USU Blanding Announces 2025 Commencement Speaker

BLANDING, Utah — Utah Lieutenant Governor Deidre Henderson will give the commencement address at the Utah State University Blanding 2025 commencement ceremony. The ceremony will be at 2 p.m. Friday, April 25, at San Juan High School in Blanding.

Lt. Gov. Henderson is Utah’s ninth Lieutenant Governor and is in her second term. During her first term in office, Henderson has been a leading voice for helping Utahns rejoin the workforce through the Return Utah program, bringing Utah’s history to the national stage, advocating for survivors of domestic violence, and instilling a culture of service in Utah’s youth.

“We are so pleased that Lieutenant Governor Henderson has agreed to share thoughts with our 2025 graduating class,” said Kristian Olsen, senior associate vice president for USU Blanding and Moab. “Her dedication to public service in our great state is inspiring. I know her address will give our graduating class something to remember for years to come and will inspire them as they head into their future endeavors.”

Lt. Gov. Henderson’s dedication to public service is rooted in her belief in the power of civic responsibility. That dedication led her to serve two terms as a state senator before her time as lieutenant governor. A graduate of Brigham Young University with a degree in history, she is passionate about preserving Utah’s heritage while shaping a future grounded in opportunity and growth.

Lt. Gov. Deidre M. Henderson lives in Spanish Fork, Utah where she and her husband, Gabe, raised their five children.

Commencement will be conducted by Olsen. Antoinette “Tonie” Dee, will be the ceremony’s student speaker. Lt. Gov. Henderson will then deliver the commencement address. The 2024 valedictorian is Shania Paul, and salutatorian is Alexa Mantz.

The commencement ceremony will begin at 2 p.m. For more information, visit www.usu.edu/commencement/schedule/statewide-campuses.

Offering residential campus housing and dining, Utah State University Blanding gives students the personalized attention and small class sizes of a small-town college with the resources of a large university, all while providing award-winning education. With degree options ranging from associate to doctorate degrees, plus technical education offerings in Business, Technical Trades and Health Professions, USU Blanding offers programs that help fuel local economies and empower individuals and their communities. Learn more at blanding.usu.edu.