For the first time there were three ceremonies to mark graduation.

Friday night, May 9, was the second time the master’s degree candidates had their own ceremony. Then Saturday, due to inclement weather, the undergraduate ceremony was brought indoors. To accommodate the number of graduates, the ceremony was divided by college. The College of Arts and Sciences graduated in the afternoon following the morning ceremony for the colleges of business and education and human services.

The speaker, U.S. Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne, received an honorary doctor of public service degree. In his address, he urged graduates to base their career goals on the four Ps: perspective, passion, preparation, and prayer. Prior to his cabinet post, Kempthorne was the governor of Idaho and served as a U.S. senator.

About 1,100 graduates received their degrees during the three ceremonies. The spring commencement was also the last for retiring dean of the College of Education and Human Services Bob Bartos.

Middle Clockwise: Shannon Heckman checks in with the help of daughters Ella and Clara. Hooding is integral to master’s ceremony. Rebecca Fowler is congratulated by President Ruud. Families line up for photo opportunities. Jason Manotti is one of the ROTC graduates who was commissioned Saturday morning.