More than 760 students to graduate May 16
9 a.m. | Arts & Humanities and Education & Human Services
2 p.m. | Business, Analytics & Communications and Science, Health & the Environment
Minnesota State Moorhead will award degrees to more than 760 students during its spring commencement program on Friday, May 16, in the university’s Nemzek Fieldhouse. This includes more than 230 graduate students.
The 9 a.m. ceremony will include undergraduate and graduate students from the College of Arts & Humanities and the College of Education & Human Services. The morning student speaker will be Madison Hanson, a Master of Social Work graduate whose thesis is “Transforming Behavioral Health Systems Through Leadership and Advocacy.” The Fosston High School graduate is the daughter of Holly and Chad Thorssen, Gully, Minn., and Scott Hanson, Fargo N.D.
The 2 p.m. ceremony will include undergraduate and graduate students from the College of Business, Analytics & Communications and the College of Science, Health & the Environment. The student speakers will be Demi-Lee Carlisle and Tim Rehn. Carlisle is an economics and business analytics major from Johannesburg, South Africa. Her parents are Peter and Marilette Carlisle. Rehn is a psychology major who graduated from Willmar (Minn.) High School. He is retired and lives in Grand Forks, N.D. His parents are Gordon and Gayle Rehn, Willmar.
Myles Montplaisir will be the commencement speaker at both ceremonies. He is best known as the creator and personality behind the You Betcha social channels. Myles and the You Betcha crew create humorous and relatable content that celebrates the quirks and charm of life in the Midwest. Myles has turned his passion for storytelling and regional pride into a full-blown media empire – including podcasts, merchandise, and business partnerships – reaching millions of fans across the country. Myles received a bachelor’s degree in exercise science from Minnesota State Moorhead and is a former Dragons football player.
Today, he returns to campus not just as an alum but as a voice of encouragement, creativity, and, of course, good ol’ Midwestern grit and heart.
The university will also award an honorary doctorate. The last time Moorhead bestowed an honorary doctorate was in 2018.
Post-Commencement Reception
A post-commencement reception for graduates, families, faculty and staff will follow immediately after each ceremony in the Comstock Memorial Union Sun Garden Lounge. This is a special time to introduce your friends and family to the important teachers who guided you along the way. Faculty and staff will also enjoy meeting the special people in your life. Please join us!
- Tweet congratulations to the graduates using #MSUM2025.
- Both ceremonies will be streamed live on the website: https://www.mnstate.edu/registrar/graduation/
- Driving directions to campus: https://www.mnstate.edu/visitors/maps/directions/
- Campus map and parking: https://www.mnstate.edu/maps/
MSUM is committed to creating an inclusive and accessible event. If you need a reasonable accommodation to attend, please contact Chuck Eade at Charles.Eade@mnstate.edu. You will be contacted individually to discuss your request.