Byron R. Burnham, Utah State University’s dean of graduate studies, opened the university’s 119th Commencement with the Graduate Commencement and Hooding Ceremony. He welcomed the degree candidates and recognized their academic accomplishments during the May 2 event.

“Welcome to this special ceremony,” Burnham said. “We are here to honor you and congratulate you for your extraordinary achievements. We welcome you, your family, friends and guests.”

 

Burnham introduced university administrators, dignitaries, the university’s seven college deans, and faculty members.

 

“Behind those of us sitting on the stage are individuals who have played an indispensible role in your success,” Burnham said. “Seated there are your educators, mentors and friends — the outstanding faculty of Utah State University who have guided you through your educational careers.”

 

USU President Stan Albrecht greeted the candidates, and offered congratulations to them and their families. President Albrecht also presented the Outstanding Graduate Mentor Award to Terry A. Messmer.

 

“Dr. Messmer is an outstanding graduate mentor to numerous students in the Wildland Resources Department,” the citation reads. “His activities as a faculty member reflect an unusual degree of success in combining his diverse roles as an Extension specialist, researcher and graduate mentor. Dr. Messmer involves graduate students in all of his work: Extension, facilitation, field research, grant wiring and professional presentations — providing a deep and highly successful training ground for young professionals in his area of expertise. The scope of his Extension work and outreach on applied wildlife management and policy in Utah and the western region is unparalleled.”

 

Mesmer has generated more the $3.6 million in grants and published more than 20 peer-reviewed articles and three book chapters since 2000. During those years, he mentored 19 master’s and four doctoral students to completion of their degrees. His students have gone on to important positions in their respective professions and fields.

 

Burnham concluded the ceremony with a summary of the graduate class. The average age of those earning an advanced degree is 35, and two candidates were in their 70s. The spring class included 490 degree recipients. At the conclusion of the hooding ceremony, a graduate hood was presented to the family of Brandon Hartley. At the time of his death he was within three hours of completing his master’s degree in history. His degree was conferred posthumously.

 

“And to all who earned advanced degrees today, we wish you well in your future endeavors,” Burnham said. “Good luck and Godspeed.”

 

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