Utah State University Blanding is proud to have celebrated its class of 2025 on Friday, April 25 as part of USU’s 138th commencement ceremony. The class of 2025 consists of 180 individuals earning 64 associate, 21 bachelor’s, and four master’s degrees and 141 undergraduate certificates.
“This is truly an exciting occasion to be with you today to celebrate the achievements of each and every one of our graduates,” said Kristian Olsen, senior associate vice president of USU Blanding in his opening statement.
USU Blanding celebrated graduates with a ceremony at San Juan High School. Olsen welcomed the graduates and Manny Manygoats, student body executive vice president, gave a short address. Manygoats graduated with an associate degree in general studies. In his speech, Manygoats reflected on inspiration and possibility.
“As you embark on this next chapter, continue to inspire yourself and others,” he said. “Continue to move forward with your education. Continue to be the change. Continue to be the solution and continue to be every part of the word possibility. The world is yours!”
Tonie Dee was then introduced as the student speaker. Dee, who graduated with a master’s degree in Instructional Technology & Learning Sciences, shared her journey through school: from her initial schooling at boarding school, through elementary school and high school. Through the journey, Dee faced adversity and doubt from others. She was determined to prove herself and improve her abilities. As she entered graduate school after 30 years away, she shared with graduates that they too can do hard things.
“Don’t let obstacles and challenges deter you,” Dee said. “Embrace the bumps in your life’s road. Step out of your comfort zone and dare to try something new.”
Olsen then introduced the commencement speaker, Deidre Henderson, Ninth Lieutenant Governor of Utah. Henderson opened her speech with a recounting of a drive she once had to take. She was headed to the inauguration of the president of the Navajo Nation, which took place in the winter. Using a GPS, she decided to take an alternate route through the “Moki Dugway”, a challenging narrow switchback dirt route through Southeastern Utah. Henderson recounted how she encountered several obstacles and unexpected challenges.
“I suspect my path on that fateful day in 2023 along the Moki Dugway was a bit like yours over the past several years,” she said. “An alternative path you didn't know well, but that drew you toward a destination you were seeking. Yes, you planned, you prepared, but like the miles of narrow switchbacks and snowstorms I unexpectedly faced, you faced your own unique challenges.”
She then several personal stories, including how her grandmother was born into the women’s rights suffragist movement, how she was raised with her siblings by a single mother who lived in poverty, and even her first, unsuccessful, campaign as a 7th grader. Through these challenges, Henderson learned about courage and responding to failure. She closed her remarks encouraging the graduates to work in cooperation and commitment with others, and to decide where they are going next on their “drive” through life.
“You now get to determine where you want to go next,” she said. “And I am so excited to see what you do. I have faith in you and hope in our future. Congratulations Class of 2025. Well done and keep moving forward.”
USU Interim President Alan L. Smith then provided a short message and conferred upon the students their degrees. Once the graduates received their diplomas, Whitney Boudero, senior director of Alumni Engagement, delivered a welcome address.
Offering residential campus housing and dining, Utah State University Blanding gives students the personalized attention and small class sizes of a small-town college with the resources of a large university, all while providing award-winning education. With degree options ranging from associate to doctorate degrees, plus technical education offerings in Business, Technical Trades and Health Professions, USU Blanding offers programs that help fuel local economies and empower individuals and their communities. Learn more at blanding.usu.edu.