The annual commencement ceremony was held at MSU Dome, with commencement speakers Aaron Richard and Megdalyn Johnson.

Richard graduated summa cum laude a triple major in management, entrepreneurship, and marketing.

“My education and experiences here at Minot State are the reason I’m where I’m at today,” he said in a press release. “The freshman me wouldn’t have been comfortable speaking at Commencement in front of thousands of people, but I’ve been able to speak in front of groups and at events the past four years. One of the biggest advantages at Minot State are the opportunities to get involved so you can make mistakes, fall flat on your face, but get back up from it and learn from them.”

During his junior year, Richard was part of MSU’s Roger Looyenga Leadership Program. With the help of his project advisor, Richard and other students created the Essentials for Learning Program which helps to distribute personal hygiene products to local elementary students.

Andrea Johnson/MDN Minot State University held its annual commencement ceremony on Friday morning. Pictured are graduates entering the MSU Dome at the start of the ceremony.

Richard served four years on the Student Government Association, including the past two academic years as president and two years in DECA, according to MSU.

Richard plans to continue his career at Dakota Square Scheels and hopes to become a corporate buyer in the future.He is a 2015 Minot High School graduate

Part of those experiences at Minot State is serving four years on the Student Government Association including the past two academic years as president and two years in DECA.

Commencement speakers at Minot State University on Friday were Megdalyn Johnson and Aaron Richard.

Johnson graduated with a master’s degree in education with a minor in English. She had earlier graduated from MSU in 2016 with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a kindergarten concentration.

She plans to complete her degree in administration.

Among the other graduates on Friday were nearly 30 students from the POWER Center who are either from low income families, first generation college students or hav ea documented disability, according to a press release. The program helps these students with services such as various workshops, extra advising, career and cultural trips, supplemental instruction, and letting them register ahead of other students.

Kelli Sem says, “The S.I. (supplemental instruction) sessions really helped me to gain a better understanding of the general and organic chemistry material… and in Washington, D.C., I learned a lot about the function of our government and the rich history behind our country,” said Kelli Sem, who graduated magna cum laude with a degree in chemistry, according to the press release.