Minot State to celebrate 109th Commencement Exercises
MINOT, N.D. – Minot State University is proud to continue its long-standing tradition dating back to its first graduating class in 1914 by celebrating its 109th Commencement Exercises on Friday, May 10.
“Commencement Exercises each spring represent a wonderful day when our entire MSU community gathers to honor our students and celebrate with their family and friends,” said Minot State President Dr. Steven Shirley. “MSU has a wonderful new class of graduates in 2024, and we are certainly excited to recognize their accomplishments on May 10.”
The University will begin the day with a traditional Hooding Ceremony for completion of a master’s degree at 8 a.m. in Ann Nicole Nelson Hall. MSU will hold the Spring Commencement Ceremony at 10 a.m. at the Minot State Dome.
For individuals unable to attend the two live events, the Hooding Ceremony and Commencement will be broadcast via the Minot State YouTube channel. Access the Hooding Ceremony HERE and the Commencement Ceremony HERE.
Guest speakers at Commencement include Brenda K. Foster ’84/’92, who is the Chairman, President, and CEO of First Western Bank & Trust; Lori Nehlsen ’21, a current student in the Master of Education program; and Olivia Reiser, a current undergraduate student majoring in exercise science and rehabilitation.
Foster, who will give the keynote address, graduated from MSU in 1984 with an associate degree in legal secretarial studies before going back to school to earn her Bachelor of Science degree in accounting with a concentration in banking and finance in 1992. She has been employed with First Western Bank & Trust since 1981.
Foster has served the community and state on a number of boards and committees. She currently serves as a member of the MSU Board of Regents, a board member of the Minneapolis Federal Reserve, a State Banking Board member, an advisory Board Member for the Bank of North Dakota, and a current member of the Federal Delegate board for the Independent Community Banks of America as well as a Director at Large.
“An important tradition each year is the speakers sharing their inspirational messages during the Commencement ceremony,” Shirley said. “Lori and Olivia are terrific students representing our graduate and undergraduate students, and two-time graduate Brenda Foster has deep ties to MSU, is a community leader, and someone who I know will deliver an impactful message to our Class of 2024.”
Minot State will host a special graduation homepage with additional information on the ceremony, events, gift ideas, social media posts, videos, senior spotlights, and a wall of graduates. MSU is pleased to announce multiple local hotels offer at Minot State Family and Friends discount of 15% off the standard room rate, with participating properties listed HERE. Access all MSU graduation content at MinotStateU.edu/grad and use hashtag #MSUclassof24 in all social media posts.
About Minot State University
Minot State University is a public university dedicated to excellence in education, scholarship, and community engagement achieved through
rigorous academic experiences, active learning environments, commitment to public service, and a vibrant campus life.
Published: 05/03/24
