Saturday 195 USU Eastern students were honored at commencement ceremony in the BDAC in Price.
CEU alumnus, Nicole Young was the commencement speaker. She spoke about her career and how she seized opportunities that came to propel her on her career path. She encouraged the graduates to continue their education and to follow their hearts as they move through life.
Young is currently the VP of Business Development for Mandalay Entertainment Group. She has worked at Morris Yorn Barnes Levine Krintzman Rubenstein Kohner& Gellman. It is a prestigious entertainment law firm. She began he career at Whitelight Entertainment. Young earned her J.D. from Brigham Young University.
Castle Dale resident, Jordan Sanders was the class valedictorian. An honors graduate from Emery County, Sanders returned from an LDS mission in San Fernando, California. Sanders has been involved with the SUN Center during his time on campus. He is passionate about music and helping others and has combined those interests in the many benefit concerts he has held during his past two years at Eastern. Troy Hunt, associate professor of communication, has been both a mentor and friend to Sanders.
SungJae Park, who grew up in Daegu, South Korea was the salutatorian. He also served an LDS mission. While on the mission he witnessed a terrible accident. He saved a life by performing CPR he learned while in high School. After his mission he came to Price to attend classes. He has been in the nursing program since 2011. In 2012 he was vice president of the USU Eastern nursing program and in 2013 served as the AND representative. His mentor is Dr. Donna Cartwright, associate professor in the nursing program.
Emma Rowley was the recipient of the Val J. Halamandaris Award. She grew up in Duchesne before coming to Eastern. Her volunteer work is extensive including participating in the bread and soup night, spring breakaway and Emery County Mammoth Days Marathon.
The Chancellor’s Medallion Recipient was Lynn Stevens from Blanding. He graduated from USU and immediately started active duty in the US Army with the rank of Second Lieutenant. He remained on Active duty for 35 years and commanded troops at every level. After retirement Stevens was employed by Northrop Grumman Corporation for nearly 10 years. He has also been a San Juan County Commissioner for eight years. Stevens has been on the USU Eastern Board of Trustees and serves on the school’s Region Advisory Board.
A reception for students, parents and guests followed immediately after the ceremony.
Check out an image gallery of the event below.