Valley City State University will host its 134th Commencement Exercises on May 16, recognizing more than 230 students who completed their degrees during the spring semester and over 350 graduates from the past year. The ceremony is scheduled for Saturday at 10 a.m. inside the W.E. Osmon Fieldhouse.
The event marks the largest spring graduating class in VCSU’s history, with about 180 graduates expected to attend in person. Interim President Allen Burgad will preside over the exercises, and Michelle Kommer will represent the State Board of Higher Education. Graduating senior Tara Dahl is set to deliver the undergraduate reflection, while Lindsey Kiecker, associate professor of science, will present the faculty reflection.
The university said that select graduating seniors will also be recognized at the annual Senior Awards Ceremony on Friday, May 15. Honor cords are set to be presented to qualifying seniors and various departments across campus plan to announce their senior awards.
Tara Dahl is graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Music Education after completing her requirements in December and starting work as a full-time music teacher for Glendive Public Schools in Montana. She has been involved in several musical ensembles and leadership roles during her time at VCSU. “Tara credits VCSU for helping to shape her as a teacher and musician by giving her the opportunity for real experiences such as practicum hours, outreach to area schools, running sectionals and student teaching,” according to information released by VCSU.
Lindsey Kiecker joined VCSU’s faculty ranks in 2023 and teaches chemistry courses while supervising science education students. She earned both her bachelor’s degree from VCSU and a master’s degree from South Dakota State University before receiving recognition through faculty- and student-voted awards this year. “Students describe her as an amazing and dedicated professor who goes above and beyond,” according to details provided by Valley City State University.
