Dickinson State University (DSU) students Mariah McLaughlin and Isaiah MacDonald will address graduates at the institution’s 2021 fall commencement ceremony Friday, Dec. 17, at 2 p.m. in May Hall’s Dorothy Stickney Auditorium.
Mariah McLaughlin was born and raised in Beulah, North Dakota and is the daughter of Curt and Stacee McLaughlin. She will be graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in agriculture with a natural resource management option. While a student at Dickinson State, McLaughlin was part of DSU Collegiate Farm Bureau and Agricultural Club as well as being a writing and agricultural tutor for two years. She developed an interest in soils and desires to pursue a career that aligns with her agricultural roots and passions.
Isaiah MacDonald is from Mandan, North Dakota and is the son of Fred and Denise MacDonald and is husband to Ruth MacDonald. He will be graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in education majoring in social sciences. He attended DSU-Bismarck where he spent time working with his peers on developing meaningful instructional strategies to prepare for student teaching experiences. MacDonald was especially excited to be placed in Mandan High School after recently buying a home and becoming a part of the Mandan community. He spent his time outside of class serving the Bis-Man community as a supervisor at Starbucks through which he was able to help coordinate several different volunteer projects including Coffee with a Cop, serving coffee to teachers at BPS orientation, and donating hundreds of pounds of coffee and pastries to critical workers. He also served the Mandan community through volunteer work with Community Church at events such as Trick or Treat Blessing and handing out treats at Music in the Park. MacDonald is looking forward to digging into his practice as a substitute teacher helping Bismarck and Mandan Public Schools as he looks for a permanent position in which he can build positive relationships with students and the community.
Dickinson State will award seven master’s degrees, 70 baccalaureate degrees, six associate degrees, and 15 certificates at the fall commencement ceremony. Students will celebrate their graduation by walking across the stage to receive their diplomas from University President Steve Easton.
Almost 90 students are eligible to participate in this semester’s ceremony. Three students will also graduate with Theodore Roosevelt Honors Leadership Program distinction.
The graduates, faculty, staff, alumni, and guests will also hear from President Steve Easton; Holly Gruhlke, dean of the College of Education, Business, and Applied Sciences, chief enrollment management and communications officer, and associate professor of business; and Colby Wartman as the alumni speaker.
Live streaming of the ceremony will be available at www.dickinsonstate.edu.
