Utah State University Brigham City, Tremonton and Kaysville Celebrate 2025 Graduating Class

Utah State University Brigham City, USU Tremonton and USU Kaysville are proud to have celebrated the class of 2025 on Friday, April 18 as part of USU’s 138th Commencement. The class of 2025 consists of 434 individuals earning 11 undergraduate and four graduate certificates and 129 associate, 204 bachelor’s, 116 master’s, and five doctoral degrees.

“Tonight’s commencement is a great achievement for all our students,” said Dan Black, USU associate vice president for the Brigham City Region. “You graduates haven’t reached this milestone without the support of spouses, partners, children, parents, siblings, friends and associates who have helped make this day possible.”

The campuses celebrated graduates with a ceremony at Box Elder High School in Brigham City. Black welcomed the graduates and introduced the student speakers, followed by the commencement speaker, Jami Cottle, chief executive officer & chief nursing officer at Brigham City Community Hospital.

The first student speaker was Jenny Gillen Garrard, who is graduating with a master’s degree in social work. Garrard began her speech reflecting on her own journey to graduation and invited her fellow graduates to reflect on their own journeys. She then shared insights from her studies in social work about the true meaning of “happiness,” or leading a rich, full, and meaningful life. She challenged her fellow graduates to find their happiness along the journey.

“Happiness isn’t something to be obtained,” she said. “It's something we make space to receive, in the midst of all else. As you continue your journey—whether it’s in your career, in your relationships, or in your own personal growth—may you find peace not in the pursuit of happiness, but in embracing all that life has to offer, knowing that the real joy– that rich, full, and meaningful life– lies in the process itself.”

The second student speech was from Emily Davies, who received her bachelor’s degree in history, with a minor in both criminal justice and political science. In the address, Davies reflected on finding the educational pathway that best suited her. She then encouraged graduates to find the next step on their journey, and meet it head on.

“This graduation, as monumental as it is, isn’t our final chapter,” Davies said. “It’s a powerful pause—a moment to reflect on how far we’ve come and to look ahead with purpose. This may feel like an ending, but it’s really a beginning.”

Cottle then gave the graduation address. A USU alumnus herself, Cottle briefly reflected on her own USU journey, and congratulated the graduating class on their achievement. She then offered counsel on what to do next.

“My advice to you today is this: find that niche in your life that gives you fulfillment, and continue to learn and grow within that career,” she said. “This isn't just about finding a job; it's about discovering a calling, a passion that ignites your spirit and allows you to contribute your unique talents to the world.”

Cottle encouraged the graduates to continue to be learners, embrace curiosity, be open to adapting, and never underestimate themselves.

USU Interim President Alan L. Smith then provided a short message and conferred upon the students their degrees. Once the graduates received their diplomas, Ryan Dent, president elect of the USU Alumni Advisory Board, delivered a welcome address.

About USU

With two locations in Box Elder County, Utah State University Brigham City and Tremonton offer students the personalized attention and small class sizes of a small-town college with the resources of a large university. With more than 100 degree options ranging from associate to doctorate degrees, plus technical education offerings, USU offers programs that help fuel local economies and empower individuals and their communities. Learn more at brighamcity.usu.edu.

Located in the center of Davis County, Utah State University Kaysville offers students the personalized attention and small class sizes of a small-town college with the resources of a large university. With degree options ranging from associate to doctorate degrees, plus technical education offerings, USU Kaysville offers programs that help fuel local economies and empower individuals and their communities. Learn more at kaysville.usu.edu.