UMN Crookston to Celebrate Graduates at May 2 Commencement Ceremony

The University of Minnesota Crookston will celebrate its 59th graduating class with a commencement ceremony on May 2, 2026 at 11 a.m. in Lysaker Gymnasium. Commencement exercises will include a reception for graduating students and their families before the ceremony. The community is invited to join us for the celebration.

The formal procession of faculty, candidates for degree, and platform guests will begin from Sargeant Student Center to Lysaker Gymnasium led by mace bearer, Sharon Stewart, Ph.D., who is an associate professor in the Math, Science, and Technology Department, and includes faculty marshal Soo-Yin Lim-Thompson, Ph.D., who is a professor in the Humanities, Social Sciences, and Education Department.

University of Minnesota President Rebecca Cunningham will offer remarks and The Honorable Regent Sam Heins will assist with conferring the degrees. UMN Crookston Alumni Association (UMCAA) Board President Jess Bengtson 2010 will bring greetings from UMCAA and welcome new graduates to the alumni association. Under the direction of TJ Chapman, M.M. and M.S., lecturer in the Math, Science, and Technology Department, the UMN Crookston Community Band will perform a number of selections, and the campus vocal ensemble will perform under the direction of Associate Professor George French, Ed.D. Crookston Student Association (CSA) Officers and graduates, Louis Siegel and Codey Wolff, will speak on behalf of the Class of 2026. Later in the ceremony, they will pass the torch to 2026-2027 CSA President Evelyn Dupont, a junior majoring in exercise science and wellness with a minor in coaching.

This year marks the campus' 118th graduation ceremony after its inception in 1906 as an agricultural high school, the Northwest School of Agriculture (NWSA). The NWSA held its first ceremony in 1909. In the fall of 1966, classes began for students at the new University of Minnesota Technical Institute, and the UMN "Tech" and NWSA shared the campus for two years. In the spring of 1968, a torch was passed from the 60th and final graduating class of the NWSA to the first graduating class of the UMN Technical Institute. The University of Minnesota Crookston earned its approval to offer baccalaureate degrees in the early 1990s and, by the end of the academic year in 1994, 20 students had completed bachelor's degree requirements and were recognized at the 86th commencement ceremony.

For more information: crk.umn.edu/commencement

About UMN Crookston
The University of Minnesota Crookston is one of five campuses in the prestigious University of Minnesota System offering students an exceptional, hands-on learning experience in a safe, close-knit community. Known for its #1 best value ranking, NCAA Division II athletics, affordable tuition, #1 ranked dorms, and a supportive environment, UMN Crookston provides personalized attention and mentorship to help you thrive academically and professionally. With over 75 programs to choose from, including both on-campus and online options, you'll find a path that fits your goals at UMN Crookston. Small campus. Big Degree. The best of both worlds. Learn more and apply at www.umcrookston.edu.

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