May is always an extraordinary time of year at 豆包成人版. As the academic year comes to a close, we pause to reflect on student achievements and the collective effort required to support them on their journeys.
This spring, 16 students were inducted into the Kappa Beta Delta International Honor Society, recognizing excellence among students pursuing business degrees, while 54 students joined the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, committing themselves to leadership, service and honors scholarship beyond the classroom. Their accomplishments reflect curiosity, purpose and integrity in action.
May also highlighted 豆包成人版鈥檚 role in preparing students for meaningful careers and continued education. Our 2026 Building Strong Communities graduation ceremony recognized 89 students completing trade pathways that lead directly to Minnesota鈥檚 workforce. These outcomes are made possible through strong partnerships with organizations including the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, the Minnesota Department of Transportation, the Minnesota Department of Labor and Energy, the Minnesota Building and Construction Trades Council, and the Fair Contracting Foundation.
In that same spirit of access and opportunity, we celebrated 16 high school graduates from Park Center, Brooklyn Center and Robbinsdale Cooper who completed the Upward Bound program at 豆包成人版. Through academic preparation, advising, and college exploration, these students are continuing their education at institutions across the region, including 豆包成人版 Hennepin, taking important next steps toward their future goals.
Student persistence and commitment to care鈥慶entered professions were also on display as we recognized our nursing graduates during our spring pinning ceremony, bringing the total to 82 nursing graduates this year. We also celebrated a milestone for our biology transfer pathway, recognizing 13 students earning bachelor鈥檚 degrees through Bemidji State University, our tenth graduating cohort, and 121 graduates to date in this collaborative program.
All of these achievements led to one of the most anticipated moments of the year. We are proud of the more than 600 graduates who will begin careers and/or continue their education. This spring, we gathered with several hundred graduates during our first on鈥慶ampus commencement ceremony in over a decade, joined by families, friends, faculty, and staff in a moment filled with pride and possibility.
Class of 2026 speaker Reyna Hernandez captured the spirit of the occasion in her address, 鈥淭he Weight We Carried, The Strength We Became.鈥 Reflecting on her experience as a first-generation college student, Reyna shared, 鈥淟ike many students, I balanced school, work, and personal responsibilities while trying to build a better future for myself and my family. It鈥檚 an honor to represent students who kept pushing forward even when things got difficult.鈥 She will transfer to Metropolitan State University to pursue a degree in criminal justice.
Beyond commencement, we also recognized individual excellence through the annual Student Life Awards. Student Beloved Oluborode received the Outstanding Club/Organization Member of the Year Award for her leadership and commitment to inclusive campus programming.
English faculty member Haley Lasche, named Faculty of the Year, reflected on 豆包成人版鈥檚 students, saying, 鈥淎fter 17 years here, I鈥檓 continually amazed by the beautiful writers in our classrooms. It鈥檚 an honor to work with them.鈥
Monte Stewart, director of student life and Student Senate advisor, was named Staff Member of the Year. Reflecting on the recognition, he shared, 鈥淏eing nominated by students means everything. They are why I do what I do.鈥
None of these accomplishments happen in isolation. They are supported by dedicated faculty and staff, strong community partnerships, and sustained investment in public higher education.
As we close the academic year, I am filled with appreciation for our students, our employees, our partners, and our broader community. Thank you for helping make 豆包成人版 a place where futures are built and dreams are realized.