Commencement Exercises - May 2, 2024
Logan Campus College Convocations - May 2-3, 2024
Statewide Campuses Graduation Ceremonies - April 18-27, 2024
Utah State University is a premier land- and space-grant institution committed to excellence, access, and inclusion. We empower all people to lead successful lives of involvement, innovation, and impact, and we champion exceptional education, research and discovery, and community contribution.
Dear Esteemed Graduates,
On this extraordinary day, I extend my warmest congratulations to you, the graduating class of 2024, from Utah State University. As we gather to celebrate your achievements, I am deeply honored to address you for the first time as the President of our esteemed institution.
Your journey to this moment has been marked by dedication, resilience, and a profound commitment to excellence whether you pursued your studies online, on campus, or across our beautiful state. Each of you has played an integral role in advancing our university's mission as a public service institution.
As we look ahead to the future, I am filled with optimism and confidence in your ability to make a meaningful impact in the world. Armed with the knowledge, skills, and values instilled by your education at USU, you are well-equipped to address the challenges of our time with integrity and compassion.
As you embark on the next chapter of your journey, I urge you to embrace the opportunities that come your way and to continue striving for excellence in all that you do. Remember that you are not just graduates of Utah State, but ambassadors of change and champions of the greater good.
Wherever your paths may lead, may you continue to embody the spirit of service and innovation that defines our university.
Congratulations, Class of 2024! Your achievements are a testament to your hard work and determination, and I am honored to celebrate this momentous occasion with you.
With warm regards,
Dr. Elizabeth R. Cantwell President, Utah State University
COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY
PROCESSIONAL
Music by Fiery Furnace Marching Band
NATIONAL ANTHEM
Whytney Hawks
WELCOME & LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Kristian Olsen
Senior Associate Vice President, USU Moab
STUDENT SPEAKER
Andrea Noyes
ADDRESS TO GRADUATES
Leticia Bentley
Community Advocate and Teacher
USU Moab Advisory Council Member
CONFERRING OF DEGREES
Dr. Elizabeth R. Cantwell President, USU
PRESENTATION OF DIPLOMAS
Kristian Olsen
Senior Associate Vice President, USU Moab
GREETING TO GRADUATES
Matthew White
Vice President of Advancement & President of the USU Foundation
RECESSIONAL
Commencement Speaker
Leticia Bentley, originally Leticia Herrera from Michoacan, Mexico, earned a degree in elementary education and taught grades second through fourth. In 1985, she married and relocated to Moab, Utah. She obtained her Utah teaching certificate in 1998, teaching Spanish and ESL at Grand County Middle School and Grand County High School.
In 2007, she founded the Moab Valley Multicultural Center. She was inducted into The Enlightened Fifty by the Community Foundation of Utah in 2013 and received the Certificate of Outstanding Dedication from the State of Utah's Adult Education and Family Literacy Committee in 2002. Leticia served on the IME committee (Institute for Mexicans Abroad) through the Mexican Consulate and the Resources for Self-Represented Parties Committee through the Judicial Council of Utah from 2014 to 2017. Additionally, she was recognized by the Episcopal Diocese of Utah in 2011 for her role in establishing the Multicultural Center and providing services to the community's most disadvantaged. Leticia's proudest achievements are her three children and three grandchildren.
Andrea Noyes, a Moab local, stands as a beacon of compassion and determination in her community. With a Bachelor of Science in integrated studies, specializing in social work, Andrea emerges from her academic journey equipped to enact meaningful change in the lives of those she serves.
Andrea's journey was marked by a profound love of learning, instilled by her mother, Mrs. Pam, a dedicated preschool teacher who ignited Andrea's intellectual curiosity with her inventive and engaging teaching methods.
Encouraged by her father, Rick Lopez, Andrea was taught the value of perseverance and the importance of relentlessly pursuing her dreams.
At the core of Andrea’s journey is the unwavering love and support of her wife, Chantell, and their four remarkable children. Their steadfast encouragement fuels Andrea’s pursuit of her dreams and drives her to make a difference in the world.
Professionally, Andrea's commitment to her community shines brightly as the executive director of the Children's Justice Center, where she channels her passion for serving marginalized communities into tangible action. Her journey of service has been diverse, encompassing roles as a police officer, detective, hostage negotiator, and working undercover to combat internet crimes against children. Andrea's dedication extends even further, as she currently serves on the Moab Valley Fire Department, embodying the spirit of selflessness and courage in the face of adversity.
Scan the above QR code for a full digital Commencement program.