now, it is my pleasure to present the graduates from the class of 2024.

[Applause]

Candidates for the Master's degree, led by Dr. Ryan Amys, assistant professor and Graduate Coordinator for the Master's in secondary education, also led my Ms. Janette Hettick-Waltz, Director of Student Success Center. University Honors Program graduates, led by Dr. Katrina Jensen, Associate professor of chemistry, and Director of University Honors.

[Applause]

Candidates for the baccalaureate degree from the College of Business and Natural Sciences led by Dr. Charlie Lamb, professor of biology and Chief Research Officer, also led by Dr. Jane Klug, Dean of Students, and Dr. Ron DeBeaumont, professor of economics.

[Applause]

Candidates for the baccalaureate degree from the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences, led by Dr. Ashley Pfeiffer, assistant professor if exercise science, also led by Dr. Trenton Ellis, associate professor of human services and criminology.

[Applause]

Candidates for the baccalaureate degree from the College of Liberal Arts, led by Mr, Michael Baum, associate professor of art, also led by Dr. Daluss Siewert, professor of mathematics and chair of the School of Mathematics and Social Sciences.

[Applause]

Candidates for the associates degree led by Mr. Casey Hibbert, instructor of theatre.

[Applause]

[End of Pomp and Circumstance]

Singing our National Anthem is Dr. Jonathan Nero, professor of music. We remind all in attendance the proper respect is to face the flag and stand at attention with your right hand over your heart. Men should remove their hat or cap, Veterans and active duty military not in uniform may also salute the flag. And now, ladies and gentlemen, our National Anthem.

[Singing of the National Anthem]

[Applause]

Please be seated. It is my pleasure to introduce to you the President of Black Hills State University, Mr. Steve Elliot.

[Applause]

Steve Elliot, BHSU President

Good morning, and welcome. It is my honor to introduce the members of the platform party. Please stand for a moment as I call your name, and please hold your applause. Regent Jeff Partridge, the ceremonial representative for the South Dakota Board of Regents. Mr. Jim Neiman, honorary doctorate recipient. Dr. John Kilpinen, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. Dr. Nancy Roberts, professor of music and this year's Distinguished Faculty award recipient. Dr. Cynthia Anderson, Dean of the College of Business and Natural Sciences. Ms. Kathy Johnson, Vice President for finance and administration. Major John Lundeen, assistant professor of military science. Miss Isabella Rose, student senate president and member of this year's graduating class. Ms. April Meeker, registrar. Mr. Steve Meeker, Vice President for University Advancement, and Dr. Abigail Domagall, faculty senate vice president. Please give them a round of applause.

[Applause]

I would now like to give a warm welcome back to the members of the class of 1974, who are participating in today's ceremony. Please stand, as you're able, when I call your name. David Boose, from Gillette, Wyoming.

[Applause]

Steve Elwonger from Gillette, Wyoming.

[Applause]

Mitchell Ann-Heaton Filmore from Whitewood.

[Applause]

Dorothy Gillespie from Sturgis.

[Applause]

Doug Janice from Guernsey, Wyoming.

[Applause]

Marian Libel Janice from Guernsey, Wyoming.

[Applause]

Joy J. Moore from Hulett, Wyoming.

[Applause]

Paula Holsty Richter from Buffalo.

[Applause]

And Darlene Davis Telkamp from Aurora, Colorado.

[Applause]

Graduates, now it's time to recognize a group of individuals who have been your partners along this journey. They have provided mentorship and encouragement as you attended classes and completed your coursework. Would you please join me by showing your appreciation to the faculty for their efforts.

[Applause]

Congratulations, graduates. Your day has arrived. Today, you become a college graduate. Your degree will open doors to opportunities that you may not be able to imagine today. I am so excited for you and your future. Now, as hard as you have worked on earning your degree, you didn't get here alone. Your family and friends have been a great source of support to you throughout your college years. They are very proud of you, and many of them are here today to celebrate with you. I know as you walk across the stage, they will be bursting with joy. So, graduates, I am going to ask you to stand and and please look around to find your family and loved ones. Will you please join me in thanking them for their love and support of you.

[Applause]

Now that was great. Okay. Now, there are two words commonly used on days like today. One is graduation and the other is commencement. Graduation signifies the end, the finish line. It celebrates the fact that you've successfully completed this phase of your education, and it brings closure to this chapter of your life. Now commencement, on the other hand, signifies the starting gate, or the beginning of a new life. It's a transition from the past into the future. The best part of life is ahead of you. Both terms are most appropriate today, and both and very meaningful. However, I choose to leave you with my congratulations on your commencement, on your new beginning. Your future is bright. You have ability, passion, and a commitment to make a difference. As Yellowjackets, I know that wherever you go, you will carry your Alma Mater with you, and you will represent us well. Congratulations graduates, on commencement, and on all of the bright and beautiful possibilities waiting for you. As part of today's ceremony, we are pleased to recognize Mr. Jim Neiman with the awarding of an honorary doctorate of public services. The honorary doctorate is the highest honor bestowed by the South Dakota Board of Regents and the universities. Recipients have distinguished themselves through outstanding service and exemplary achievements within their fields of endeavor. Dr. Kilpinen, please join me for the presentation of the award.

Steve Meeker, BHSU Vice President of University Advancement

Jim D. Neiman is the third generation of his family to work in the forest products industry. His grandfather, A.C. Neiman started a sawmill in the Black Hills in 1936, and his dad, James S. Neiman is still actively involved in the family's ranch and timber businesses. Jim is currently the President CEO of Neiman Enterprises in Hulett, Wyoming, and a member of the Black Hills Forest Resource Association, Intermountain Forest Association, Federal Resource Coalition, and the 10th District Economic Advisory Council for the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City. In 2021, the Black Hills State University Foundation received a gift of $345,000 from Neiman Enterprises, Neiman Timber Company to establish a Bachelor of Science degree in biology with a specialization in forest and grassland ecology. The gift is funding a faculty position each year, and also $15,000 annually for student scholarships for three years. Ladies and gentlemen, please join me in congratulating Mr. Jim Neiman and help me welcome him to the podium to say a few words.

[Applause]

Jim Neiman, Honorary Doctorate Recipient

Mr. President, it's just an honor to be on the stage with you, and have an opportunity under SB55 to travel all over the state and all the universities and deal with the Board of Regents and the special committee there that really give me a good insight into education in South Dakota. But of utmost importance to find out how important this university is to this state and to this area in this part of the state in the Black Hills. So, I'm with a few words. When I looked up to the good Lord to ask for what kind of words I should use this morning, he said just be humble. And he said that is the best thing you can do to advise the students as they move ahead. So, it's special to have my family here, my wife, and a bunch of friends, and my two kids. I would have drug all five grandkids in here just to give them the experience, but it would have been chaos, I could tell you. So, the forest degree the president talked about, that's been so fun to watch and get that started here and see how it fits into our area, the forestry and range. But students, I've had a chance to serve at a couple other universities and a trustee, and all of us up here are here for one purpose. It's not for ourselves. It's for you students to help take our wisdom and our education and help you launch your career and help guide you. And I would just give you a piece of advice that I was not very good at, at first. This one professor told me, "You're not going to remember everything you learn at this university." But he said, "What a university is all about is how and who to get the information from, and it gives you a process of how to think and how to think different." And I just encourage you to think big. So I'd encourage you to stay in contact with the university, those professors that helped get you through. I did that, after it took me about ten years to realize the importance of those professors, and how many helps et the path for you. I could tell you some really good stories and some crazy stories about some of my trips to Mexico on some of the range trips, my degree being in range management. But I'd encourage you, and I would be of access to anybody in the business word or rang or forestry to help anyone out, or provide some of our staff. Again, Mr. President, I'm humbled to be on the stage with you and all the professors and I feel very humbled and very honored to be here with you, And to see my former Hulett classmate, Joy J. down here. We both graduated together. God bless, Thank you.

[Applause]

Steve Elliot, BHSU President

Today we are honoring a Distinguished Faculty Member selected by her peers and recognized by the South Dakota Board of Regents for her excellence in teaching research and service. The honoree this year is Dr. Nancy Roberts. Will you please join me on the lower stage?

[Applause]

Jon Kilpinen, Provost

Dr. Nancy Roberts joined the BHSU music faculty in 2007. She is a professor of voice, opera, and music education. She received a Bachelor's in voice and music education from William Jewell College, a Master's in voice from Indiana University, and a Doctorate in voice form the University of Kansas, where she regularly featured with the KU Opera Theater. She has been featured soloist with the Black Hills Symphony Orchestra, the BHSU concert choir, the Dakota Coral Union, the Northern Hills Corral, the Rapid City Municipal Band, and the Chamber Music Festival of the Black Hills. She has also directed several theatrical productions at BHSU and area performing arts centers. Outside of class, Roberts spends time in local high schools assisting recent BHSU graduates in the teaching field. She teaches private voice lessons and volunteers and local elementary and preschools with music education students. Most recently, four of Robert's students placed in the North Dakota chapter of the National Association of Teachers Singing Competition. Please join me in congratulating Dr. Roberts.

[Applause]

Steve Elliot, BHSU President

I am pleased to introduce the Black State University commencement wind ensemble under the direction of David Berberick, associate professor of music and director of bands.

[Music]

[Applause]

Thank you for that wonderful performance. Black Hills State University has a long history of supporting our military. Before continuing with our program, we would like to recognize all veterans, service members, and their spouses for their service to our nation. Please stand and be recognized.

[Applause]

And now it is my absolute pleasure to ask Major John Lundeen to come forward for the conferring of commissions.

Major John Lundeen

Just to fill you in on what that means, I'm Major Lundeen with the ROTC program of the university. A couple years ago, a couple young men entered into a contract upon signing that contract, they took on extra physical and mental challenges in addition to their full-time burden as students. The result of which is that they are now eligible to enter into the United States Army as commissioned officers. So you'll witness that Oath of Office right here on stage. What I would ask of you is that you would join me in thanking them once I dismiss them. I will call them up as cadets, and dismiss them as lieutenants, and once they're dismissed, in the form of uproars or applause or whatever you'd like to do I'd ask you to join me in thanking them. Mr. Michael Scott is entering into the active duty Army as an infantry officer. Mr. Wesley Dan is entering intro the South Dakota National Guard as an artillery officer. Two very different paths for two very different young men; however, them dawning the same uniform means that they could be serving alongside of each other halfway around the world in a few years time. Gentlemen, just so you're aware, you're not being thanked necessarily for what you have done, but for what you are committing to because if that last 20 years is any indication of the next 20, this nation will ask much of you. And you coming up here, taking this oath, raising your right hand is you answering in the affirmative that you will answer that call. And so that is what you're being thanked for. So without further ado, [steps away from the microphone] cadets, forward. Raise your right hand and repeat after me. I, state your first name. [cadets repeat, saying their first name.] Do solemnly swear, [cadets repeat] to support and defend the constitution of the United States [cadets repeat] against all enemies, foreign and domestic. [cadets repeat] That I will bear true faith [cadets repeat] and allegiance to the same [cadets repeat] That I take this obligation freely [cadets repeat] without purpose of evasion. [cadets repeat] That I will well and faithfully [cadets repeat] discharge the duties [cadets repeat] of the office upon which [cadets repeat] I am about the enter [cadets repeat] ; so help me God. [cadets repeat] Lieutenants, dismissed.

[Applause]

Steve Elliot, BHSU President

Miss Isabella Rowe is from Petoskey, Michigan and is graduating with a bachelor's degree in K-12 physical education. She is our current student body President, and has been involved in clubs such as Student Senate, Campus Activities Board, Future Teachers Association, and Activities Grant Committee. Isabella has lobbied at the state capital all four years of college, and was an active member of the Presidential Search Committee. It is my pleasure to ask Miss Isabella Rowe to come forward and deliver the charge to the graduates.

[Applause]

Isabella Rowe

Good morning everybody, sorry I kind of lost my voice. I'm going to do my best, okay. I've had a magnet on my whiteboard calendar all four years of college. It reads, "Tomorrow is a new day with no mistakes in it yet." I carefully absorbed these words, and realized that the writer purposely chose the word "mistakes" instead of regrets. I offer you this saying to reconsider your outlook on life. We often get caught up the frustration in our lives, our disappointments, and our heartbreaks. We may begin to close in on ourselves and settle into a comfort zone we never intend on leaving. How blessed we are to get to wake up everyday and choose what comes next. This is your life. Do what you love and do it often. If you don't like something, change it. If you don't like your job, quit. If you don't have enough time, stop watching your TV screens. Start doing things you love. Stop overanalyzing. Life is simple and all emotions are beautiful. When you eat, appreciate every last bite. Open your mind, arms, and heart to new things and people. We are all united in our differences. Travel often, getting lost will help you find yourself. Some opportunities only come once, so seize them. Life is about the people you meet and the things you create with them, so go out and start creating. I pulled some of these lines from one of my favorite authors who clearly has life figured out. Your control of your life, your new degree that you possess will carry you in the right direction as you begin this new path. Adulthood is taking accountability. Make this life 100% your responsibility. Don't blame your parents, your bosses, your circumstances, your partner, or anyone else for your misery. You have the power to make the change. I think aging can be a fearful concept. We struggle to hold onto our youth, and that we think back to the good times. A conversation with a friend taught me that anytime I thought about the past, I became depressed. Always longing for a feeling I was no longer going to feel again. And anytime that I thought about the future, I was met with anxiety and questioning if I was making the right choices. He reminded me that we are meant to live in the present. We are to wake up everyday and realize that today has no mistakes in it yet. Taking a walk in the park, reading a new book, and jumping in a rain puddle will refocus us to enjoy all the little things. Friends, as we step into this new life and we drift in new directions, remember one thing today. Never settle. Never sell yourself short. As I look across this amazing group of individuals, I want to remind you that you are powerful. You are educated, and you are capable of achieving all of your wildest dreams. Become the person you dream of being. It's okay to veer off road and have days filled with mistakes. Just know you'll always find your way back home. Remember to hug your parents, call your siblings, and visit your grandparents. It's there first time living too. Life is a lot more fun when you start living for yourself and take in the beauty of it all. I will leave you with this from Luke, "So I tell you, keep on asking and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking and you will find. Keep on knocking and the door will be open to you, for everyone who asks receives. Everyone who seeks finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened." Class of 2024, I'm so proud of you. Congratulations.

[Applause]

Steve Elliot, BHSU President

Thank you, Isabella. We are now privileged to have Regent Jeff Partridge who will bring you greeting from the South Dakota Board of Regents.

[Applause]

Jeff Partridge, South Dakota Board of Regents

Good morning. I'm delight to be greeting you on behalf of the South Dakota Board of Regents. We join your family and your friends today in congratulating you, graduates, for what you have done, what you've accomplished. We take part in your excitement and your satisfaction of what this day means. You see, we know that you signed up, you showed up, and today, it's time to get up. Get up and get what though? A piece of paper? Does it matter? Well, I remember asking that question of my mother. My mother had her diploma from college on the wall, framed, you know, nothing fancy. But I remember being a little kid and asking, "What is that?" "Well, that's a diploma." "What's a diploma?" "It's something that no one can ever take away from you." That was her answer. That's what we're doing today. The Board knows you've worked very hard to attain this goal, and for this, you are warmly commended. Please accept our sincere wishes for a wonderful future of personal and professional success. And now, under the laws of the state of South Dakota, as a representative of the South Dakota Board of Regents, I hereby delegate to the President, Steve Elliot, the authority to confer the various degrees at this commencement ceremony.

[Applause]

Steve Elliot, BHSU President

Graduates, we are at the moment for which you have been preparing for the last several years. A photographer from the Grad Team will be taking professional photographs, which will be available for purchase one week following the ceremony. The website address is on the inside cover of your commencement program. Family and friends of the graduates, as a courtesy to the students who are graduating, as well as the people sitting around you, please remain seated until the conclusion of the ceremony. It is my pleasure to present Dr. Cynthia Anderson, Dean of the College of Business and Natural Sciences.

Dr. Cynthia Anderson, Dean of the College of Business and Natural Sciences

Graduates, please stand.

[Applause]

President Elliot, I have the honor to present the class of 2024. On behalf of the faculty, I present them to you as fully qualified to receive their diplomas.

Steve Elliot, BHSU President

By virtue of the authority vested in me by the South Dakota Board of Regents, and upon the recommendation of the faculty, I hereby confer upon you the associates, bachelor's, and master's degree with all the rights, privileges, and responsibilities appertaining thereto. Please be seated.

Jon Kilpinen, Provost

The first group of students who will be asked to come forward are graduating with master's degrees. They will be hooded as a part of today's ceremony. Will the master's degree candidates please rise and come forward?

[Master's degree recipients receive their diplomas and hoods]

The next group of students who will be asked to come forward are graduating from the university honors program. With a focus on undergraduate research and creative scholarship, they have met the highest standards of achievement, enrichment, and service. Dr. Katrina Jensen will present them with a medallion symbolizing their distinction as research scholars. Will you please rise and come forward?

[Honors program bachelor's degree recipients receive their diplomas]

Will the first row of bachelor's degree candidates from the College of Business and Natural Sciences rise and come forward to receive your diplomas?

[Applause]

[Bachelor's degree recipients receive their diplomas]

Will the first row of bachelor's degree candidates from the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences please rise and come forward to receive your degrees?

[Applause]

[Bachelor's degree recipients receive their diplomas]

Will the first row of bachelor's degree candidates from the College of Liberal Arts please rise and come forward to receive your diplomas?

[Applause]

[Bachelor's degree recipients receive their diplomas]

Will the candidates for the associate's degree please rise and come forward to receive your diplomas?

[Associate's degree recipients receive their diplomas]

Steve Elliot, BHSU President

Academic traditions such as the symbolism of the tassel are steeped in history. Moving the tassel to the left after graduating is a symbolic from moving from college to another stage in your life. Graduates, it is my privilege to ask you to move your tassel from right to left. Congratulations.

[Applause]

And now here to bring you greetings from the Alumni Association is Mr. Steve Meeker, Vice President for University Advancement.

Steve Meeker, BHSU Vice President of University Advancement

Come on, you can do better than that, how about an applause?

[Applause]

Thank you, President Elliot. As a proud graduate from the class of 1984, and on behalf of our great Alumni Association, I offer my congratulations to the class of 2024. A special congratulations to those that are graduating Summa Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude, Cum Laude. When I graduated, my diploma said. "Thank God, you're out of here."

[Laughs]

I also want to congratulate Jim Neiman on receiving his Honorary Doctorate. Jim's one of the smartest business people that I know, and he's very, very generous, and very deserving of this honor. So Jim, congratulations again.

[Applause]

Class of 1974, 50 years. Can you believe that? We are so glad to have you back. We appreciate you joining us today and helping celebrate this beautiful day that we have. Okay, moms and dads out there, I want you at this time to make some noise for your sons and daughters that are graduating. Let's go mom and dad!

[Applause]

Well, it's quite clear, graduates, that mom and dad are very, very happy and proud of you. Your brothers and sisters, on the other hand, are shocked that you made it.

[Laughs]

You know, today also, not only signifies that you made it through all the classes and tests, but it also means you survived the weird roommate. And I know you all had a weird roommate, because everybody has a weird roommate. But I look out in the crowd and I see a couple of you looking at me like I didn't have a weird roommate, Steve. I got bad news for you. You're the weird roommate.

[Laughs]

Okay, now that I have your attention, welcome to the Alumni Association. Class of '24, the Alumni Association would like to challenge you to create the highest, grandest vision possible for your life, because you will become what you believe. Work hard and you'll achieve success with your BHSU degree. We ask that you stay connected with us. Be an engaged alum. You'll have opportunities to volunteer, attend networking events, and also see how you can support the university's mission statement. Com back to visit us, like you see the class of '74 today. But don't wait 50 years to do it please. You're about to do great things in your career and your life. If you really want a leg up on the competition, never forget that there's no substitute for hard work. Nothing is beneath you. This has been forgotten in today's world, I'll be honest with you. So put in the time because I promise you, it will pay off. Do your job well, go above and beyond. Remember, Black Hills State University will always go wherever you are, we'll go with you. Please know the alumni community is here for you, and you are not doing this all on your own. So get out there and represent Black Hills State University well. In closing, two pieces of advice. Never give up on your dreams. Just go back to sleep. And remember, the best way not to be stressed at work is don't go to work.

[Laughs]

I offer you my personal congratulations, my respect, best wishes, and remember, once a jacket, always a jacket. Thank you.

[Applause]

Steve Elliot, BHSU President

We will conclude today's ceremony with the singing of our Alma Mater. The recessional will follow immediately after. Please remain in the bleachers until the graduates and faculty have exited. At this time, please stand and join us in the singing of our Alma mater which is printed on the back of your program.

[Singing of the Alma Mater]

[Applause]

Congratulations, graduates. Enjoy the rest of your day. Graduates, faculty, and platform party, we are ready to begin the recessional.

[Applause]

[Music]