SUU Celebrates 2,859 Graduates At The 126th Commencement Ceremony

Southern Utah University celebrated the Class of 2025 during its 126th annual Commencement Ceremony on April 24, honoring the hard work, perseverance, and accomplishments of this year’s graduates. According to a press release, the event recognized 2,859 graduates from 41 countries, 47 states, and all 29 Utah counties, who together earned 3,298 degrees, ranging from certificates to graduate degrees.

Graduates, aged 17 to 66, maintained an impressive average GPA of 3.599. Popular undergraduate majors included general studies, nursing, psychology, accounting, and exercise science, while top graduate programs were the Master of Business Administration, Master of Education, and Master of Accounting.

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Led by SUU President Mindy Benson, the ceremony welcomed special guests including Utah Governor Spencer J. Cox, Senator Evan Vickers, Representative Rex Shipp, and Utah Commissioner of Higher Education Geoffrey Landward. President Benson encouraged graduates to appreciate life’s ordinary moments, stating in a press release, “The small, ordinary moments often hold the deepest joy. Don't rush past them. Let them fill you.”

Honorary doctorates were awarded to Jerry Anderson, a celebrated artist and community member, and Miles Killebrew, SUU alumnus and NFL player. Killebrew, who also served as keynote speaker, reminded students that “life isn’t always going to feel like a highlight reel,” urging them to approach the future with “heart, humility, and courage.”

Student speaker Abbie Cochrane encouraged her peers to “dream something new every day and bring your dreams to life,” while Alumni President Caytee Wankier emphasized that life’s biggest “wow moments” happen during quiet acts of bravery and compassion.

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Separate college convocations were held throughout the day on April 25, rounding out the university’s celebration of its newest alumni.