USU-Uintah Basin Celebrates Commencement
UINTAH BASIN — Utah State University-Uintah Basin held its commencement ceremony on Saturday, April 29, 2018. One hundred students received diplomas ranging from associate, bachelor’s, master’s and a doctorate. A pinning ceremony was held Friday evening for the nursing graduates before taking the Nightingale Pledge, a statement of the ethics and principles of the nursing profession.
“Obtaining a university degree is not an easy accomplishment and involves dedication and stamina,” stated James Y. Taylor, USU-Uintah Basin’s executive director. “We are extremely proud of these students and wish them a bright future as they enter and contribute to our local workforce.”
USU-Uintah Basin’s class of 2018 is composed of diverse students, ranging from students just out of high school going on to earn a college degree to parents with children going back to school to advance their career.
The ceremony kicked off with the processional accompanied by White Peaks Centennial Pipe Band. Taylor welcomed the graduates and their families before the Presentation of Colors by the 624th Engineer Company followed by the National Anthem.
Student speaker Raquel Petersen shared her story of perseverance as a first-generation college student overcoming traumatic life obstacles. As a single-mother and domestic abuse survivor, she thanked those who supported her through the healing process and a new path at USU. Petersen graduated as a dual major in business administration and economics and has put her real-world learning experiences to work already. In the past year, Petersen was asked to serve as a Board Member for the new non-profit Forever Forward Services: A Community Against Family Violence. She referenced a quote held reverent by the Jon M. Huntsman School of Business from Theodore Roosevelt, closing with “I challenge us, as Utah State University-Uintah Basin’s Class of 2018, to go into this world and Dare Mighty Things.”
Alyse Hayes, student speaker and elementary education graduate, shared her story of inspiration going back to her father’s Master of Social Work graduation and her mother’s days of study groups as she went through nursing school. She thanked her parents for being inspirational role models and reflected on the challenges of going to school and being a parent.
“No matter our age or stage in life, we all get to continue changing for the better. We have all heard the saying that you can’t teach an old dog new tricks,” Hayes explained. “What a moronic saying! If the old dog wants to learn, then the old dog can learn. The old dog can continue in that excellent journey and do whatever he or she wants!”
Dr. Michael Glauser, executive director for the Center for Entrepreneurship in the Jon M. Huntsman School of Business, addressed the graduates before President Noelle E. Cockett conferred the degrees.
The ceremony concluded with Taylor welcoming the graduates to the Aggie alumni family. The Red Spirit Singers sang a recessional song as the graduates and guests departed. Following the ceremony, a community BBQ was held to celebrate the USU-Uintah Basin Class of 2018.
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