Winter Commencement Scheduled for Dec. 18
VALLEY CITY (VCSU) – Valley City State University’s 11th Winter Commencement Exercises take place at 3:30 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 18, inside historic Vangstad Auditorium.
VCSU president Alan LaFave will preside over the ceremony where 15 students are set to be recognized for completion of master’s degrees and 106 students for undergraduate degrees.
Macy Fridgen has been selected to deliver the undergraduate student reflection. The faculty reflection will be presented by Dr. Nicholas Galt, and Curtis Biller will offer remarks on behalf of the State Board of Higher Education (SBHE).
For those unable to attend the in-person ceremony, a live video stream will be available on the VCSU YouTube channel.
Watch the 2025 Winter Commencement Ceremony
Visit the VCSU Commencement website
Student Speaker
A native of Bismarck, N.D., Macy Fridgen is graduating summa cum laude, earning a Bachelor of Science in business administration with a concentration in human resources & management. She also earned a minor in human resources and a certificate in business management. Fridgen transferred to VCSU as a sophomore and has been active with the Viking Volleyball team, earning All-Conference each of the past two seasons and Honorable Mention All-American in 2024. Fridgen is actively exploring career opportunities that will take her back to the Bismarck area.
Faculty Speaker
Galt joined the VCSU Department of Science in 2016. He is an associate professor of science and teaches General Biology, Human Anatomy and Physiology, Medical Terminology and Genetics. A native of Carrington, N.D., Galt recently received the VCSU Senior Faculty Excellence Award, which is voted on by faculty, and the Student Senate Teacher of the Year award, selected by VCSU Student Senate. He is also head coach of the VCSU Shooting Sports Team and advisor for both the Trap Club and Pre-Professional Club. Through his passion for teaching and involvement, Dr. Galt consistently serves as a mentor, educator, and leader both in and out of the classroom. Galt resides in Valley City with his wife Jessica and their two children, Ava and Kade.
Dr. Nicholas Galt, left, and student Macy Fridgen will speak at commencement.