Class of 2025 Commencement Banner

2025 Commencement

Congratulations Graduates
Home / 2025 Graduate Features

What's Next for the Class of 2025?

Megan FinstromMegan Finstrom

Chemistry major from Auburn, WA

What are your plans after graduation?
Attending Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, IA. Classes start on November 4, 2025 and I'll graduate around March of 2029!
What clubs, organizations, sports were you involved in?
I was highly involved with Campus Ventures for my entire four years at BHSU. As of Spring 2024, I've also been a charter member of our chapter of the American Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB)! In my last semester I got the chance to be President, which has been a wonderful challenge and chance to grow.
Who was your favorite professor and why?
I've had wonderful professors here, and I can't speak highly enough of the chemistry faculty. I especially want to mention Dr. Dan Asunskis, Prof. Amy Asunskis, and Dr. Katrina Jensen for their patience, hands-on instruction, personal relationships with students, and kindness (especially while I tutored for Amy and Katrina's classes). Additionally, Dr. Yun-Seok Choi deserves high praise for his role as a professor, research mentor, and club sponsor! He is available for students, meets us where we are, and always provides chances for us to grow (especially when we're not sure we can do it). Dr. Choi is amazing, and I am so grateful for his impact in my life.
Who was your best friend on campus?
Her name is Abigail Goebel, and she is one of the most incredible people I've ever met. Abby is honest, funny, determined, and firm in her beliefs. We met during our second semester when we became lab partners for General Chemistry II, and ever since we've been as close as sisters. I hope everyone meets someone like Abby: someone who's willing to grow, change, and explore life even when times are hard.
What are you most excited about for your future?
I'm looking forward to coming back to practice chiropractic in the Black Hills. My plan is to open my own clinic one day! I think it will be a wonderful chance to help people improve their health and quality of life, plus contribute to the thriving community here.

David StandishDavid Standish

Exercise Science major from Sheridan, WY
What are your plans after graduation?
This summer, I plan to move to Salt Lake City, Utah, to continue my education at the University of Utah, where I am attending their Occupational Therapy Graduate program.
What clubs, organizations, sports were you involved in? 
I have competed for BHSU for the last four years by being a part of their cross-country, Indoor, and Outdoor Track & Field Programs.
What was your favorite class and why?
My favorite class was Vertebrate Anatomy. Though it was one of the more challenging classes I have taken at BHSU,  the hands-on learning and content we covered will be invaluable as I continue my education.  
Who was your favorite professor and why?
My favorite professor has to be Dr. Ashley Pfeiffer. Her teaching style and enthusiasm when teaching were truly special, and I was grateful to have multiple classes with her. She made the class fun and engaging, and I felt like I could learn any content, no matter the difficulty with her teaching. 

Lexie Bendigo

Lexie Bendigo

Psychology and Human Services major from Cheyenne River Sioux Reservation, SD
What are your plans after graduation?
I plan to ultimately pursue a PhD is Clinical Psychology, with an emphasis in trauma. During my PhD, I also hope to further my research examining childhood trauma, religion, and religious trauma. I desire to work with individuals in low-income and rural areas.
What’s your favorite memory at BHSU?
One of my favorite memories from BHSU was spending two amazing years on the third floor of Heide Hall, in room 318. During this time, I got the chance to live next door to my dearest friends. Several times a week, we’d all leave our dorm doors open, gather in the hallway with tons of snacks, and talk for hours about anything and everything. I will forever cherish those late-night conversations.
What are you most excited about for your future?
I am most excited for the chance to further my education in the field of psychology. Coming into undergrad, I already knew that I loved psychology, but the more I study it, the more I have fallen in love with it. All of the professors at BHSU are so wonderful, and they have fostered a desire to learn and constantly ask questions about the world. I also can’t wait to keep exploring my interests in grad school and in my career, especially when it comes to learning how to provide trauma-informed care. AND I’m also getting married, which is so exciting!

Margo Bertsch

Margo Bertsch

Biology major from Aberdeen, SD
What are your plans after graduation?
I'm looking forward to starting PA (physician assistant) school at MCPHS in Manchester, NH this upcoming January. Moving to New Hampshire will be a big change, but I'm excited to experience and explore a different area of the country!
What was your favorite class and why?
Surprisingly, my favorite class at BHSU was Organic Chemistry. It was challenging, but Dr. Jensen structured the class very well, and I feel like it helped me better understand topics in many of my other classes.
Who was your favorite professor and why?
My favorite professor I had at BHSU was Dr. Choi. He really cared that all of his students were understanding the information and tried his best to make class engaging. I also had the opportunity to work in his lab, in collaboration with genomics grad student, Min Kyung Park, which allowed me to learn a lot about a cool biotechnology tool called biosensors. Working in Dr. Choi's lab also helped me understand topics we were learning in Biochemistry much better.
Who was your best friend on campus?
My best friend that I made at BHSU is Jennifer Steele. We met during my freshman year when we lived two doors down in the Thomas dorms. We were both pretty shy people, but once we got to know each other, we figured out that we are basically the same person. We did essentially everything together and made so many fun memories. Jen graduated last spring and moved back to AZ, but we are still super close and she's coming to see me graduate this year!
What are you most excited about for your future?
I'm excited to be a healthcare provider!

Megan Brozik

Megan Brozik

Math and Science Education Composite major from Winner, SD
What are your plans after graduation?
I will be teaching middle school math at Dickinson Middle School in Dickinson, ND!
What clubs, organizations, sports were you involved in?
My freshman year I was involved in Campus Activities Board (CAB), Theatre Society, and Jacket Catholic. My sophomore year I was involved in Campus Activities Board (CAB) as the Activity Grants Committee (AGC) Director and Jacket Catholic as the Vice President. My junior year I was involved in Campus Activities Board (CAB), Activity Grants Committee (AGC) as the Director, and Jacket Catholic as the Secretary. My senior year, I was involved in Jacket Catholic as the Promotions Officer. I was also a TRIO student, mentor, and tutor, and I tutored at the Math Assistance Center (MAC) all four years that I was at BHSU.
What was your favorite class and why?
My favorite class was makeup class with Casey Hibbert and my directing class as a close second with Bert. My minor is theatre, and my theatre classes were always so enjoyable, fun to learn, and filled with personality. I am not a makeup girl, so I was very nervous to start this class, but by the end of the semester, I was so happy I got the opportunity to try all kinds of different makeup styles every week. My theatre classes always felt like a breath of fresh air being a math and science major, and I am so much more confident because of them.
Who was your favorite professor and why?
Dr. Jensen is my favorite professor because I could see her passion for teaching every day. She is very knowledgeable about organic chemistry but tries to convey in a way that her students can understand. She is always willing to help, answer any questions, and accommodate with a smile on her face. I especially enjoyed her lessons where she would connect the concepts that we were learning to how it affected our everyday lives. I can tell that she deeply cares about her students and about the content she teaches.
How has your time at BHSU changed your life?
My time at BHSU has made me the person I am today. There was a time in college where I didn’t think that college was for me, and my advisor and friends helped me realize that BHSU is exactly where I was supposed to be. BHSU gave me opportunities to observe and practice in the teaching field, test out conducting research through BRIN, and lead a club on campus. Through the people I met here to the experiences and opportunities that I was given, I believe that I have grown more confident in my ability to teach, to lead, and to communicate with others. My experiences at BHSU will stay with me forever, and I am forever grateful.
What are you most excited about for your future?
I am most excited to have my own classroom and try new hobbies! In the fall, I will be teaching middle school math in Dickinson, North Dakota. I am excited to join a new community and meet new students, teachers, and parents and just keep on learning. I am excited to form new relationships and enjoy the aha moments from my students (and me) in my classroom.
What are your plans for graduation day?
I plan to attend graduation and walk across the stage with all my classmates and be so proud of how far we have all come. I am the first one in this generation of my family to graduate from a four-year university, so I will be celebrating after graduation at the BHSU Newman Center with my family and friends.
How has BHSU prepared you to achieve your future goals?
BHSU has prepared me to teach in my future classroom by giving me the experience in the classroom through practicums. At the college, you can only learn so many philosophies and strategies to teaching, but it’s when you get into the classroom and try it yourself when you find out what’s best for you. Through participating in clubs and organizations at BHSU, I have learned how to effectively communicate with others, manage personal, social, and classroom life, and organize and plan for events. All these skills are very important for the life of a teacher.

Kaylee Linn

Kaylee Linn

Studio Art major from Lead, SD
What are your plans after graduation?
I will continue working as the Executive Director at Northern Hills Alliance for Children, along with continuing my art practice in my home studio and entering my work into multiple calls for entry across the state and country. I will be exhibiting a solo show at the Lead Art Council and Gallery October 20th to November 21st of 2025.
What was your favorite class and why?
I don't think I can say I had a favorite class because the entire art department is so amazing. Through taking a variety of art classes, I learned to problem solve, how to be innovative and use new skills that I was learning on the spot, along with collaborating, and gaining conceptual knowledge in process based learning. I also had a great experience with all my general classes. The professors were helpful, knowledgeable, and very supportive. My math professor changed my mind about my ability to do math, which is huge. My overall experience at BHSU was amazing, supportive, encouraging, and life changing! I met my best friends here and will continue to use my experiences and skills I have learned into my future!
How has your time at BHSU changed your life?
My time at BHSU has changed my life in so many impactful ways. It's grown me as a person, allowing me to have confidence in myself professionally and personally. I am the director of a childcare center with 57 families and 15 employees, and I'm a working artist with a private studio. My work will be on display in an upcoming solo show at the Lead Art Center in October. If my now self-walked by my 5 years ago self I would have said wow that person has something's figured out! Education was the foundation of my inner growth! It widened my circle of peers, friends, and community! 

Mirei Ukaji

Mirei Ukaji

Psychology major from Nikko City, Japan
What are your plans after graduation?
I am planning to take a gap year and work for a year in a psychology-related field while I keep working on my research project with Professor Cockrell and publish our study, as well as being a research assistant for the SLAP Lab. I want to use this year to prepare for applying to graduate schools and visit my family back home in Japan.
What was your favorite class and why?
I love many of my psychology classes, but general psychology and social problem classes mean the most to me because these two classes piqued my interest in the psychology field when I was a freshman, and if it wasn’t for these classes, I would not have changed my major to psychology. Changing my major was the best decision I have made and I love every part of being a psychology major.
How has your time at BHSU changed your life? How has BHSU prepared you to achieve your future goals?
As a first-generation and international student coming to BHSU, I was still unaware of career goals or interests and struggled to navigate college life. The faculty here at the BHSU guided me in the right direction, always offered help when I needed it, made my college experience invaluable, and brought out the potential I never knew existed. I am always grateful to the psychology faculty for pushing me to get out of my comfort zone and providing me with opportunities to explore new experiences, such as research, conferences, and internships. The experiences I gained at BHSU made me confident in myself that I am capable of pursuing further higher education and achieving goals.

Cassie Wessels

Cassie Wessels

Business Administration major from Rapid City, SD
What are your plans after graduation?
I will work at the same job I have been at for 5 years. I will be taking on the role of marketing manager for Black Hills Helicopters. I will also be working as a reservations agent. 
Who was your favorite professor and why?
My favorite professor that I’ve had throughout my time at BH has been Pat Mackin. Although I only had Pat for two classes, I still see him every now and then and he’s always rooting for my success. Pat has been my favorite professor, not only because he cares but also because he puts time and effort into his student
How has your time at BHSU changed your life?
I think I could go on and on about how my time at BHSU has changed my life, but to keep it short. When I first got to BH, I was scared as a freshman, and I thought about transferring but I’m so glad I didn’t. Being at a small school, BH has given me so many opportunities that I wouldn’t have gotten anywhere else. From internships within the local community to working for the marketing and communications office on campus. I have met some of the best people here and I have learned so much and I will truly miss this college and Spearfish. I’m going to miss the small-town vibes and the friendliness of everyone. I truly am so happy about my time at BH and I’m really going to miss this place.

Nadalyn Poss

Nadalyn Poss

Professional Accountancy and Business Administration major from Akron, CO
What are your plans after graduation?
After graduation, I will be moving to Colorado to be closer to family. I accepted a job offer as a tax associate at CohnReznick, an accounting firm with an office in Denver!
How has your time at BHSU changed your life?
My time at BH has made me realize how blessed I am, and the many blessings God has placed in my life. The friendships I have made over the past 4 years have held many laughs over silly conversations, impromptu dance parties, walks through the park with Chai teas, and deep dives into our beliefs. However insignificant I thought these activities were at the time, I have come to see the impact they have had on my life. They have taught me to live in the moment, don’t fear the deep conversations, and laughter is good for your soul! And lastly, God always has a plan for your life!
What are you most excited about for your future?
I am very excited to live closer to family! While I have loved my time in Spearfish, I felt like I missed out on family moments since I was two states away. I need to live closer so I can spoil my niece :)

Caitlin Pedersen

Caitlin Pedersen

Elementary Education and Art Education major from Gillette, WY
What are your plans after graduation?
I plan on taking the summer off to relax with friends and family in Gillette and Sheridan, Wyoming, but come next August I will actually be starting my career as an Elementary Art teacher in Gillette!  
Who was your best friend on campus? 
I actually had two best friends on campus, Grace Boe and Hannah Schmierer, and I don't think I would have made it this far without them! I also had my best friend Paige Deyo, who graduated last year. She was also an Elementary Education major, and she taught me so much, so even though she's not on campus anymore I wanted to shout her out too! 
What’s your favorite memory at BHSU?
ALL of the football games! My friends and I always had a blast cheering the Yellow Jackets on, and it was a day where we could unwind and relax from the stresses of life and school! Honestly any of the school functions were so much fun, and you could always meet new people and let loose for a little!
How has your time at BHSU changed your life? 
I feel like I have grown a lot as a person because of my time at BHSU, and I have developed multiple different skills that will help in my career and also in my personal life. Being able to explore who I am with supportive people around me was amazing, and I feel like I was really able to find out who I am as a person and set good goals for growth. Without BHSU I wouldn't be graduating with my degrees, and I wouldn't be ready to start my career, I also wouldn't have met so many amazing people and learned as much as I did. I'm not exactly sure what comes next, my 5-year plan is almost completed, but I know that because of my experiences at BHSU I will be ready for anything, and I can't wait to see what the next adventure is! 
What are you most excited about for your future? 
I'm excited to get out there and start my career. Even though college has taken me a little longer than most people, I feel like I'm exactly where I need to be and I feel ready to start the next chapter of my life. Although I will say it is bittersweet thinking about leaving BHSU, I am glad that I was able to meet the people and make the memories that I did. Even though I am leaving in May, I will always be a Yellow Jacket at heart!

Rawlin Smith

Rawlin Smith

English Education major from Bison, SD
What are your plans after graduation?
That's a great question! Honestly, I have no idea what my life after graduation will look like. As my time at BH is coming to a close, I'm seeing a whole world of opportunities opening up which makes it difficult for me to make a decision. I am entertaining the idea of pursuing a full-time position in Residence Life at another college, taking a teaching position at a high school (I'm not sure where yet) teaching English and coaching sports or advising clubs, and I'm thinking about pursuing grad school at some point. Thankfully, I still have a bit of time to make a decision as I am only walking at Commencement this spring and will be student teaching this fall in Belle Fourche and New South Wales, Australia. 
What clubs, organizations, sports were you involved in?
While I wasn't directly involved in any clubs, organizations, or sports at BHSU, I was involved in Residence Life for almost my entire time at BH. I have held positions as Summer Host, Resident Assistant (RA), Senior Resident Assistant (SRA), Assistant Complex Director (ACD), and Lead Summer Host (three times). I was also indirectly involved in the Residence Hall Association (RHA) because of my involvement in Residence Life. Outside of my involvement at BH, I was involved in a couple Rec Volleyball leagues in the Spearfish community.
Who was your favorite professor and why?
This is such a difficult question to answer because there are so many wonderful professors that teach at BHSU. I have learned so much about myself, my content area, and how to teach from all of my professors. It's also difficult because I have seen so many different departmental sides of BH's education. For instance, my favorite English professors would have to be Dr. Vincent King, Dr. Nicholas Wallerstein, and Dr. Courtney Huse-Wika because they have been such wonderful teachers of the English content and genuinely care about their students. I have taken many classes with Dr. King and I have learned a lot about how to refine my writing. Although, I think I have laughed the most in Dr. Wallerstein's classes because of his references to Taylor Swift and The Twilight Saga. And I think that I have felt the most connected with Dr. Huse-Wika because she has such a warm and inviting personality that cares for each of her students. In the Exercise Science Department (because of my Athletic Coaching minor), Dr. Ashley Pfeiffer stands out to me because she made it so easy to learn the plethora of Human Anatomy terminology that I would have never been able to understand without her. It doesn't matter how long it has been since I've taken her classes, she always stops to talk to me and checks in on how I'm doing. Finally, in the Education Department, there are several professors that are my favorites. Dr. Denice Turner has been such a great mentor for me, teaching me so much about the education system and that it doesn't have to be such a formal environment but can instead be a place for creativity to flourish. Dr. Brianna Billington has also been a favorite professor of mine because she taught me how powerful of a tool that technology can be in the classroom while helping me prepare many things that I can use in a future classroom. Dr. Billington even takes the time to ask her students about their own lives, which shows that she cares. Another favorite professor of mine is Dr. Johanna Sailor because she is so easy to talk to and loves to hear about what her students are doing outside of class. Her classes are also super engaging which has helped me to become a stronger educator. Overall, BHSU has a superior selection of professors and staff that truly care about each student and have a passion for their content area or department. I am extremely thankful for the relationships and connections I have made with the faculty and staff at BHSU!
What’s your favorite memory at BHSU?
I have so many favorite memories at BHSU! I think that the ones that stand out the most to me were the many late-night trips to Taco Bell with my friends, the drives down the Spearfish Canyon, and just hanging out with friends. Another fun memory at BH was when one of my professors took the whole class to Killian's and bought us a meal while we held class. Finally, I think a large amount of my memories come from my time in Residence Life, whether that be attending programs, going to staff meetings, or hanging out with my staff or residents while I was on duty. I am so thankful for all of the memories I have made at BH and all of the relationships I have made along the way. My experience is truly valuable and I wouldn't have wanted to spend my time anywhere else.

Annalina Scalise

Annalina Scalise

Fine Arts major from Loveland, CO
What are your plans after graduation?
I recently accepted a job with the Matthews Opera House and Art Gallery!
What clubs, organizations, sports were you involved in?
I have been heavily involved in the radio station all four years at BH (serving as station manager these last two!) I also worked at the Writing Center on campus for several years and have been sporadically involved in both Ponder and The Three Peaks Review.
What's your favorite memory at BHSU?
My favorite memory has to be the 50th Anniversary Radio concert that we threw in the spring of last year. I spent months planning and preparing for the event and it went really well and was so fun!
How has BHSU prepared you to achieve your future goals?
One thing that I have learned through my time at BH is the power of relationships. Being in a smaller school has pushed me to form deep and meaningful relationships with both my peers and my faculty. This has led me to create a strong and vibrant community of people who support me and are willing to help when I ask. As someone who wants to work in community-based spaces moving forward, this experience has been incredibly aligned with my values and where I want to go.