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President's Desk

President’s Column: Commencement is a Life Milestone

May 6, 2026

VCSU students wear black graduation gowns and caps, sit in red chairs and listen to a speaker at commencement

By Dr. Allen Burgad, VCSU Interim President

Valley City State University has much to be proud of from the 2025–2026 academic year. Our students, faculty, and staff have achieved many accolades, honors, and accomplishments over the past nine months. One of the greatest achievements is earning a post-secondary degree, an accomplishment that opens doors to careers, purpose, and lifelong opportunities.

We will celebrate this milestone with our students at VCSU’s 134th Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 16, at 10 a.m. in the W.E. Osmon Fieldhouse. On Friday, May 15, we will also recognize graduating seniors at the Senior Awards Ceremony in the Larry J. Robinson Center for the Arts.

We strongly encourage all VCSU graduates, families, faculty, and staff to attend the spring commencement ceremony. It is a milestone that cannot be duplicated. I often share that I chose not to attend my own graduation ceremony, and I still regret it to this day. It is a special opportunity to celebrate with those who supported you along the way, an experience that only happens once in a lifetime.

This year, we are proud to recognize 234 graduates, including 39 graduate students and 195 undergraduate students. This represents the largest graduating class in VCSU history. More than 180 graduates plan to participate in the ceremony, and we invite our campus and community to join us in celebrating this important milestone.

Leading up to commencement, we have and will continue to recognize our students through several year-end events which include:

  • SOAR Banquet (May 4) – highlighting undergraduate research and creativity at VCSU
  • Scholar Symposium (May 5) – showcasing student research, academic projects, artistry and creative work on campus
  • Viking Pathway Celebration (May 7) – supporting growth in academics, employment, independent living, and wellness
  • Viking Athletic Awards Night (May 11) – celebrating our student-athletes and their accomplishments
  • The Forge Open Mic Night (May 12) – spotlighting the literary talent and artistry of VCSU students
  • Senior Awards Ceremony (May 15) – recognizing honor students and various academic department awards for graduating seniors

I also want to congratulate our spring athletic teams for strong showings at their postseason competitions this past week. We are proud of their accomplishments this year. A special shoutout to VCSU Baseball, which recorded a big victory against the No. 2-ranked team in the nation, Bellevue University, during the Frontier Conference Tournament.

As I reflect on the academic year, I am reminded that being student-focused and learning-centered begins with people. Commencement is more than a ceremony; it is a celebration of perseverance, growth, and the many individuals who support our students along the way.

We look forward to celebrating this milestone together.

One VCSU Retirement

At this time, we have one VCSU retirement to celebrate. Please join me in congratulating our Director for Health & Wellness, Betty Tykwinski. For the past 15 years, Betty has served our campus with care, compassion, and a steady presence, supporting the health and well-being of our students, faculty, and staff. Her impact has been felt by so many, and she will be truly missed. We wish Betty all the best in a well-deserved, enjoyable, and relaxing retirement.