Utah State University Uintah Basin Celebrates Class Of 2023

Utah State University Uintah Basin is proud to have celebrated its class of 2023 on April 29. The class of 2023 consists of 142 individuals earning 73 associate, 50 bachelor’s, 20 master’s degrees, and nine undergraduate and one graduate certificate. This is the second-largest graduating class at USU Uintah Basin. The graduation ceremony was held at Roosevelt Junior High School.

“It is truly an exciting occasion to be here with you today, to celebrate the achievements of our graduates in the presence of so many family members and friends,” said James Y. Taylor, senior associate vice president of USU Uintah Basin. “We are here to honor the 142 students who will be graduating. They are a diverse group, each with their own journey and are worthy of celebration.”

Taylor welcomed the graduates and then introduced the student and keynote speakers.

Alex Gatherum, who graduated with a bachelor’s degree in business education from the College of Agriculture & Applied Sciences, then addressed the audience as the student speaker. Gatherum began his speech recalling several instances of being guided by both academic advisors and other mentors who took the time to offer advice and direction as Gatherum found his way through his studies. He then shared ways he and his fellow graduates could all show their appreciation to their own personal mentors.

“I believe that the best way to properly recognize and show gratitude towards those who have helped us along our path is to pay it forward and find an opportunity to help someone else along theirs,” Gatherum said. “It is my hope that all of us will recognize and cherish those opportunities and use them as our opportunity to pay forward the help and guidance we have been fortunate to have along our educational journey.”

Kyle Snow, chief executive officer for the Northeastern Counseling Center, then addressed the class as the commencement speaker. Snow offered graduates several pieces of advice that he lives by: enjoy life and have a sence of humor, have passion and pride in what you do, and find ways to give back. He encouraged the graduates to be examples of true Aggies.

“As you graduate today, you join me as alumni,” Snow said. “We have a chance to change other’s lives through our example and making opportunities available to those that come after us. I hope that each of you will take that responsibility seriously.”

USU President Noelle E. Cockett then provided a short message and conferred upon the students their degrees. Once the graduates received their diplomas, Steven L. Palmer, president of the USU Alumni Association, delivered a welcome address. The ceremony closed with Honor Song presented by the Red Spirit Singers.

At the dignitary luncheon prior, campus awards were presented to faculty and staff, in addition to a special presentation. President Cockett received a gift from the campus– a petroglyph of a longhorn sheep. This gift recognizes President Cockett’s expertise as a renowned sheep genetics researcher and symbolizes the area’s gratitude for her support during her seven years as university president. The campus award recipients include the following:

Mike Christiansen

Outstanding Faculty Member

Becky Williams

Outstanding Faculty Researcher

Jenny Anderson

Outstanding Graduate Student

Joel Anthony Mendoza

Outstanding Undergraduate Student

Brant Holmes

Outstanding Student Researcher

Linda Atkin

Outstanding Staff Member

Amber LeFevre

Outstanding Facilitator

Tyler Rasmussen

Outstanding Alumni

Operating campuses in Vernal and Roosevelt for more than 50 years, Utah State University Uintah Basin gives students the personalized attention and small class sizes of a small-town college with the resources of a large university, all in the backdrop of the outdoor oasis that is the Uinta Mountains and Ashley National Forest. With degree options ranging from associate to doctorate degrees and more than 125 programs available, as well as access to the renowned Bingham Research Center, USU Uintah Basin offers programs that help fuel local economies and empower individuals and their communities. Learn more at uintahbasin.usu.edu.