The concession stands were open, the DakotaDome was filled to capacity and the field turf was on the Dome floor, but USD wasn’t playing a football game as the university celebrated its 122nd spring commencement.
USD awarded degrees to 1,150 students during the two and a half hour ceremony led by President James Abbott Saturday at the Dome.
Abbott said the success of the graduates sitting in front of him could be directly associated with the university’s professors.
“Our professors work hard to help out our students in every way,” Abbott said. “The dedication of our faculty is the reason why USD is a well respected and represented university.”
He then proceeded to hand out the Belbas-Larson Awards for Excellence in Teaching to professors Thomas Davis and David Carr, both of whom teach in the Beacom School of Business.
Next, Abbott introduced the commencement speakers, Mary Lynn Myers and Stephen R. Myers of Sioux Falls, S.D. Both speakers also were given honorary degrees from USD.
Stephen Myers graduated from USD in 1966. Since then, he served as a chief investment officer with the South Dakota Investment Office. He retired from the position in 2005.
Mary Lynn Myers graduated from USD in 1967. She was the first director of the South Dakota Division of Human Rights in 1972. She also served as a special assistant to the U.S. commerce secretary in the Ford administration. She retired in 1996.
The Myers said the road won’t always be easy and there will be some ruts, but much of their success will be determined by their hard work.
“The more you value hard work, the happier you will be,” Stephen Myers said.
The graduates then received their degrees and Abbott wished all of the graduates luck on their endeavors.
Reach reporter Justin Rust at Justin.Rust@usd.edu.
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