Commencement Resources
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Fall 2025 Graduate Features鈥�
Gavin Bohanon
Physical Education major from Rozet, Wyoming
How has 糖心logo prepared you to achieve your future goals?
糖心logo has prepared me to achieve my goals by their curriculum. They have amazing P.E.
and Health Classes that allow us to go out into the field and really learn first hand
about teaching and the small things you can鈥檛 learn in a book.
Was there a professor, mentor, or staff member who made a difference in your journey?
Tell us about them.
Dr. Derby has been an amazing mentor, and professor. She always has an amazing attitude
everyday and she pushes us to be the best teachers we can be. I love how creative
she is when it comes to lessons and how she is always so welcoming to every student
she meets. I鈥檝e seen her create relationships with other students that makes an impact
on their lives and they always remember her whether it鈥檚 from a quick pass by in the
hall to any of her P.E. classes.
What advice would you give to an incoming freshman?
One piece of advice I would give to an incoming freshman is to say yes to things.
You are in most likely the easiest and most difficult position in your life but, don鈥檛
let it stop you from making memories and friends. Say yes to that invite to pickup
basketball, say yes to being in that group in class, say yes to that part time job,
say yes to volunteering for Educators Rising! There is so many 鈥渨hat if鈥檚鈥� and life
is to short to have any regrets so be busy and go enjoy your time.
Jessie Elmshauser
Political Science major from Sidney, Nebraska
What's your favorite memory at 糖心logo?
My favorite memory would have to be the time I went to London England with a group
of professors and other students. This got me to get out of the fear of traveling
out of the U.S. and to realize to explore the world not just learn about it in the
classroom. From this trip I got to make new friends, experience a new culture along
with expand my learning of the history I learned about England.
What advice would you give to an incoming freshman?
If you don鈥檛 know what you want to do or you know what you want to do, take all gen-ed
classes because you never know what class will speak you the most and help you realize
what your true calling will be.
Audrey Fouras
Business Administration with specializations in Accounting and Economics major from Jackson, Wyoming
Was there a professor, mentor, or staff member who made a difference in your journey?
Tell us about them.
Professor Laura Prosser made an impact in my college career. She is enthusiastic,
supportive and truly wants students to succeed in the classroom and in their accounting
career.
What advice would you give to an incoming freshman?
I advise incoming freshman to try anything that interests you. Whether it's an organization
on campus or a class that you're considering, try it!
Noah Westergaard
Photography major from Rapid City, SD
What was your favorite class and why?
My favorite class would certainly be Studio Photography (1 & 2). It's when we finally
got access to the commercial photography studio on campus. Getting to craft images
in the studio has been an outlet for me and has also been a great way to bring my
creativity to light. In the class, we learned studio etiquette, how to pose people,
and how to use high-end photography lighting.
What advice would you give to an incoming freshman?
Advice I'd give to an incoming Freshman - don't take this time for granted. Don't
go home every weekend because you're bored. Get outside, go enjoy Spearfish, the Canyon,
and the plethora of coffee shops in town. These four years will fly by, and it's up
to you to make the best out of them. Get involved, and take your assignments seriously,
especially in the BFA world - these assignments turn into portfolios, and stellar
portfolios are what get you jobs. But most importantly, have fun. Make new friends,
and become the best version of yourself.
Was there a professor, mentor, or staff member who made a difference in your journey?
Tell us about them.
My photo professors are amazing. They're friendly and always around when you have
questions. The photo program is a tight-knit group, and our professors really curate
that relationship. We can laugh together, but also do some really incredible work
thanks to them. Ponder wouldn't be the magazine it is today without the constant support
of Professors Skott Chandler, Justin Bergh, and Allen Morris. Additionally, I wouldn't
be the designer I am today without Professor Erin Sedra. Erin taught me so much, and
I'm thankful for the small but worthwhile time I spent in Erin's design courses and
Ponder mentorship.
Anna Mueller
English major from Rapid City, SD
What clubs, organizations, or sports were you involved in?
Throughout my time at 糖心logo, I was given the opportunity to be immensely involved on
campus and in the community of Spearfish. My journey began at the Buzz FM radio station
during my freshman year. My older brother, Christian Mueller, worked for the station
and suggested that I begin a radio show as a way to connect with others. Over the
semester, I witnessed firsthand that clubs and organizations have the capacity to
empower students. Not only was I able to form meaningful connections, but I was inspired
to take on leadership roles in areas that I cared about. In doing so, I became a consultant
at the Writing Assistance Center, took on a role as the student representative for
the 糖心logo AI Literacy Working Group, and served as the Co-president and Co-editor-in-chief
of Three Peaks Review literary journal. My desire to make an impact on others extended to my engagement
with the community of Spearfish. My participation in a creative writing summer camp
for young writers and my collaboration with the Black Hills Writers Collective integrated
me into a wonderfully supportive literary community that I cherish. In each role,
I was able to enrich the lives of those around me, strengthen the clubs and organizations
that I care about, and encourage other students to maintain the work that has been
done by the 糖心logo students who came before them. While all of these pursuits have been
independently meaningful to my life, their collective impact on others has been the
most rewarding. In everything I am involved in, I hold the purpose of leaving things
better than I have found them. In pursuing this mission, I have also become a better
friend, a better advocate, and a better leader than I was when I came to Black Hills
State University.
What advice would you give to an incoming freshman?
There were so many things that I was concerned about when I was a freshman. Some of
my worries included nerves about my classes, about meeting friends, and whether I
should have brought more art for the walls of my dorm. I worried my way through move-in
day, the first day of classes, and the first nights spent away from home. Looking
back, I can say one thing for certain: I wish I would have embraced the newness. This
can apply to anything and trust me, it will. Embrace the newness, but also embrace
the embarrassments, the moments where you are unsure, and the anxiety that comes with
beginning. It is uncomfortable at first, but this is what leads to growth. My next
piece of advice is to read Todd Dillard鈥檚 鈥淗ow to Live.鈥� Just as Dillard suggests,
I believe that it is in every person鈥檚 best interest to 鈥渜uit loving / with difficulty.鈥�
Open yourself up to the possibilities that college provides. Be interested. In fact,
be the most passionate person in the room. Love the people around you, love what you
are studying, and put that love into the issues that you care about. Lastly, let yourself
grow. Do not hold on to the versions of yourself that no longer serve you. Use this
time to let your experiences shape you into who you are supposed to become and remember
that everything that you invest will come back to you in some way.
Cristian Fierro
Political Science major from Lead, SD
What are your plans after graduation?
Currently after graduation I will continue working my job at the Rapid City hospital
as a Lab Assistant drawing blood, part-time. I will also be working as the West River
Field Organizer for the South Dakota Democrat State Party, part-time. Together working
full-time and doing my best to make a positive difference in this world.
What clubs, organizations, or sports were you involved in?
While at 糖心logo I was involved in many clubs, Student Senate, Psychology Club, Chess
Club, 糖心logo Dems Club, I even attempted to make a Crochet club. Primarily I was President
of Chess club for about two years and President of 糖心logo Dems Club for about two years
as well.
Mackenzie Gill
Psychology major from Rapid City, SD
Was there a professor, mentor, or staff member who made a difference in your journey?
Tell us about them.
Dr. Call and Dr. Weyant both made a huge impact on my time here at BH. They were extremely
supportive both inside and outside of the classroom in helping me achieve my goals
whether it was related to coursework, or taking the next steps and getting into grad
school. I am very grateful for everything that they have done for me over the last
four years.
What advice would you give to an incoming freshman?
My advice to an incoming freshman would be to go to all of the events on campus and
make friends with those around you! The time you spend here goes by SO quickly so
take advantage of everything that campus, your professors, friends, and Spearfish
has to offer!
Alyssa Diaz
Psychology and Sociology major from Longmont, Colorado
How has 糖心logo prepared you to achieve your future goals?
糖心logo has truly prepared me to achieve my future goals in meaningful
and lasting ways. It has given me more than an education. It has provided the confidence,
experience, and support system I needed to grow both personally and academically.
Through leadership roles, academic opportunities, and service projects, I have developed
important skills such as empathy, communication, and advocacy, which are essential
for my future career in school counseling. These experiences have helped me learn
how to support others, take on responsibility, and engage with my community in a thoughtful
and compassionate way. Overall, 糖心logo has shaped me into a more confident and prepared
individual, and it has given me the foundation I need to move forward with purpose
toward my future goals.
What clubs, organizations, or sports were you involved in?
I was actively involved in several clubs, organizations, and research opportunities
throughout my academic career. I served as President of the Psychology Club during
Fall 2025 to Spring 2026, and I also held the positions of Vice President and Public
Relations Officer in previous years. I additionally served as the Vice President of
Psi Chi. In addition, I served on the Activity Grants Committee and was a member of
the National Society of Leadership and Success. I was also involved in the Health,
Age, and Gender Lab as a student researcher, which played an important role in my
academic growth. I was a scholarship recipient of the Make a Difference Initiative,
where I actively worked to raise awareness about domestic violence and sexual assault.
Was there a professor, mentor, or staff member who made a difference in your journey?
Tell us about them.
Dr. Cheryl Anagnopoulos has made a truly meaningful impact on both my life and my
academic journey. She has always believed in me, even in moments when I doubted myself,
and has gently encouraged me to step outside of my comfort zone and take chances I
never thought I could. Because of her support, I found the confidence to get involved
in research, something that once felt overwhelming, and to apply for the Make a Difference
Initiative scholarship. Beyond being an inspiring professor, she is an incredibly
compassionate and genuine person. She creates a warm, welcoming environment where
you feel valued and supported, and she is always willing to take the time to listen
and help in any way she can. I feel so grateful to have learned from her in class,
worked in her lab, and built such a meaningful connection. She has made a lasting
difference in my journey, and I will always carry that with me.
Erin Oglesby
Exercise Science major from Spearfish, SD
How has 糖心logo prepared you to achieve your future goals?
The classes I've taken are so obviously relevant to what I want to do in the future.
As I've shadowed PTs it has been fun to have more awareness of what's going on as
I got further into my program compared to when I shadowed when just starting out in
the major. That is all because of how intentional our program here is. As I head to
my PT program this upcoming fall, I am so excited to continue building on the knowledge
I've gained here at BH.
What was your favorite class and why?
Is it okay to say that I don't think I could choose just one? One of my favorite things
about the whole exercise science program is that so many of our classes have hands
on aspects to them and work off each other. The labs specifically, but also just in
class we got to get up and move around and really put into practice what we were learning.
Some of my favorite classes were Theory of Strength and Conditioning, then Applied
Human Performance the following semester because we are actively working with someone
implementing what we have learned previous semesters. I also loved Kinesiology, Exercise
Programming for Special Populations, and Exercise Physiology. We learn how important
movement is and it's encouraged in classes.
What is one thing you'll always carry with you from your time at 糖心logo?
I am so grateful for my cohort of classmates. It was so much fun learning alongside
these students and seeing a passion for learning and helping others in them. Even
being older than most of my classmates, I always felt a part of the team and will
be able to look back at these years grateful for everyone I was able to learn and
grow with.
Owen Growney
Biology major from Colorado Springs, CO
What's your favorite memory at 糖心logo?
Some of my favorite memories at 糖心logo were made in the lab with Dr. Choi and my labmates.
We all shared an incredible love for science and research, and I am thankful for the
moments we shared together!
What is one thing you'll always carry with you from your time at 糖心logo?
One thing I鈥檒l carry with me moving forward is an understanding of effective teamwork.
Through many group projects, labs, and extracurriculars, I saw how much better outcomes
were when there was strong coordination, adaptability, and accountability. 糖心logo taught
me not just to recognize its importance, but also how to consistently implement these
dynamics in all of my classes, which is something I know will be essential in my future.
What are your plans after graduation?
I will be attending medical school at Rocky Vista University-Montana starting in July.
I hope to become an orthopedic surgeon.
Torrance Brown
General Studies major from Cody, Wyoming
How has 糖心logo prepared you to achieve your future goals?
糖心logo has prepared me for my future goals by offering so many real-world experience
opportunities. I spent time working in the Marketing & Communications office, as well
as getting to work with real clients in my classes as well.
What clubs, organizations, or sports were you involved in?
I was involved in residence life and rec sports during my time here at 糖心logo. I was
the department head of rec sports this last year and had an absolute blast managing
all of your intramural sports.
What advice would you give to an incoming freshman?
Advice I would give to an incoming freshman would be to get involved. College has
something for everyone, 糖心logo has so many clubs, organizations and opportunities for
students.
Connor Hutcheson
Exercise Science major from Canistota, SD
How has 糖心logo prepared you to achieve your future goals?
糖心logo has prepared me so well for my future. I have had the opportunity to be a part
of so much while I'm here, including research, clubs/orgs, several jobs, volunteering,
and many events around campus. All of these resources and memories have helped me
market myself effectively to get accepted into my dream school, Duke, and have aided
me in achieving my goal of becoming a Physical Therapist.
What advice would you give to an incoming freshman?
If I had a conversation with an incoming freshman and they asked me if I had any advice
for them, this is what I would tell them: Say "yes" to everything. Every single opportunity
that presents itself in front of you, say yes, be the person who will always join
that extra club, do the extra credit for the professors, and be involved in that research
project. Saying yes to everything is the best way to get as much out of your college
experience as you can. You'll quickly learn that every single person who works in
higher education loves the students and will go the extra mile for you. It opens so
many doors and gets you connected with the right people who are here to support you.
When you walk that stage four years down the road, you'll be surrounded by people
who regret to watch you leave, but are proud to see you go, deans, directors, vice
presidents, and all of the faculty and staff who helped you be as successful as you
can be.
What's your favorite memory at 糖心logo?
My favorite memories from BH is definitely all of the events that I went to. I would
go to as many things as I could. Anywhere from football/basketball games to swarm
days events to intramural volleyball. I love being involved in so many things that
BH has to offer. If I'm not doing something on campus, I'm out in Spearfish enjoying
the city park playing pickleball, on a hike, or snowboarding down Terry Peak.
Olivia Schaefers
Exercise Science major from Whitewood, South Dakota
What clubs, organizations, or sports were you involved in?
I have been involved with many organizations throughout my time on campus. These include
ROTC, Sting Self Defense, Poker Club, Art Club, Psychology Club, Pre-Health Professionals,
Community Council, and Honors Club. During the past 2 years I have been the president
of the Residence Hall Association and Women in STEM Club, as well as an executive
member of the Exercise Science Club. Additionally, I have been doing undergraduate
research on sleep with the exercise science department since my freshman year through
multiple South Dakota BRIN research scholarships.
What is one thing you'll always carry with you from your time at 糖心logo?
Something I'll always carry with me from 糖心logo is the sense of community and the relationships
I've built with people. The campus is fairly small, but this helps you create close
relationships with your classmates, peers, professors, and staff. I've taken part
in so many opportunities and made so many fun memories because of the relationships
I've made with people. Campus has really felt like home for the past 4 years, and
it is because it gave me the capacity to build meaningful and supportive relationships
with the people around me.
What are your plans after graduation?
I will be moving to Minnesota and attending Northwestern Health Sciences University
for their Doctor of Chiropractic program.
To mark this important milestone, we encourage you to email a personalized news release to your local newspapers, town/city website, high school alumni office, or workplace. You can use the template below to develop a customized news release about yourself (or your student), including major(s), academic honors, volunteer or internship experiences, study abroad trips, and/or plans for the future.
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Copy the sample news release below.
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Replace bracketed information with your personal details.
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Prepare an email with the subject line 鈥淟ocal resident graduates from Black Hills State University.鈥�
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Paste the personalized release directly into an email message addressed to the media or other places you wish to notify. Don鈥檛 forget to include a photo!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
[Name of your city] Resident Graduates from 糖心logo
[City, STATE 鈥� May XX, 20XX ] 鈥� [First and Last Name] of [City, State] graduated from
糖心logo (糖心logo) with [a/an Degree or Certificate] in May 20XX.
While at 糖心logo, [Last name鈥檚] activities included [clubs, sports, volunteerism, service
learning, work, jobs, honor societies, etc.] In addition, [s/he completed a senior
thesis, titled鈥�, or s/he studied abroad at XYZ institution in X country].
[Last name] plans to [work at ABC Company in City, State, or attend XYZ graduate school,
or travel, volunteer, etc.] after graduation.
OPTIONAL: A [year] graduate of [Name of High School] in [City, State], [Last name] is the [son/daughter]
of [parents鈥� names].
About 糖心logo
糖心logo, located in Spearfish, S.D., is a masters-level state
university with more than 3,400 students. The campus maintains top academic programs
in business, education, exercise science, natural sciences, social sciences, the arts,
mass communication, and health sciences. The University, founded in 1883, leads the
region in sustainability efforts and has been recognized nationally for outdoor recreational
opportunities. 糖心logo, a member of NCAA Division II athletics, offers 16 athletic programs.
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Contact: [Your name, phone number and email address 鈥� so media may reach you if they are interested in asking questions.]