Commencement Speakers 2025
2025 Speakers Coming in April: A student speaker will be selected for each commencement ceremony. Information on how to apply will be available early Spring 2025. Any graduate eligible and participating in the 2025 commencement ceremonies is eligible, including graduates of Summer 2024 and Fall 2024.
Meet the following outstanding students from 2024 who represented their peers as commencement speakers before they walked across the stage and began their next chapters.
Speakers are listed chronologically by ceremony.
May 11 at 1 PM - School of Law
Emily Toms '24
Emily L. Toms has earned her Juris Doctor (J.D.) from the School of Law at the University of St. ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½. She will be clerking for the Honorable Janine Kern on the South Dakota Supreme Court. Reflecting on her time at St. ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½, Emily says, "My time at St. ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ Law has left me with the deepest sense of ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ that will continue to provide support as I move into the next stage of my life."
May 25 at 9:00 am - Undergraduate Commencement for Opus College of Business
Lisan Hasnain '24
Lisan Hasnain is a senior Business Administration Entrepreneurship major and Communication minor. Currently pursuing opportunities in the digital accessibility space, he has found his journey at St. ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ to "have been one of profound learning, not just academically but in the depths of what it means to truly listen, observe, and understand the world from a perspective not many can claim to have."
May 25 at 12:30 pm - Undergraduate Commencement for College of Arts & Sciences
Scout Mason '24
Scout Mason III is a Journalism and Digital Media - Production major. He is moving to Cleveland to join the Cleveland Browns, where he'll be working as a member of their video production and content team. Reflecting on his time at the University of St.ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½, Scout notes, "As someone who moved to Minnesota from North Carolina, I am so lucky to have found St. ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½. I truly believe no other university would allow me the opportunities St. ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ has. Roll Toms!"
May 25 at 3:30 pm - Undergraduate Commencement for Morrison Family College of Health, School of Education, School of Engineering
Bridget Zenk '24
Bridget Zenk is a dedicated Vocal Music Education major with a minor in Spanish and Theology. She is currently teaching music at Woodbury Leadership Academy and plans to continue her role at the WLA for the 2024-2025 school year. Reflecting on her time at the University of St. ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½, Bridget finds that "as we leave this place and think about how we've grown, I'm confident that our faces will be familiar to many in the world. They will be painted by our dedication and the hard work we're willing to put in to make a positive impact."
May 26 at 9:30 am - Graduate Commencement for Morrison Family College of Health, Opus College of Business
Ismail Kassim '24
Kassim Ismail has received a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from the University of St. ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½, with plans to become a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (Psych NP). Looking back on his journey, Kassim recalls a guiding principle: "The best among you are those who bring the greatest benefits to many others." This sentiment drives him to "strive and push forward for the betterment of others, highlighting the importance of service and kindness in improving the world one step at a time."
May 26 at 12:30 pm - Graduate Commencement for College of Arts & Sciences, School of Divinity, School of Engineering, School of Education
Shiwen Hou '24
Shiwen Hou just completed a Master of Science (M.S.) in Software Engineering from the University of St. ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½. As she transitions from academic life to the professional world, she is actively seeking opportunities in the IT sector. Shiwen aims to secure a role that challenges her and allows her to apply the knowledge and skills developed during her studies. She is enthusiastic about contributing and growing in a dynamic team that values innovation and dedication. When reflection on her time at St. ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ Shiwen says, "Studying in a new academic and cultural environment taught me a lot about connecting with people from all walks of life. It wasn't just about mixing different subjects, but also about understanding and appreciating different cultures. These experiences have given me valuable insights that I'll always carry with me."
May 26 at 3:00 pm - Dougherty Family College Commencement
Eh Klay '24
Eh Klay is a sophomore at Dougherty Family College and will be attending Metropolitan State University next year. She is planning to pursue a four-year degree in Criminal Justice Law Enforcement. Eh says "My time at DFC was not only for building my career but for building friendships, learning about different cultures, and growing my self-esteem. Through DFC, I have felt a strong bond with my classmates and faculty. I believe this support will stay with me as I move on to university and beyond."