Utah State University Wasatch Region Celebrates 2026 Graduating Class

The Utah State University Wasatch Region is proud to have celebrated the class of 2026 on Friday, May 8. The class of 2026 consists of 456 individuals earning 483 degrees/certificates: 36 associate, 255 bachelor’s, 142 master’s, and 14 doctorate degrees, and 15 undergraduate and 21 graduate certificates. The USU Salt Lake campus hosted Wasatch Region graduates for the celebration.

David Vernon, senior associate vice president for the USU Wasatch Region, welcomed the graduates and their families and offered opening remarks.

“Graduates, think about how far you've come since joining the Aggie family — where you started, the challenges you've overcome, and the person you've become,” Vernon said. “Each of you has a powerful story shaped by hard work, sacrifice, and persistence, all fueled by your hope for a better future. We are honored to celebrate this moment with you.”

Jana Beckstead, director of student services, then introduced the two student speakers: Ryan Schmelter and Savannah Wendelboe. Schmelter earned a bachelor’s degree in data analytics, while Wendelboe received a bachelor’s degree in elementary education.

Schmelter spoke on his time as the USUSA vice president and how much he admired the students whom he served. He also gave kudos to the graduates for the sacrifices they put in to complete their degrees.

“You've done the bitter part now and now comes the sweet fruit that was promised,” he said. “That fruit doesn't just feed us– it feeds our families, our workplaces and our communities. Whatever is next for you– a new career, a new degree, or a future that you haven't quite named yet– go build it.”

Wendelboe opened her speech speaking about her time as a USU ambassador, and how she found a greater appreciation for how USU makes education accessible.

“What USU is doing is unique and that they make higher education more accessible,” she said. “I was just a small part of that, but I'm really proud of my impact.”

She offered congratulations to her fellow graduates and the accomplishment they had achieved of getting their degrees.

“I'm so proud of what we've done,” Wendelboe said. “It's not easy being a statewide student. It's not easy to do what we have done, and yet we did it.”

The graduates then heard remarks from the Ryan Dent, president of the USU Alumni Advisory Board. Dent welcomed the graduates into the alumni association and congratulated them on their accomplishment.

“What a remarkable achievement this is for each one of you,” Dent said. “As the alumni president of USU, it is my great honor to welcome you to this vibrant USU alumni association. You are now an ambassador for this great university. Go show the world what that means and do great things.”

Beckstead closed the celebration with brief remarks, and the graduates took celebratory photos with family and friends.

With locations in Salt Lake City, Orem, Park City and Heber, Utah State University’s Wasatch Region 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 offers programs that help fuel local economies and empower individuals and their communities. Learn more at statewide.usu.edu.