University Communications and Marketing

April 20, 2015

Contacts:
Carmen Price, University Communications and Marketing, 657-2269

MSU Billings taps Lt. Gov. McLean as commencement speaker; 995 students to receive undergraduate, graduate diplomas at May 2 ceremony

MSU BILLINGS NEWS SERVICES — Montana State University Billings will present 995students with degrees during the university’s 88th commencement, set for Saturday, May 2, 10 a.m., at the Rimrock Auto Arena at MetraPark.

Montana’s 31st Lt. Gov. Angela McLean will provide the commencement address. She is the first teacher and the second woman to serve as the state's lieutenant governor. 

"We are excited and honored to have Montana's lieutenant governor address our graduates," Chancellor Mark Nook said. "She has an incredible record across all facets of the education system and is committed to the excellence of Montana's students and educators." 

McLean partnered with Gov. Steve Bullock in 2014 to advance the administration’s agenda of better jobs, better education and a more effective government.

Originally from Twin Bridges, McLean earned a bachelor’s degree in 1994 from what is now the University of Montana Western in Dillon, becoming the first member of her family to graduate from college. She earned in 2000 her Master of Arts in curriculum and instruction from the University of Montana and in 2005 she became a Nationally Board Certified Teacher.

As an educator, McLean taught American history and government at Anaconda High School and served as an adjunct professor at Montana Tech in Butte prior to being tapped lieutenant governor. Prior to her appointment, she served as the chair of the Montana Board of Regents and served on the Montana Board of Public Education.

The ceremony will be streamed live at www.msubillings.edu/commencement.

A Graduates’ Reception will follow at the university campus, 1500 University Drive, in the Rimrock Café in the Student Union Building.

For more information about the five MSU Billings convocations, or the commencement ceremony on May 2, call the University Relations Office at 657-2266 or see the university’s commencement web page at www.msubillings.edu/commencement.

Convocations and Award Ceremonies

The 2014-2015 academic year culminates with convocations and academic awards ceremonies on April 30 and May 1.

The five academic colleges at MSU Billings will host individual convocations on Thursday and Friday, recognizing students for academic achievement and service within their major fields of study.

In addition to college convocations, the City College’s nursing program and the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps will hold convocations.      

Undergraduates graduating with honors during the MSU Billings Commencement ceremony on Saturday will receive honor cords during their college’s convocation ceremony. Top graduate students will also be recognized.

All events are free and open to the public.

Convocation for the City College at MSU Billings will be on Thursday, April 30, at 6 p.m. in the Health Sciences Building on the City College campus, with a welcome by Interim Dean Dr. Rita Kratky and a reception to follow. City College will confer 286 degrees during the commencement ceremony on Saturday.

Convocation for the MSU Billings College of Allied Health Professions will be held on Friday, May 1, at 3 p.m., in Cisel Recital Hall, with a welcome by Dean Dr. Diane Duin. A reception will follow. The College of Allied Health Professions will confer 129 degrees during the commencement ceremony on Saturday, including 45 master’sdegrees. An Outstanding Graduate award will be presented to Benjamin Newcomb Smith, of Pepin, Wisc.

Convocation for the MSU Billings College of Business will be held on Friday, May 1, at 1 p.m. in Cisel Recital Hall, with a welcome by Dean Dr. Barbara Wheeling. A reception will follow. The College of Business will confer 164 degrees during the Commencement ceremony on Saturday.  An Outstanding Graduate award will be presented to Brianne DePuydt, of Saco. DePuydt will also be presented with a Golden Merit Award for outstanding scholarship, leadership and community involvement.

Convocation for the MSU Billings College of Arts and Sciences will be held on Friday, May 1, at 9 a.m., in Petro Theatre, with a welcome by Dean Dr. Christine Cremean and a reception to follow. The College of Arts and Sciences will confer 266 degrees during the Commencement ceremony on Saturday, including 20 master’s degrees. Outstanding Graduate awards will be presented to 2014 Goldwater Scholarship award winner Elizabeth Mullins, of Talala, Okla., and to Jamie Lynn Slaugh, of Billings.

Convocation for the MSU Billings College of Education will be held on Friday, May 1, at 11 a.m., in Petro Theatre, with a welcome by Dean Dr. Mary Susan Fishbaugh. A reception will follow. The College of Education will confer 150 degrees during the Commencement ceremony on Saturday, including 83 master’s degrees.

The Nursing Pinning Ceremony for City College Nursing Program will be held on Friday, May 1, at 6 p.m., in Petro Theatre.

Commissioning for ROTC will be held Friday, May 1, 4:30 p.m., in the Library Building, room 148.

PHOTO ABOVE: Lt. Gov. Angela McLean