Graduation 2009
Congratulations to the more than 400 graduates who participated in commencement ceremonies at their Regional Campuses or Education Centers. Associate’s, bachelor’s and master’s degrees, as well as a variety of certificates and endorsements were awarded.
Degrees available through USU Regional Campuses and Distance Education range from business and accounting to education and family life studies. Master’s programs in several areas of education as well as psychology, English, Natural Resources, and Family and Human Development are also available. Regional Campuses and Distance Education caters to traditional and non-traditional students through courses offered via interactive broadcast or online.
Student stories of sacrifice and overcoming great trials highlighted this year’s exercises, including the story of April Ogier-Davies. April started her educational journey as a drug and alcohol addict, and upon graduating with her bachelor’s degree is celebrating 5 years of being drug and alcohol free.
Kelly Bott, graduate from the Brigham City Regional Campus, faced many physical challenges due to his multiple sclerosis. He required assistance from the Disability Resource Center to complete his coursework, but overcame the obstacles he faced and received his bachelor’s degree and plans to continue with a master’s degree.
Daniel Jensen went from a college dropout who had spent time in jail and battling addictions to an honor graduate, graduating with a 3.81 GPA from the Brigham City Regional Campus with a bachelor’s degree. Daniel’s education was greatly influenced by working with Kelly Bott as a note taker in his courses, and they positively influenced each other to be able to succeed.
USU Commencement Speakers were as follows:
Brigham City Campus
Mary Hubbard, Dean of USU College of Science (Click here to link to text of speech)
Tooele Campus
F. Ross Peterson, USU Vice President for University Advancement
Uintah Basin Campus
J. Claire Batty, Senior Fulbright Scholar and former department head of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at USU
Price Education Center
Raymond Coward, USU Executive Vice President and Provost (Click here to link to text of speech)
Moab Education Center
Raymond Coward, USU Executive Vice President and Provost (Click here to link to text of speech)
Blanding Education Center
Christine Kearl, Education Director, Governor’s Office
Click here to read poem "Here's To You"
Ephraim Education Center
Senator Ralph Okerlund, Utah State Legislature