Commencement is a momentous occasion to honor the hard work, dedication and the achievements NDSU graduates have made. This celebration marks not just the culmination of academic pursuits, but also the beginning of new opportunities as graduates move from university life to the next chapter of their journeys.
The fall commencement ceremony is set for Friday, Dec. 20 at 2 p.m. in the Sanford Health Athletic Complex. The ceremony will celebrate graduates of the College of Arts and Sciences; College of Health and Human Sciences; College of Agriculture, Food Systems and Natural Resources; College of Business; College of Engineering; and Interdisciplinary Studies.
Austin Rinke was selected class representative to address attendees at the ceremony.
Michaela Dockter was selected as the alternate speaker and Noah Hitchcock was a commencement speaker candidate.
Read what these students say makes NDSU a special place, how their education has set them up for success and more.
NAME: Austin Rinke
HOMETOWN: Fergus Falls, Minnesota
MAJOR: Mechanical Engineering
What is your best advice for first-year NDSU students?
You remember how fast high school felt? College feels twice as fast. Make the most of every single day and don’t waste your time on social media or video games. Most importantly, learn and become friends with every person on your dorm floor. You won’t ever regret meeting someone, but only regret those you did not meet.
What will you remember most about your NDSU experience?
The people, whether in individual conversations or group settings, the depth and amount of people that I met here will always be what I remember about NDSU. From student organizations to random interactions, there are so many amazing individuals. Whether it was my freshman year going to dinner with the whole dorm floor every night, saying good morning to the custodian named John in Dolve hall, or waving to President David Cook while he is walking his dogs, the people at NDSU are what I will remember the most.
Explain one of the best opportunities you had at NDSU?
As part of the leadership position I held in an organization called Engineering Ambassadors, I led a team in orchestrating a philanthropic event called The Battle of the Cents-es. It’s a competition-style event with the College of Health and Human Sciences in which all proceeds go to an individual and a family in need. Helping Dawson VanSickle and his family this year, leading that team and working with a plethora of great people was just a joy, especially when the cause was so virtuous.
What are your future plans?
My wife and I plan on staying in Fargo until she finishes school in the spring. I will be working as a manufacturing engineer at Marvin Windows and Doors here in Fargo. In the future, we want to start a family, vacation in a van and keep pursuing the life God has planned for us.
NAME: Michaela Dockter
HOMETOWN: Fargo, North Dakota
MAJOR: Electrical Engineering
How did NDSU set you up for success after graduation?
NDSU set me up for success by giving me all the skills and fundamentals I need to go out and make a bigger difference after graduation. My program gave me hands-on experience and real-world applications to prepare me for my career. NDSU also gave me opportunities for personal and professional development through participation in clubs and organizations.
What makes NDSU a special place?
The people and the connections. You can always count on at least one smiling face saying “hi” to you as you walk across campus. Everyone also has so many connections outside of NDSU that they are happy to connect you with to help you grow your network and have new opportunities.
What will you remember most about your NDSU experience?
I will always remember the activities I participated in and the experiences it brought. Some specifically being Society of Women Engineers conferences, travelling with the band to Frisco, Texas and Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and campus events like tie-dying shirts and attending football games.
What are your future plans?
After graduation I will be moving to Coon Rapids, Minnesota where I will be working as a full-time quality engineer for rms Company, which is the same place I interned this past summer.
NAME: Noah Hitchcock
HOMETOWN: Ham Lake, Minnesota
MAJOR: Business Administration
What is your advice for first-year NDSU students?
My best advice for freshmen entering NDSU is to embrace every opportunity to grow—academically, socially and personally. Get involved on campus, connect with your professors and take advantage of the resources available to you. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone, whether that means joining a club, taking on a leadership role or pursuing an internship. College is not just about earning a degree; it's about discovering your passions, building lasting relationships and learning from every experience, including the challenges. Be curious, ask questions and always keep sight of your purpose.
What makes NDSU a special place?
NDSU is a special place because of its strong sense of community and the opportunities it provides to grow both personally and professionally. The university combines a supportive, welcoming environment with access to top-notch faculty, hands-on learning experiences and a vibrant campus life. It’s a place where students are encouraged to pursue their passions, challenge themselves and make meaningful connections. What truly sets NDSU apart is the people—peers, professors and staff—who genuinely care about each other's success and work together to create a culture of collaboration and achievement.
How did faculty help you succeed?
My experience with the faculty in my academic department was incredibly supportive and enriching. They weren’t just instructors—they were mentors who genuinely cared about my success and growth, both academically and personally. Their willingness to provide guidance, share real-world insights and challenge me to think critically helped me refine my skills and expand my perspective. Whether it was through one-on-one discussions, detailed feedback on projects or simply encouraging me to pursue leadership opportunities, the faculty was instrumental in helping me navigate my college journey with confidence.
What are your future plans?
I plan to embark on a two-year journey as a FOCUS missionary, where I will have the privilege of mentoring and ministering to young adults on a college campus in the United States. This opportunity aligns with my desire to build meaningful connections and make a lasting impact, providing guidance and support during such a formative time in students’ lives. Through this role, I aim to inspire others while continuing my own personal growth and exploration of purpose.
