Patrick Kirkpatrick, who is graduating with a bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering, was selected as the student representative for the 10 a.m. ceremony on Saturday, May 17.
The friendships and fond memories made during his time at NDSU are what Patrick Kirkpatrick is going to hold onto as he enters the next chapter in his life.
Kirkpatrick, who is graduating with a bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering, was selected as the student representative for the 10 a.m. ceremony on Saturday, May 17. The ceremony is for graduates in the College of Arts and Sciences, College of Engineering and Interdisciplinary Studies.
Thinking back on his college experience is much of what will make up Kirkpatrick’s commencement speech. From attending Welcome Week events his freshman year to studying for classes with friends, Kirkpatrick encourages his fellow graduates to think about their own memories that have shaped their college journeys.
“I chose my speech topic because as I reflected on my time at NDSU, I knew that the part I was going to miss were the people that I hung out with and made memories with,” Kirkpatrick said. “Once I graduate, I’ll be moving back to Wisconsin, and I’m not quite sure when I’ll be able to see my friends again.”
Kirkpatrick recalls feeling both nervous and excited four years ago when he left his home eight hours away in West Allis, Wisconsin, and stepped onto NDSU’s campus.
“I wanted to see what I could do from a blank slate, a fresh start. From there, I put my best foot forward and tried to immerse myself into as many clubs as I could, trying to connect with every single person that I had even a passing conversation with,” Kirkpatrick says in his speech.
It didn’t take long for Kirkpatrick to find his place on campus. Over the past four years he has been involved in the Wildlife Society, Blue Key Honor Society and the NDSU Super Smash Bros., eSports team.
Kirkpatrick has also given countless campus tours to perspective students and their families by being involved on the Bison Guides, a role that initially started as a volunteering opportunity, but turned into an opportunity to connect with more people than Kirkpatrick thought would be possible.
The interactions he has had with numerous students are what Kirkpatrick said kept him active on campus. His advice to perspective students is to seek out connections.
“Prospective students should choose NDSU because of its student population. Interactions with NDSU students have been so fulfilling and welcoming, and it’s part of the reason that I stayed here so long,” he said.
Kirkpatrick hopes his fellow graduates remember the connections they’ve made and stay close to the friends they’ve made.
“I hope that the audience takes away the idea that they should stay connected with their friends, no matter how far they go. I hope the audience also reflects on their time at NDSU and just how far they’ve come from the start of their journey,” he said.
After he receives his diploma, Kirkpatrick will move back to Wisconsin to work as a geotechnical engineer.
Kirkpatrick is the son of Gina and PJ Kirkpatrick.
