Local students graduate from University of North Dakota

More than 1,100 undergraduates and 600 graduate students received their degrees at UND’s Spring Commencement ceremonies.

In addition, the University bestowed four honorary degrees and honored the University’s two newest Chester Fritz Distinguished Professors as part of its ceremonies on May 11.

Bestselling author Chuck Klosterman gave the main address for both the graduate degree and the undergraduate degree ceremonies. UND President Andrew Armacost presided over the May 11 ceremonies, which were held in the Alerus Center in Grand Forks.

Klosterman also received an honorary degree during his return to his alma mater, as did Bob Mau, founder and president of MW Industries; Denise Flanagan, director of budget for the U.S. Department of the Interior; and Lynn Luckow, a business executive and nonprofit consultant.

Also recognized was Hilyard James Duty, who this year was posthumously awarded a Bachelor of Arts degree, making him UND’s first student-and-graduate of color. Duty, who died in 1919, spent five years at UND as a student in the late 1800s.

“As we present Hilyard’s diploma, it serves as a symbol of our commitment to honoring the past while shaping a more honorable future,” Armacost said.

During the graduate degree ceremony, two UND professors were recognized with UND’s highest academic honor – the Chester Fritz Distinguished Professorship. Those professors are Naima Kaabouch, professor of Electrical Engineering & Computer Science, and Chih Ming Tan, professor of Economics & Finance.

The School of Law and School of Medicine & Health Sciences held their Commencement ceremonies in Chester Fritz Auditorium on May 4.

Congratulations to all the grads!

• Roslynn Hoffert, Carrington, N.D. – Special Education

• Marah Painter, Carrington, N.D. – Elementary Education**

• McCoy VandeHoven, Carrington, N.D. – Atmospheric Sciences

• Ashley Schuster, Cathay, N.D. – Physical Therapy

• Jadin Robinson, Cooperstown, N.D. – General Studies

• Kyrsten Sherlock, Cooperstown, N.D. – Nursing**

• Lauren Staton, Grace City, N.D. – Physician Assistant Studies

• Miranda Johnson, New Rockford, N.D. – Speech-Language Pathology

• Melody Volk, New Rockford, N.D. – Communication

• Jenna Kraft, St. Michael, N.D. – Inclusive Rehabilitation Sciences*

• Eli Richter, Sykeston, N.D. – Banking and Financial Economics

• Jennifer Parisien, Warwick, N.D. – Human Resource Management

*Cum Laude; **Summa Cum Laude