ISU confers 2,437 degrees and certificates at 2017 Commencement on May 6

 “While your time spent here may not have been a walk in the park, all of the hard work you have put into your education is finally paying off today,” said Makayla Muir, Associated Students of ISU President, in her remarks to the graduates. “I know that the time I have spent at Idaho State has been incredibly rewarding, and I know I will cherish the memories I have and will make for the rest of my life. I hope all of you will do the same, and never forget the time you have spent as a Bengal, because being a Bengal means to be part of a family.”

In addition to the presentation of these degrees and certificates, three distinguished faculty members were acknowledged, 11 alumni were recognized for their professional achievement, and 12 outstanding students were recognized.

The breakdown of graduates includes 37 Doctor of Philosophy degrees, six Doctor of Education degrees, five Doctor of Arts degrees, four Doctor of Audiology degrees, 11 Doctor of Nursing Practice degrees, 23 Doctor of Physical Therapy degrees, 85 Doctor of Pharmacy degrees, seven Educational Specialist degrees, 387 master’s degrees, 32 certificates, 1,201 bachelor’s degrees, 408 associate degrees, and 231 certificates from the College of Technology.

Distinguished faculty recognized were Catherine Black, senior lecturer, Department of Biological Sciences, Distinguished Teacher; Thomas Kloss, assistant professor, music education coordinator and associate director of bands, Department of Music, Distinguished Service; and Erin Rasmussen, professor, Department of Psychology, Distinguished Researcher.

Alumni Professional Achievement Award recipients for 2017 are: David “Chris” Carlson, from Medimont, College of Arts and Letters ­– Fine Arts and Humanities; Dr. Paul M. Miller, Somerset, New Jersey, College of Arts and Letters – Social and Behavioral Sciences; Galo Medina, Hollywood, California, College of Arts and Letters – General Studies; Gary L. Long, Inkom, College of Science and Engineering – Natural and Physical Sciences; Hernan R. Rendon, Turmero Aragua, Venezuela, College of Technology; Jack Walker, Grand Junction, Colorado, College of Pharmacy; Laura Lou Hill, Garden City, College of Education; M. Michele Pond-Bell, Pocatello, Nursing; Mindy Stosich-Benedett, Pocatello, Kasiska Division of Health Sciences; Reed N. Brimhall, Meridian, College of Business; and Robert D. Boston, Blackfoot, College of Science and Engineering – Engineering.

Outstanding Student Award recipients for 2017 are Krystal Noelle Scott, from Rupert, College of Business; Claire Jorgensen, Boise, College of Education; Sabrina J Sherwood, Boise, College of Pharmacy; Cierra Meiline Johns, Pocatello, College of Technology; Kylle Strunk, Nampa, College of Arts and Letters – Fine Arts and Humanities; Ashley Tailor Sondag, Casper, Wyoming, College of Arts and Letters – Social and Behavioral Sciences; Andrew Kaler, Camas, Washington, College of Science and Engineering – Engineering; Pamela S. Ropski, Meridian, College of Science and Engineering – Natural and Physical Sciences; Natalie Rene Slagowski, Meridian, Kasiska Division of Health Sciences; Emily M. Holcomb, Wilder, School of Nursing; Jenifer Reader, Pocatello, Master’s Candidate; and Jeffrey Garn Howard, Kuna, Doctoral Candidate.

ISU student Marissa Dyer performed the national anthem. The faculty mace was placed by the 2017 Distinguished Teacher. Kebai Bills, president of the ISU Alumni Association, welcomed alumni. The institutional reader was Tim Richardson.

Idaho State University President Arthur C. Vailas greeted the audience and conferred the degrees. ISU Executive Vice President and Provost for academic affairs Laura Woodworth-Ney recognized the distinguished faculty. Presentation of graduates was done by the University deans.

The “Alma Mater Hymn” was performed by an ISU Department of Music student ensemble.

A reception for graduates and their guests followed the ceremony on the floor of Holt Arena. Interpreting service for people with hearing disabilities was provided by the Idaho State University Disabilities Services.

Graduates are encouraged to share their memories on social media at #isugrads.

More information on commencement is available online at http://isu.edu/commencement/.