Black Hills State University will recognize more than 300 graduates during the 191st Commencement Ceremony Saturday, May 9.
The ceremony begins at 10 a.m. at the Donald E. Young Sports and Fitness Center on the BHSU campus. The public is invited to attend and recognize the accomplishments of the graduating class. Degrees to be awarded include 26 master’s degrees, 241 bachelor’s degrees, and 38 associate’s degrees. David Hillard, branch director of RBC Wealth Management and financial advisor with the Hillard Williams Group, will be delivering the charge to the graduates.
Regent Pam Roberts will offer greetings on behalf of the South Dakota Board of Regents. President Steve Elliott will present diplomas to the graduates with the assistance of April Meeker, registrar at BHSU. Vice President for University Advancement Steve Meeker will welcome graduates into the growing community of more than 19,000 university alumni.
Music for the ceremony will be provided by the BHSU Wind Ensemble, which will perform the processional, a selection titled “Joy of Love and Life” by Tyler S. Grant, and the recessional. The National Anthem will be performed by Dr. Jonathan Nero, professor of music and choral director at BHSU.
“Commencement is an important day of celebration at Black Hills State University,” President Elliott said. “Our graduates have worked hard to reach this milestone, and we wish them success as they move forward into their careers and new opportunities. We are proud of their accomplishments and thankful for their dedication to BHSU.”
The May 2026 Commencement Ceremony will be broadcast live at BHSU.edu/Commencement for those who are unable to attend. Also on this webpage, all are invited to submit words of congratulations to May 2026 graduates. BHSU encourages attendees to share their commencement story on social media with the hashtag #BHSU2026 in social media posts.
For more information visit BHSU.edu/Commencement.