COMMENCEMENT Spring Saturday, May 13 10 a.m. Scott Gymnasium 2 0 2 3
“Time moves slowly, but passes quickly.”
This quote by Alice Walker is perhaps how you are feeling today. The idea that you would be graduating in two or four years may have seemed like such a long time when you embarked on your academic journey at Dickinson State University. Yet, here you are on your graduation day. Today is a celebration of the effort you put into your studies, the perseverance you had to overcome obstacles thrown your way, and the time you invested in your future career.
Congratulations! While this part of your journey is over, the rest is just starting. We hope you never forget your time at DSU, because we will certainly not forget you.
Once a Blue Hawk, always a Blue Hawk!
President Stephen D. Easton DSU B.A., 1980
page 2 President ’s Message
Platform Party & Speakers
LESLIE WIETSTOCK Chief Operating Officer
HOLLY GRUHLKE
Dean, College of Business, Education, and Applied Sciences
Chief Enrollment Management and Communications Officer
KAYLA NOAH Dean of Students
NICK HACKER
North Dakota State Board of Higher Education
THADD O’DONNELL
2023 Distinguished Educator of the Year
ALEXA DELBRIDGE Student Speaker
KIRSTYN BOHN Student Speaker
page 3
STEPHEN D. EASTON President
JOHN MILLER Interim Vice President/Provost
Order of Ceremonies
DICKINSON STATE UNIVERSITY 2023 SPRING COMMENCEMENT
Saturday, May 13, 2023 | 10 a.m. | Scott Gymnasium | Dickinson, North Dakota
Silence your cell phones | Remain seated during the processional and recessional | Stand during the alma mater Air horns are not allowed during Commencement proceedings
PRELUDE DSU Concert Band, Directed by Brian Holder
PROCESSIONAL Pomp and Circumstance – Elgar/Shafer
COMMENCEMENT DECLARED OPEN
Debora Dragseth
Senior Faculty Member, Professor of Business Administration
WELCOME AND INTRODUCTIONS
OPENING REMARKS
MUSICAL SELECTION
GREETINGS FROM THE STATE BOARD OF HIGHER EDUCATION
INTRODUCTION OF STUDENT SPEAKERS
COMMENCEMENT ADDRESS
PRESENTATION OF GRADUATES
CONFIRMATION OF GRADUATES
CONGRATULATIONS FROM THE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
ALMA MATER
COMMENCEMENT DECLARED CLOSED
RECESSIONAL
John Miller
Stephen Easton
DSU Chorale
Mackenzie Hicks, Conductor
Parting Glass - Audrey Snyder
Accompanied by Joel Walters, piano and Kirstyn Bohn, flute
Nick Hacker
Thadd O’Donnell
Alexa Delbridge
Kirstyn Bohn
John Miller
Stephen Easton
Stephen Easton
Led by Kirstyn Bohn
Debora Dragseth
DSU Concert Band, Directed by Brian Holder
page 4
PLEASE JOIN US! A reception will follow the commencement ceremony in Wienbergen Gymnasium.
Outstanding Graduate Nominees
The Dickinson State University Outstanding Graduate Award is the highest honor bestowed on graduating seniors by the University. Students are nominated by the faculty in their academic school or department for exceptional performance in their field of study. Up to two nominees are selected by a committee as Outstanding Graduates. Nominees for the 2022-23 academic year include:
AGRICULTURE AND TECHNICAL STUDIES
MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTER SCIENCE
ARTS AND LETTERS
BUSINESS AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP
KINESIOLOGY
TEACHER EDUCATION
NATURAL SCIENCES
NURSING
SOCIAL SCIENCES
page 5
Ethan Anderson Peerless, MT
Yuuka Taniguchi Shimizu-Hokkaido, Japan
Dawson McGlothlin Sidney, MT Priyanka Davis Watford City, ND
Abigail Kludt Hettinger, ND
Samael Mabrey Mobridge, SD
Aisosa Bello Staten Island, NY Arjana Eilers Brandon, Manitoba
Natasha Baranko South Heart, ND
Alexa Delbridge Black Hawk, SD
Macradee Miller Gillette, WY
Cassi Wagner Circle, MT
Evan Henke New Salem, ND
Brendan Johnson Dickinson, ND
Kirstyn Bohn Vermillion, SD
Ashlin Hiller Lolo, MT
Chelsea Wright Circle, MT
ARJANA EILERS
Arjana Eilers, daughter of Angie Bouchard and Jon Eilers, is graduating from Dickinson State University with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and minors in chemistry and psychology. The Brandon, Manitoba, native’s plans are to end up in a career that she is passionate about and will challenge her.
Eilers is an active member in every aspect of Dickinson State. Between being a member of numerous clubs and organizations on campus, being a student worker at the DSU Heritage Foundation, a stand-out student-athlete for the Dickinson Softball team, and a volunteer for nearly any event in Dickinson, Eilers shows what it means to be a Blue Hawk.
During her time at DSU, Eilers has been a student ambassador, a peer tutor, a member of the North Star Athletic Association Student Board, a new student registration leader, a North Dakota EpScoR student research assistant, and a homecoming court nominee – to name a few.
Her plans after graduating are to attend the University of North Dakota and gain her Master of Biomedical Sciences. Eilers will be assisting in research in NIH funded laboratories. After completing her Masters, she intends to further her education and complete a medical degree.
“Being nominated as an Outstanding Graduate is an incredible honor. Dickinson State has given me so much over the past five years and will always leave a lasting impression on my life. I am glad to know I have been able to make enough of a contribution to DSU to deserve this honor.”
page 6 Outstanding Graduate
BRENDAN JOHNSON
Brendan Johnson, son of Hiedi Clark and Don Clark, is graduating from Dickinson State University with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and a minor in leadership studies. The Dickinson, North Dakota, native’s primary goal is to work in a field that he enjoys and to make a difference.
Johnson is an active member of the Theodore Roosevelt Honors Leadership Program (TRHLP), a mentor for the Best Friends Mentoring Program, and a member of the Dickinson State Sideline and Competitive Cheer teams. In addition, Johnson is a two-time NAIA All-American and helped lead his team to back-to-back fourthplace finishes during the NAIA National Cheerleading Championships.
During his four-year stint with the TRHLP, Johnson has exemplified what it means to be a volunteer – both for DSU and in the community. Throughout the countless events put on by TRHLP, Johnson has also volunteered his time as a wrestling coach at Dickinson High School.
Johnson’s plans after graduating are to continue his career in pipelining for a local company. Along with his desire to be outside in the beautiful Badlands for work, Johnson continues his leadership skills in whatever role he sets his mind to.
“This is such an honor being named an Outstanding Graduate. It speaks volumes about the hard work I have put in at Dickinson State – both on the mat, in the classroom, and in the community. I’m thankful for everyone who has helped me through my time at DSU – especially the people on campus and my mentors I’ve had through the TR program and the DSU Cheer team.”
page 7
Outstanding Graduate
Student Speakers
Alexa Delbridge, daughter of Arlin and Kathy Delbridge, was born in Black Hawk, South Dakota and graduated from Sturgis Brown High School in 2018. She will be graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing with a minor in leadership studies. Alexa was actively involved on campus as a member of the Theodore Roosevelt Honors Leadership Program and Student Nursing Association – where she served as president and vice president. In addition, Alexa also served on numerous committees across campus including Yuletyme, Coming out of COVID, and DSU Archiving committee – to name a few. In her spare time, she volunteers to deliver packages to members of the community. Currently, she is working on her Master of Business Administration and plans to attend a residency program and work as a traveling nurse all over the world.
Kirstyn Bohn, daughter of Dawn and Theodore Bohn and stepparents Justin Brown and Leslie King, was born in Dickinson, North Dakota. After moving to Vermillion, South Dakota, Bohn graduated from Vermillion High School in 2018. She will be graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Bachelor of Arts in Music. As a student, Bohn actively participated in band, pep band, jazz band, was a four-year member of the Blue Hawk Singers, and a member of the National Association of Music Education (NAfME). In her free time, Bohn gives back to her community by volunteering at the Domestic Violence and Rape Crisis Center and working at Home on the Range with at-risk youth. She plans to attend graduate school for a master’s in counseling with a concentration in adolescent counseling. Bohn dreams of opening her own trauma-informed treatment center that specializes in wilderness, equine, music and art therapy. She plans to continue to perform in semi-professional choirs, like Dickinsonbased Badlands Opera project.
page 8
ALEXA DELBRIDGE
KIRSTYN BOHN
Previous Student Speakers
SPRING 2012
Leah Walters - Gladstone, ND
FALL 2012
Zachery Keller - Dickinson, ND
SPRING 2013
Pierce Brooks - North Hills, CA
Jordan Mork - Dickinson, ND
FALL 2013
Sarah Poswilko - Killdeer, ND
SPRING 2014
Brenda Charles - St. John’s, Antigua
FALL 2014
Sarah Jennings - Dickinson, ND
Joshua Kralicek - Dickinson, ND
SPRING 2015
Mardee Clarke - Stockett, MT
FALL 2015
Damon Fichter - Dickinson, ND
Michael Landblom - Dickinson, ND
SPRING 2016
Matthew Perdue - Ray, ND
FALL 2016
Jalyn McGill - Richardton, ND
Mariam Shittu - Kaduna, Nigeria
SPRING 2017
Jessica Schmeichel - Apple Valley, MN
Jalyn Klauzer - Baker, MT
Honor Ushers
Carl Askins – Sheridan, WY
Jacob Daniel – Dickinson, ND
Riley Faller – Arnegard, ND
Natalie Lile – Ballantine, MT
Veronica Nacota - Riverton, WY
FALL 2017
Braeton Erhardt - Hazen, ND
SPRING 2018
Carlie Bowditch - Sylvania, SK
Mackenzie Hicks - Hettinger, ND
FALL 2018
Seth Moerkerke - Gillette, WY
SPRING 2019
Allisha Dworshak - Dickinson, ND
Salena Loveland - Worland, WY
FALL 2019
Rachael Solberg - Belfield, ND
SPRING 2020
Christopher Gartner - Sidney, MT
Suzanna Moberg - Dickinson, ND
SPRING 2021
Aspen Lenning - Plaza, ND
Abigail Moberg - Dickinson, ND
FALL 2021
Isaiah MacDonald - Mandan, ND
Mariah McLaughlin - Beulah, ND
SPRING 2022
Anya Baranko - Richardton, ND
Luisa Popp - Heidelberg, Germany
Haylie Oberlander – Wordan, MT
Griffin Obrigewitch – Dickinson, ND
Alexander Praus – Dickinson, ND
Grace Timm – Laurel, MT
page 9
Candidates for Degrees
Latin Honors - gold cord
Outstanding Graduates - white/navy cord
^ TR Scholar
Honor Societies: Phi Alpha Theta Phi Theta Kappa Sigma Beta Delta
MASTER OF ARTS IN TEACHING
Mackenzie Buelow Clark, SD
Taylor Conrad Glendive, MT
Payson Dirk Sturgis, SD
Reginald Fields, Jr. Inglewood, CA
Haakon Fredrickson Sun River, MT
Shari Hewson Dickinson, ND
Gresh Jones Sidney, MT
Andrew Klein Dickinson, ND
Desmond Knox Dublin, CA
Nicholas Miller Mandan, ND
Tobin O’Brien Billings, MT
Wayne Reese, Jr. Black Mountain, NC
Emilie Sickler Dickinson, ND
Jalon Tinnin Lancaster, CA
Ryan Upchurch Mokelumne Hill, CA
Clay Van Diest Helena, MT
Kyle Watson Fort Bridger, WY
Devan Williams Pinesdale, MT
MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
Martha Harrison Fort Yates, ND
Liliia Jessop Dickinson, ND
Kingsley Okoro Arochukwu Abia, Nigeria
Mackenzi Reed Farson, WY
Ashlie Watts Kimberly, ID
MASTER OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Martha Harrison Fort Yates, ND
Liliia Jessop Dickinson, ND
Kingsley Okoro Arochukwu Abia, Nigeria
Mackenzi Reed Farson, WY
Ashlie Watts Kimberly, ID
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN EDUCATION - HONORS
Tyler Bay Mandan, ND
Composite Social Science Education Cum Laude
Logan Egge Glendive, MT
Elementary Education Magna Cum Laude
page 10
Candidates for Degrees
Faith Gress Mandan, ND
Cum Laude
Madelyn Hanel Dickinson, ND
Cum Laude
Ashlin Hiller Lolo, MT
Cum Laude
Kendra Kaufman Glendive, MT
Cum Laude
Dawson McGlothlin Sidney, MT
Cum Laude
Bailey Pedersen Bismarck, ND
Magna Cum Laude
Tara Reinert Sturgis, SD
Cum Laude
Loryn Schoelerman Timber Lake, SD
Cum Laude
Hailey Sperle Napoleon, ND
Cum Laude
Chelsea Wright Circle, MT
Magna Cum Laude
English Education
Physical Education
Elementary Education
Elementary Education
Mathematics Education
Elementary Education
Elementary Education
Elementary Education
Elementary Education
Elementary Education
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN EDUCATION
Alexis Bachler Almont, ND
Dakota Dosch Cut Bank, MT
Zachary Fleming Lodi, CA
Raiden Forrest West Fargo, ND
Jennifer Gieseke Dickinson, ND
McKenzie Hallgren Noonan, ND
Tia Hallock Scobey, MT
John Koronka Burlington, ND
Michael Larios Phoenix, AZ
Logan Miller Beulah, ND
Jerrica Praus Dickinson, ND
Adrianna Sokolofsky Mandan, ND
Kennedy Sundsbak Hazen, ND
Lori Wagner Belfield, ND
Braylen Willows Mandan, ND
Hoyt Zander Killdeer, ND
Elementary Education
Physical Education
Physical Education
Physical Education
Elementary Education
Elementary Education
Elementary Education
Elementary Education
Physical Education
Physical Education
Elementary Education
Mathematics Education
Composite Social Science Education
Business Education
Elementary Education
Physical Education
BACHELOR OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION - HONORS
Skye Atkinson Bismarck, ND
Cum Laude
Administration
Human Resource Management
Emily Axtman Fairview, MT Accounting
Magna Cum Laude Administration
Finance
page 11
Candidates for Degrees
Natasha Baranko South Heart, ND Accounting
Magna Cum Laude Administration Finance
Cole Baumiller Hazelton, ND Accounting
Cum Laude
Brailyn Betlaf Dickinson, ND Administration
Cum Laude Human Resource Management
Amanda Davidson Bismarck, ND
Cum Laude
Human Resource Management
Samara Hancock Bismarck, ND Accounting
Magna Cum Laude
Allie Hicks ^ Helena, MT Administration
Summa Cum Laude
Brynn Honeyman Hettinger, ND Administration
Cum Laude Finance
Kaitlyn Keithley Sidney, MT Administration
Summa Cum Laude
Mattie Kramer Towner, ND Administration
Magna Cum Laude Human Resource Management
Whitney Leuenberger Dickinson, ND
Cum Laude
Human Resource Management
Conor McCarvel ^ Helena, MT Administration
Magna Cum Laude
Madison Pearson Newcastle, WY Administration
Magna Cum Laude Human Resource Management
Luke Peterson Mandan, ND Accounting
Summa Cum Laude
Jory Rohrich Wilton, ND Accounting
Magna Cum Laude
Faith Schnabel Beulah, ND Finance
Cum Laude
Connor Seefeld Mandan, ND Administration
Cum Laude
BACHELOR OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
Kyle Anderson ^ Hamilton, MT Administration
Karly Bang Killdeer, ND Administration
Jared Baumiller Hazelton, ND Accounting
Ashley Boepple Watford City, ND
Human Resource Management
Koby Bosch Bismarck, ND Administration
Jordan Burk Miles City, MT Administration
Human Resource Management
Ethan Cleveland Billings, MT Administration
Meg Covert New England, ND Administration
Human Resource Management
Sarah Davis Beach, ND Accounting
Sydney Faller Arnegard, ND Administration
page 12
Candidates for Degrees
Angel Faras Tucson, AZ Administration
Brandi Garrett Hazen, ND Accounting
Jakob George Buffalo, SD Administration Finance
Cathy Gross West Fargo, ND Accounting
Shalee Gross Linton, ND Administration
Merrilee Hallaway Rolla, ND Accounting
Payton Holzer Linton, ND Finance
Jackie Jenkin Killdeer, ND
Human Resource Management Administration
Mackenna Johnson Grantsburg, WI Administration
Human Resource Management
Alexander Kahl Landstuhl, Germany Accounting
Thomas Kasseth Ham Lake, MN Administration Finance
Jordan Kippenhan Hibbing, MN Accounting
Emilee Kostelecky Dickinson, ND Administration
Brooke Krapp Cleveland, ND Administration
Human Resource Management
Ariel Matthews Tioga, ND Finance
Shelby McIntyre Watford City, ND Human Resource Management Administration
Dana Melby Williston, ND Human Resource Management
Kiana Miller Savage, MT Administration
Human Resource Management
Courtney Mitchell Beulah, ND Finance
Hillary Moberg ^ Dickinson, ND Administration
Human Resource Management
Samantha Mogard Bismarck, ND Administration
Michael Moore Dickinson, ND Administration
Alice Mugabe Bismarck, ND Accounting
Hunter Myran Dickinson, ND Administration
LaShae Nash Isabel, SD Administration
Courage Olushola Ebire Lagos, Nigeria Administration
Rachel Schumacher Hazelton, ND Finance Accounting
Owen Short Slidell, LA Administration
Devin Stroh Bismarck, ND Finance
Angelica Such Dickinson, ND Administration
Yuuka Taniguchi Shimizu-Hokkaido, Japan International Business
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE - HONORS
Lauren Baumberger Morristown, SD Exercise Science Summa Cum Laude
Aisosa Bello Staten Island, NY Biology Cum Laude Chemistry
page 13
Candidates for Degrees
Kirstyn Bohn Vermillion, SD
Magna Cum Laude
Psychology
Cody Chapel Dickinson, ND Psychology
Cum Laude
Jacob Clinton Lewistown, MT Biology
Summa Cum Laude
Ali Cunningham Glasgow, MT Exercise Science
Cum Laude
Priyanka Davis Watford City, ND
Cum Laude
Information Analytics
Arjana Eilers Brandon, MB, Canada Biology
Summa Cum Laude
Alison Ellertson Brigham City, UT Psychology
Summa Cum Laude
Dalton Felish Tucson, AZ Criminal Justice
Cum Laude
Emily Gregg Dickinson, ND
Magna Cum Laude
Evan Henke New Salem, ND
Cum Laude
Cole Jensen Bismarck, ND
Cum Laude
Brendan Johnson ^ Dickinson, ND
Cum Laude
Psychology
Exercise Science
Computer Science
Criminal Justice
Isaiah Kludt Hettinger, ND Biology
Magna Cum Laude
Kamryn Kuntz ^ Dickinson, ND Chemistry
Summa Cum Laude
Calli Kuntz Richardton, ND Exercise Science
Cum Laude
Isabel Lopez ^ Dickinson, ND Biology
Magna Cum Laude
Alec Lovegren Sidney, MT Exercise Science
Magna Cum Laude
McKell Meidinger Edgeley, ND
Cum Laude
Matthew Meschke ^ Dickinson, ND
Magna Cum Laude
Keah Munsen White Lake, SD
Cum Laude
Rebecca Schmidt Center, ND
Cum Laude
Agricultural Studies
Exercise Science
Agricultural Studies
Agricultural Studies
Victoria Trochez-Opstedahl Dickinson, ND Biology
Cum Laude
Cassi Wagner Circle, MT Exercise Science
Magna Cum Laude
Aaron White Shelby, MT Exercise Science
Cum Laude
page 14
Candidates for Degrees
Jace Winter Cartwright, ND
Cum Laude
Emma Woodworth Martinez, CA
Magna Cum Laude
Farrah Zeller Dickinson, ND
Cum Laude
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE
Agricultural Studies
Criminal Justice
Exercise Science
Dakotah Aaseth Velva, ND
Ethan Anderson Peerless, MT
Ryan Barndt Dickinson, ND
Jacob Berg Wahpeton, ND
Alicia Burbank Aberdeen, SD
Agricultural Studies
Agricultural Studies
Computer Science
Mathematics
Environmental Science
Computer Science
Christian Crews Miles City, MT Psychology
Alison Daniel Dickinson, ND
Hunter Dassinger Dickinson, ND
Hunter Defoe Watford City, ND
Gunnar Farstveet Beach, ND
Martin Farver Scobey, MT
Adrian Fisher Peoria, AZ
Owen Gustafson Browning, MT
Exercise Science
Criminal Justice
Computer Science
Computer Technology Management
Agricultural Studies
Agricultural Studies
Business Administration
Human Resource Management
Agricultural Studies
Kyle Heiser Dickinson, ND Biology
Hailey Henderson-Enriquez Sparks, NV
Criminal Justice
Dalton Herbst Baker, MT Psychology
Brannan Hogan Waukon, IA
Brek Kohler Bismarck, ND
Morgan Kubischta Dickinson, ND
Jay Limpot Dickinson, ND
Riley Linder Flaxville, MT
Melissa Martinez Provo, UT
Krew Mathern Dickinson, ND
Derek Moen Minot, ND
Agricultural Studies
Computer Science
Psychology
Psychology
Agricultural Studies
Exercise Science
Exercise Science
Information Analytics
Ayomide Oyeneyin Lagos, Nigeria Psychology
Bailey Pepper Las Vegas, NV
Tristen Peterson Bowman, ND
Allison Preszler Lemmon, SD
Konrich Speelmon ^ Miles City, MT
Yuuka Taniguchi Shimizu-Hokkaido, Japan
Brooklyn Tronstad Baker, MT
Andrew Unruh Bismarck, ND
Nestor Vazquez Lost Hills, CA
Bethany Warbitsky Minot, ND
Criminal Justice
Exercise Science
Criminal Justice
Agricultural Studies
Agricultural Studies
Agricultural Studies
Accounting
Psychology
Accounting
page 15
Candidates for Degrees
Kia Ward Dickinson, ND
Elizabeth Wentz Dickinson, ND
Cole Werner Mason City, IA
Agricultural Studies
Computer Science
Information Analytics
Biology
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN NURSING - HONORS
Alexa Delbridge ^ Sturgis, SD
Cum Laude
Nursing
Macradee Miller ^ Gillette, WY Nursing Cum Laude
Hardika Neupane ^ Bhaktapur, Nepal Nursing Cum Laude
Regina Younker Garden City, KS Nursing Cum Laude
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN NURSING
Amanda Adams Dickinson, ND Nursing
Laura Barney Dickinson, ND Nursing
Kelly Borchert Alexandria, MN Nursing
Neville Chitiyo Harare, Zimbabwe Nursing
Mikayla Collins Ashland, MT Nursing
Kelsey Copenhaver Dickinson, ND Nursing
Sadi Dvorak Dickinson, ND Nursing
Elle Goetz Richardton, ND Nursing
Lexi Hartse Marmarth, ND Nursing
Alyssa Kitzman Beulah, ND Nursing
Sarah Koerner Missoula, MT Nursing
Ayomide Oyeneyin Lagos, Nigeria Nursing
Nicole Praus Dickinson, ND Nursing
Kaitlin Silbernagel Steele, ND Nursing
Bryce Vaughan Great Falls, MT Nursing
Kaitlin Vernon Dickinson, ND Nursing
BACHELOR OF ARTS - HONORS
Kirstyn Bohn Vermillion, SD
Magna Cum Laude
Sarah Griffis ^ Anaconda, MT
Music
English Cum Laude
Abigail Kludt Hettinger, ND
Communication Cum Laude
Samael Mabrey Mobridge, SD
English Cum Laude
Cade Ostenson Newcastle, WY
Magna Cum Laude
Zoey Stroop Colstrip, MT
Summa Cum Laude
Communication
Political Science
page 16
Candidates for Degrees
Jenna Swope Miles City, MT
Communication Magna Cum Laude
BACHELOR OF ARTS
Leyton Lang Minot, ND Composite Social Science
Adler Scheer Bismarck, ND Music
Penny Su’a Apia, Samoa Political Science
BACHELOR OF UNIVERSITY STUDIES
Dakia Brown Dickinson, ND University Studies
Colter Hickok Bridger, MT University Studies
Cassidy Jorensen Sturgis, SD University Studies
Anna Kludt Hettinger, ND University Studies
Cheryl Kubik Sentinel Butte, ND University Studies
Alex Mintyala Missoula, MT University Studies
Zachary Myers Vacaville, CA University Studies
Matthew Nicolai Bismarck, ND University Studies
Sunshine Megan Vicente Honolulu, HI University Studies
BACHELOR OF APPLIED SCIENCE - HONORS
Laurie Garbel Williston, ND Business Cum Laude
Courtney Reiswig Bismarck, ND Business Summa Cum Laude
BACHELOR OF APPLIED SCIENCE
Kayla Baesler Dickinson, ND Business
Nicole Boote Binford, ND Business
Laura Hobbs Stevenson, WA Business
Brayden Jorgensen Bowman, ND Business
Gary Montgomery Waynesville, MO Business
Jennifer Nagel Bismarck, ND Business
Rhea Paiva Las Vegas, NV Business
Carlos Ramirez Kaycee, WY Business
Nichole Ritterman Fosston, MN Business
Madison Stephens Las Vegas, NV Business
Jose Torres Garcia Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic Business
ASSOCIATE IN APPLIED SCIENCE - GPA DISTINCTION
Dakota Auck Hobson, MT Practical Nursing
Jaylen Baxter Sidney, MT Practical Nursing
Mattie Mastel Marmarth, ND Practical Nursing
Kaitlyn McColly Hinsdale, MT Practical Nursing
Maxinne Mosqueda Illigan City, Philippines Practical Nursing
page 17
Candidates for Degrees
Brianna Price Forsyth, MT Practical Nursing
Ava Schneider Dickinson, ND Practical Nursing
Jadyn Steiner Dickinson, ND Practical Nursing
ASSOCIATE IN APPLIED SCIENCE
Audrey Emerson Dickinson, ND Practical Nursing
Jenna Jacobson Rapid City, SD Practical Nursing
Alyssa Kessel Dickinson, ND Practical Nursing
Nicole Kessel Glendive, MT Practical Nursing
Jessica Kostelecky Dickinson, ND Practical Nursing
Sydney Mosset Hazen, ND Practical Nursing
Tonya Olmstead South Heart, ND Practical Nursing
Jessica Olson Tioga, ND Practical Nursing
David Pierson Ekalaka, MT Administration
Tamandani Sawerengera Chikwawa, Africa Practical Nursing
Abigail Semerad Dickinson, ND Practical Nursing
Styrling Sickler-Zietz Dickinson, ND Practical Nursing
Taylor Vandal Warroad, MN Practical Nursing
ASSOCIATE IN ARTS - GPA DISTINCTION
Anna Kazimierska Szczecin, Poland
Cassidy Larson Sidney, MT
Brialle Praus Dickinson, ND
Liberal Arts/Transfer
Liberal Arts/Transfer
Liberal Arts/Transfer
Samantha Wilhelm Dickinson, ND Liberal Arts/Transfer
ASSOCIATE IN ARTS
Troy King Dickinson, ND
Brant Kraft Dickinson, ND
Madeline Seror Dickinson, ND
Liberal Arts/Transfer
Liberal Arts/Transfer
Liberal Arts/Transfer
ASSOCIATE IN SCIENCE - GPA DISTINCTION
Erica Milbourn Acworth, GA
Ashley Pavlicek Dickinson, ND
Karlee Sailer Golden Valley, ND
ASSOCIATE IN SCIENCE
Agricultural Sales & Service
Liberal Arts/Transfer
Agricultural Sales & Service
Jacklyn Balfourd Ennis, MT
Rose Baranko Dickinson, ND
Dawson Cortese Laurel, MT
Dalia Delgado National City, CA
Clay Gerhardt Mandan, ND
Peyton Hanson Dickinson, ND
Seth Hetzel Stanley, ND
Stephen Steinbron Glendive, MT
Liberal Arts/Transfer
Agricultural Sales & Service
Liberal Arts/Transfer
Liberal Arts/Transfer
Agricultural Sales & Service
Liberal Arts/Transfer
Agricultural Sales & Service
Liberal Arts/Transfer
page 18
Candidates for Degrees
Emily Axtman Fairview, MT
Kayla Baesler Dickinson, ND
Jennifer Baker Minot, ND
CERTIFICATE
Accounting Technician
Banking
Accounting Technician
Jacklyn Balfourd Ennis, MT Allied Health
Natasha Baranko South Heart, ND
Austin Barnhart Dickinson, ND
Amanda Bramhall Dickinson, ND
Accounting Technician
Farm and Ranch Management
Accounting Technician
Ethan Cleveland Billings, MT Accounting Technician
Jakob George Buffalo, SD Accounting Technician
Amanda Hoffman Pierz, MN
Brynn Honeyman Hettinger, ND
Abigail Kludt Hettinger, ND
Emilee Kostelecky Dickinson, ND
Jestin Lunday Grafton, ND
Cade Ostenson Newcastle, WY
Rhea Paiva Las Vegas, NV
Elizabeth Ratka Maryville, IL
Uchechukwu Uchem Bismarck, ND
Vanessa Walek Minneapolis, MN
Amber Wetzel Lincoln, ND
Banking
Horse Production
Human Resource Management
Digital Communication
Accounting Technician
Human Resource Management
Digital Communication
Accounting Technician
Banking
Data Entry Specialist
Computer Programming
Data Entry Specialist
Human Resource Management
CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION
Lauren Baumberger Morristown, SD
Alison Daniel Dickinson, ND
Madelyn Hanel Dickinson, ND
Calli Kuntz Richardton, ND
Alec Lovegren Sidney, MT
Matthew Meschke Dickinson, ND
Aaron White Shelby, MT
Farrah Zeller Dickinson, ND
Corrective & Therapeutic Exercise
Strength & Conditioning
Strength & Conditioning
Wellness
Corrective & Therapeutic Exercise
Strength & Conditioning Wellness
Strength & Conditioning Wellness
Strength & Conditioning
Corrective & Therapeutic Exercise
Strength & Conditioning Wellness
Strength & Conditioning
THIS PROGRAM IS NOT AN OFFICIAL GRADUATION LIST
While every effort is made to ensure accuracy in this commencement program, printing deadlines may result in omission of some names and use of names of persons not completing graduation requirements as intended. This printed program, therefore, should not be used to determine a student’s academic or degree status. The University’s official registry for conferral of degrees is the student’s permanent academic record kept by the Office of Academic Records at Dickinson State University.
page 19
Outstanding Faculty and Staff
DISTINGUISHED EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR
ADJUNCT FACULTY RECOGNITION AWARD
THADD O’DONNELL
Assistant Professor of Health & Physical Education
School of Kinesiology
INNOVATIVE TEACHER OF THE YEAR
VICTORIA DASSINGER
Adjunct Faculty of Nursing
Department of Nursing
PHYSICAL PLANT STAFF SERVICE AWARD
TIM KESSEL
Assistant Professor of Business & Finance
School of Business and Entrepreneurship
PROFESSIONAL CONTRIBUTIONS AWARD
LUANN HAVELKA
Custodian
Facility Operations
ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF SERVICE AWARD
DR. MARCUS FRIES
Associate Professor of Mathematics
Department of Mathematics and Computer Science
EXCELLENCE IN TEACHING AWARD
LAURIE HEICK
Administrative Secretary
Department of Mathematics and Computer Science/Natural Sciences
PROFESSIONAL STAFF SERVICE AWARD
DR. DEBORA DRAGSETH Professor of Business Administration
School of Business and Entrepreneurship
ADJUNCT FACULTY RECOGNITION AWARD
STACY WILKINSON
Academic Affairs Coordinator
Division of Academic Affairs
PROFESSIONAL STAFF SERVICE AWARD
CARL BERCIER
Instructor of Welding
Department of Agriculture and Technical Studies
LAURIE KARIE Director
Counseling and Health Services
page 20
Faculty and Staff
The following is a listing of Dickinson State University faculty and staff, organized in chronological order based on the year of employment with full-time faculty listed first, followed by staff members who hold a baccalaureate degree.
FACULTY
Debora Dragseth Professor of Business
David Moody Assistant Professor of Health and Physical Education
Tim Daniel Assistant Professor of Health and Physical Education
Tobias Stroh Assistant Professor of Agriculture
Peter Leno Assistant Professor of Health and Physical Education
David Meier Professor of History
Thadd O’Donnell Chair, School of Kinesiology Assistant Professor of Physical Education
Myron Berg Assistant Professor of Mathematics and Computer Science
Douglas King Professor of Agriculture
Paul Johanson Professor of Mathematics
Rolf Butz Assistant Professor of Business
Timothy Kreidt Athletic Trainer
John Stanton Director of Athletics Head Football Coach
Steven Doherty Chair, Department of Social Science Professor of Political Science
Lori Hauf Associate Professor of Business
Lucy Meyer Chair, Department of Nursing Associate Professor of Nursing
Woodrow (Chip) Poland Jr. Chair, Department of Agriculture and Technical Studies Professor of Agriculture
Reba Olsen Assistant Professor of Mathematics
Shawna Egli Instructor of Mathematics
Kristen Fleury Head Softball Coach Assistant Athletic Director
Kevin Moberg Assistant Professor of English and Education
Holly McBee Professor of English
William Harris III Professor of Computer Science
Eric Grabowsky Associate Professor of Communications
Jacinta Skretteberg Assistant Professor of Nursing
Jarvis Jahner Associate Professor of Theatre and Communications
Lisa Corbin Assistant Professor of Accounting
Wendy Wilson Professor of Psychology
Holly Gruhlke Dean, College of Education, Business and Applied Sciences
Chief Enrollment Management and Communications Officer Associate Professor of Business
Amy Kass Assistant Professor of Accounting
Timothy Kessel Assistant Professor of Business and Finance
page 21
Faculty and Staff
Mark Lowe Assistant Professor of Accounting
Teresa Bren Assistant Professor of Nursing
Gregory Walter Professor of Art
Jeremy Wohletz Chair, Department of Arts and Letters Associate Professor of Music
Jundong Chen Associate Professor of Computer Science
Darla Hoffmann Assistant Professor of Education
Pamela Krueger Assistant Professor of Education
Justin Schlecht Head Wrestling Coach
Brent Rogers Dean, College of Arts and Sciences Associate Professor of Music
Shayne Wittkopp Director of Cross Country and Track and Field Instructor of Health and Physical Education
Deborah Secord Associate Professor of Education
Michelle Stevier-Johanson Instructor of English WAC/WID Coordinator
Erin Berger Assistant Professor of Nursing
Jason Their Assistant Football Coach Assistant Coordinator, Henry Biesiot Activity Center
Russell McCarvel Associate Athletic Director Assistant Football Coach
Ann Wittkopp Instructor of Health and Physical Education
Jerolyn Braunagel Instructor of Education Undergraduate and Graduate Field Experience Director
Brittany Hirth Assistant Professor of English
George Seror III Assistant Professor of Psychology
Michael Dahl Head Baseball Coach Instructor of Health and Physical Education
Eric Nelson Head Women’s Basketball Coach
Joan Aus Chair, School of Education Associate Professor of Education Director of Graduate Studies
Patience Biesiot Assistant Professor of Nursing
Elizabeth Freedman Assistant Professor of Biological and Earth Sciences
Derek Selvig Head Men’s Basketball Coach
Lynette Silbernagel Assistant Professor of Nursing
Marcus Fries Chair, Mathematics & Computer Science Associate Professor of Mathematics
Shari Hewson Head Volleyball Coach
Amy Grinsteinner Assistant Professor of Education
Niles Haich Assistant Professor of English Director, Theodore Roosevelt Honors Leadership Program
Brian Holder Assistant Professor of Music Band Director
Colin Strine Assistant Professor of Biology
page 22
Faculty and Staff
Maira Carrillo Associate Professor of Biology/Chair, Dept. of Natural Sciences
Michael Cullinane Professor of History/Lowman Walton Chair of Theodore Roosevelt Studies
Tanner Gust Track and Field Coach
Trista Keith Assistant Professor of Nursing
Sarah Crossingham Assistant Professor of Education
Hayden Gibson Assistant Football Coach/Instructor
Hyunjoo Hill Assistant Professor Business
Christopher Mallery Assistant Professor of Biology
Jeff Wells Associate Professor of History Dennis and Vaune Johnson Endowed Chair in U.S. History
Samanthika Hettiarachchi Assistant Professor of Chemistry
Taiwo Soetan Assistant Professor of Business
Jinasena Hewage Assistant Professor of Chemistry
Tyson Springer Head Women’s Wrestling Coach
STAFF
Todd Hauf Chief Information Officer, Information Technology Services
Carrie Knudson Coordinator, Student Health Services
Trent Myran Director, Facility Operations
Stacy Wilkinson Academic Affairs Coordinator
Kim Thiel Assistant Director, Information Technology Services
Kathleen Meyer Director, Academic Records
Johnna Douthit Assistant Director, Academic Records
Vidya (Sagar) Kondru Network and Database Manager
Gayle Mork Assistant Director, Financial Aid
Christopher Meek Director, Financial Aid
Krissy Kilwein Director, Human Resources
Nicole Kadrmas Lead Programming Specialist Collaborative Coordinator
Joshua Nichols Creative Services Specialist
Ty Orton Executive Director, DSU Heritage Foundation
Elena Stickel Graphic Design and Publication Coordinator
Jacinta Splichal Information Specialist, Academic Records and Financial Aid
Sandra Steckler School of Education Coordinator
Jason Watson Biesiot Activity Center Coordinator
Edward Striefel Emergency Mangement Coordinator
Kayla Noah Dean of Students
Laura Fetting Technology Education Coordinator
Samantha Wohletz Online Professional Advisor Testing Center Coordinator
Dale Dolechek Custodian
Taylor Thiel Information Systems Specialist
Alecia Dukart School of Business and Entrepreneurship Coordinator
page 23
Faculty and Staff
Andreea Evenson Administrative Assistant, Department of Arts and Letters Administrative Assistant, Department of Social Sciences
Stephanie Osborne Director, Admissions
Ruizhe Jiang Data Analyst
Kathleen Geisen Director, Special Projects Title IX Coordinator
Alan Gatheridge Heat Plant Operator
Tammy Krebs Budget/Accounting Specialist
Sheri Landenberger Verification Specialist
Erik Johnson Digital Collections Cataloger
Kelly Hyland Digital Collections Cataloger
Rachel Goslinga Director, University Relations
Stephen Easton President, Dickinson State University
Marlo Sexton Remote Course Delivery Coordinator
Monica Watson Professional Advisor Tutoring Center Specialist
Sagan Osborne Sports Information Director
Kyle Smith Development Officer - Athletics and Rodeo
Laurie Karie Director, Counseling & Health Services
Samantha Sheesley Online Learning Technician
Michael Landblom Student Accounts Coordinator
Mackenzie Hicks Director, Campus Life
Russell Kiser Director, International Programs
Catie Loftsgaard Admissions Counselor
Taylor Jones Programming Specialist
William Hansard Digital Collection Specialist - Social Media/Education
Duane Jundt Digital Processing Historian
Kierra Schneider Alumni Relations & Events Coordinator
Makayla Tysver Student Affairs & Accessibilities Coordinator
Carissa Wilcox Admissions Counselor
Chris O’Brien Director of the Theodore Roosevelt Center
John Miller Interim Vice President/Provost
Jade Madison Custodian
Gwen Mosqueda Transfer Evaluation Specialist
Melissa Wells Executive Assistant to the President
Leslie Wietstock Chief Operating Officer
TJ Dempsey Career Services/Tutoring Center Coordinator
Imee Songer Controller
Gemma Koontz Digital Collection Specialist - Cataloging
Paul Amberg Director of Stoxen Library
Haley Froelich Admissions Counselor
page 24
Academic Attire
HISTORY
Academic regalia generally consist of cap, gown, and hood worn on formal occasions at institutions of higher learning. It originated in the medieval period when the vast majority of scholars were of the clergy. The gown evolved from what most likely was the cape of the clergy. The gown was originally black, but color was introduced as institutions left ecclesiastical control. The hood originated as the skull cap worn by the clergy to protect their heads from the elements.
The hood served a three-fold purpose: head covering, shoulder cap, and bag for alms. King’s College, now known as Columbia University, was established in 1754 and imported many British regulations for academic dress. The end of the 19th century found widespread use of academic dress in the United States. It is estimated that 95 percent of the colleges and universities abide by the intercollegiate code which oversees academic dress.
STYLES AND COLORS
The bachelor’s gown is worn closed and is distinguished by its pointed sleeves. A master’s gown is designed to be worn closed with long, crescent shaped sleeves. The doctoral gown may be worn open or closed with velvet panels down the front and three bars on the round, bell-shaped sleeves. The color of the velvet may be distinctive of the field of study to which the degrees pertain. The Dark Blue of the Doctor of Philosophy degree is predominant but other representative degree colors are distinguished in the following manner:
Arts, Letters, Humanities — White
Education — Light Blue
Library Science — Lemon
Physical Education — Sage Green
Social Work — Citron
Business — Drab
Economics — Copper
Fine Arts — Brown Law — Purple
Music — Pink
Nursing — Apricot
Public Administration — Peacock Blue Science — Golden Yellow
Theology — Scarlet
The most distinguishing feature of the academic attire is the hood. The size and shape of the hood designates not only the college degree of the wearer but also the university he or she attended. The master’s hood is three and one-half feet in length, while the doctoral hood is rounded and measures four feet in length. Hoods are lined with the official colors of the institution conferring the degree. The binding around the hood is velvet with the color indicative of the major field of study.
Caps are normally black with the most common the four-point mortarboard. Tassels are worn over the left front quarter after a degree has been conferred. Students graduating with honors from Dickinson State University are distinguished with gold honor cords. Only students earning bachelor degrees may receive honor status.
The Mace
In medieval times, the mace was often carried by kings or their sergeant-at-arms into battle where it was used as a weapon to protect the king. Centuries later, as armor became stronger, the use of the mace was phased out as a weapon. It was used, instead, during ceremonial occasions to denote authority in governmental, legislative, church, and academic settings. Universities have also used the mace to denote authority, and it is carried in front of the academic procession during each commencement ceremony. The Dickinson State University mace is carried by Dr. Debora Dragseth, Professor of Business Administration for the School of Business and Entrepreneurship. Dr. Dragseth began her long and distinguished teaching career at DSU in 1989. Dr. Dragseth earned the honor of carrying the mace by virtue of being the senior member of Dickinson State University faculty.
Photos
Individual photos of graduates will be available for purchase courtesy of TheGradTeam. Ordering information will be mailed out by TheGradTeam within the next few weeks following commencement. Additional commencement photos will be available for free at flickr.com/dickinsonstateuniversity. Photos will be labeled under the name “2023 Spring Commencement.” If you are having technical difficulties, please email dsu.communications@dickinsonstate.edu, and someone will assist you.
page 25
on Facebook,
Share your pics
Twitter, or Instagram! #GradDay @dickinsonstate
Cane of Leadership
The Cane of Leadership was started back in 2001 by the DSU Alumni Association as a historical time piece to list the accomplishments of each academic year with a new ribbon. Prior to 2001, the graduating classes had a new metal ring indicating that year added to a cane. The cane is filled with rings from every year dating back to 1926.
HOMECOMING KING AND QUEEN
Isaiah Kludt ’22 – Hettinger, ND
Alexa Delbridge ’23 – Black Hawk, SD
STUDENT NURSE OF THE YEAR
Erica Martinez-Meza ’24 – Mountain Home, ID
OUTSTANDING STUDENTS IN TEACHER EDUCATION AWARD
Ashlin Hiller ’23 – Lolo, MT
Chelsea Wright ’23 – Circle, MT
OUTSTANDING GRADUATES
Arjana Eilers ’23 – Brandon, Manitoba
Brendan Johnson ’23 – Dickinson, ND
STUDENT COMMENCEMENT SPEAKERS
Alexa Delbridge ’23 – Black Hawk, SD
Kirstyn Bohn ’23 – Dickinson, ND
NORTH STAR ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION CONFERENCE CHAMPIONS
Football
Women’s Indoor Track & Field
SENIOR ATHLETES OF THE YEAR
Lindsay Peterson ’23 – Watford City, ND
Krew Mathern ’23 – Dickinson, ND
DSU CHEER PLACES 4TH IN NATIONAL COMPETITION & BRENDAN JOHNSON NAMED NAIA ALL-AMERICAN
DICKINSON STATE UNIVERSITY WOMEN’S RODEO TEAM WINS GREAT PLAINS REGION CHASYN YSTAAS WINS GREAT PLAINS REGION MEN’S TEAM ROPING ( HEADER )
GRAND OPENING FOR SANFORD SPORTS COMPLEX AND BRAVERA CHAMPIONSHIP FIELD
PULVER HALL RENAMED TO LOWMAN WALTON HALL
DICKINSON STATE ADDS WOMEN’S WRESTLING PROGRAM
DICKINSON STATE RENAMES
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND RECREATION TO SCHOOL OF KINESIOLOGY
GLENICE AND DALE HANSEN SIMULATION LAB COMPLETED
THE AWARD - WINNING RED PAPERCLIP PROJECT LEAD BY DR. DEBORA DRAGSETH RAISES OVER $4,000 FOR LOCAL CHARITIES
page 26
Display of Nations
In honor of the rich diversity at Dickinson State University, commencement includes the Display of Nations. The national flag of each student graduating is displayed in a salute to the students who have come together to enrich the university.
COUNTRIES
TRIBAL NATIONS
page 27
Standing
Chippewa Mandan Hidatsa Arikara
Rock Sioux Cheyenne River Sioux Crow
Philippines Nepal Honduras Japan Malawi Dominican Republic Canada Germany Samoa Zimbabwe Poland
United States Nigeria
Hail to thee! Our Alma Mater, Of the Blue and Gray; Fair to us above all others Is thy name today! Blue and Gray! Flag we love! Float and wave alway For DSU. May thine own fore’er be loyal To thy memory.
2 0 2 3
Lyrics by Mary Jane Alguire Middleton, B.A. '42 Arranged by O.T. Belsheim; Revised in 1987