Utah State University Moab Celebrates 2025 Graduating Class

Utah State University Moab is proud to have celebrated its class of 2025 on Thursday, April 24 as part of USU’s 138th commencement ceremony. The class of 2025 had 36 individuals who completed the requirements for a degree and/or certificate. This year’s class earned 13 undergraduate certificates, three graduate certificates, and 11 associate, 7 bachelor’s, 6 master’s, and one doctorate degree.

“Tonight is a celebration of your success in completing your degree or certificate,” said Kristian Olsen, senior associate vice president for USU Moab. “There are many factors that contribute to the quality of USU Moab. Most important is the quality of our students who exemplify perseverance, commitment, and the ability to engage in self-directed learning.”

USU Moab celebrated the graduates with a ceremony at Element Hotel. Olsen welcomed the graduates and introduced the student speaker, Rae Lynn Mason, who graduated with a bachelor’s degree in integrated studies, specializing in social sciences and human services.

In her address, Mason applauded her fellow graduates for not giving up, but finishing their degrees, even if, like her, it took them 20 years to finish. She told the graduates to celebrate their achievement, but to continue to work for their next dream.

As you celebrate, I also challenge you—never stop striving,” Mason said. “Never stop growing. Stay humble, stay curious, and never stop pursuing your dreams, no matter how long it takes or how many times life may try to get in the way.”

Olsen then introduced the keynote speaker, Samuel O. Crane– president and CEO of Desert Rivers Credit Union. Crane began by sharing several stories: his start at the credit union and it’s rough beginning, the fight to get healthier even through hardship, and his launch of a new business. He then shared with the graduates three life lessons from those experiences.

The first was not to give up. He then told graduates to start with a big vision. His final lesson was that you can’t pour from an empty cup. He closed by challenging the graduates to envision the best version of themselves and strive for it.

“Close your eyes and picture your best self—ten years from now,” Crane said. “What does that version of you look like? What have you achieved? How do you feel? As you open your eyes, hold onto that vision. Align your goals, your actions, and your mindset to become that person. Because you have the power to make it real.”

Crane closed his remarks by telling the graduates that they control their own journey. He encouraged them to embrace change, never stop going, and to reach new heights.

“Dream big,” he said. “Push forward. Let go of the old version of you—and step boldly into the person you are becoming. Because you’ve got more mountains to climb. And I promise you—the view from the next peak is even better.”

USU Interim President Alan L. Smith then shared a short message and conferred upon the students their degrees. Once the graduates received their diplomas, Whitney Boudrero, senior director of Alumni Engagement, delivered a welcome address from the USU Alumni Association.

Located in the outdoor recreation paradise of Moab and boasting one of the greenest buildings on any USU campus, Utah State University Moab offers students the personalized attention and small class sizes of a small-town college with the resources of a large university. With programs such as Nursing, Elementary Education, Recreation Resource Management and Social Work, technical education in Health Professions, Automotive and Business, and degree options ranging from associate to doctorate degrees, USU Moab offers programs that help fuel local economies and empower individuals and their communities. Learn more at moab.usu.edu.