Commencement 2022: A Return to Celebration
More than 7,000 degrees were conferred during Utah State University’s 135th Commencement ceremonies held from April 15-May 6 — the first commencements to be held in person in two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“After two years of modified commencement activities, it is wonderful to be back to a full schedule of celebrations,” said Heidi Kesler, director of student retention and completion and chair of the commencement committee. “It has been so fun to see the excitement of students as they attended the graduation fair at the Campus Store, take photos across campus, and attend the many end of year celebrations by various organizations and programs on our campuses.”
This year’s festivities began on April 15 with commencement at USU’s Brigham City campus and ended on May 6 in Logan. A total of 7,047 degrees and certificates were awarded to 6,588 students. Of those graduates, 1,685 came from USU’s eight statewide campuses, and 1,169 were first-generation college students.
“At each campus around the state, our facilities and grounds crews work hard to make sure our campuses are ready to welcome visitors who come to celebrate graduates,” Kesler added. “Additionally, our events staff work hard to prepare for and accommodate the thousands of guests who come to celebrate our graduates.”
For example, in addition to the university commencement ceremony, the Logan campus hosted 11 college events in two days. Kesler added commencement requires a “great deal of planning and coordinating,” from college personnel as well as staff throughout USU’s statewide system.
“Commencement is truly a systemwide celebration,” she said. “It is the culminating event for students but also for the faculty and staff who have taught and supported those students. Hundreds of faculty and staff work hard each year to plan and execute these events.”
In the university commencement ceremony held on May 5, President Noelle Cockett and U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Thomas Vilsack spoke to the importance of commitment to community building in efforts to build a meaningful and impactful life.
Photos from all of the 2022 Commencement ceremonies can be found here.