By Marcus Jensen | Utah State University
Utah State University Eastern is proud to have celebrated its class of 2025 on Saturday, April 26 as part of USU’s 138th commencement ceremony. The class of 2025 consists of 365 individuals earning 184 associate, 52 bachelor’s, and 22 master’s degrees, and 162 certificates.
“There are few days I enjoy or am more excited for than commencement,” Chief Campus Administrator Doug Miller told attendees. “Commencement is several things; among them it is an acknowledgement of past accomplishments that have come to an end. For our institution, it is mission fulfillment, and, for each of you our graduates, it is a beginning– a springboard to the rest of your life and, for right now, a moment you should savor.”
USU Eastern celebrated graduates with a ceremony inside the Bunnell-Dmitrich Athletic Center. Miller welcomed the graduates and introduced the keynote and the student speakers.
The first student speaker was valedictorian Taya Cowley, who graduated with an Associate of Science degree. Cowley focused her remarks on having self-belief and letting that belief carry you to through life. She reflected on the theme of this year: “We Believe: Empowering Futures through Higher Education.” She encouraged her fellow graduates to continue to believe in themselves and their capacity.
“As we head into whatever comes next—jobs, internships, more school, world travel, or even just a nap and some time to figure it all out—let’s carry that belief with us,” she said. “Belief in growth. Belief in ourselves. Belief that the things we’ve learned and the people we’ve become will take us where we need to go.”
B. Shaun Bryner, USUSA Eastern regional vice president, was the ceremony’s second speaker. Bryner, who graduated with a bachelor’s degree in health education and promotion with minors in chemistry and biology, listed four professors who had a great impact on his education, and the lessons he learned from them. He shared lessons of bettering himself, overcoming self-doubt, staying curious, and preparing the right way. He then challenged his fellow graduates to leave their mark and build others.
“Here at Eastern, not only has higher education given us the knowledge we need to be successful in our respective fields– it has laid out a path of curiosity, resilience, and growth,” Bryner said. “Class of 2025, our legacy starts today. The future isn’t something you inherit—it’s something you build. So go light fires in dark places; be the shoulders others stand on. And remember: your legacy isn’t what you leave behind—it’s who you lift up!”
The keynote speaker was Brock Johansen, general manager and CEO of Emery Telcom. In his message, Johansen congratulated the graduates and offered two pieces of advice: 1) Character is what truly matters; and 2) the human experience is one of progression. These were accompanied by stories from his own life, including helping change Utah legislation through the hiring of a person with character and the progress he has seen in his industry since entering. Johansen closed his remarks telling graduates to “be the solution.”
“Throughout your academic journey, you have witnessed firsthand the value of diligence and perseverance,” he said. “As you strive to “Be the Solution,” you will not only advance your own personal growth but also contribute to the broader progression of society. By solving problems, you will make life better—not only for yourself, but for all of humanity.”
After the speech, Miller awarded the Val J. Halamandaris Caring Award to Mabel Suarez, who graduated with an associate of science degree and is pursuing a bachelor’s in social work. USU Provost and Executive Vice President Laurens H. Smith then provided a short message and conferred upon the students their degrees. Once the graduates received their diplomas, Ryan Dent, president elect of the USU Alumni Advisory Board, delivered a welcome address.