Nine spring 2020 graduates share their future plans and what they will remember about their NDSU experience.
Alexis Pearson
Major: Biological Sciences
Hometown: Andover, Minnesota
The most memorable part of my experience at NDSU has been building so many great relationships. I have been part of a wonderful community at NDSU in which I have gained great friends and been mentored by wonderful staff and faculty. I’ve been given invaluable experiences. The people are the best part of NDSU. My experience would have been very different if I had not felt like I was part of such a great community.
Plans after graduation: I plan to teach biology, however, I am currently employed as a research intern in plant ecology with the University of Minnesota Twin Cities this summer.
Chad Blank
Major: Horticulture
Hometown: Miltona, Minnesota
Active participation in Fraternity and Sorority Life at NDSU allowed me to meet a variety of people and gain leadership and real-world experience during my time as an undergraduate. Because of my involvement, I’m leaving school with a sense of importance for volunteering, helping and supporting others, and a desire to be a benefit to the community. I’m thankful for the soft skills I’ve developed during my time at NDSU and for the relationships I’ve generated through Fraternity and Sorority Life.
Plans after graduation: I plan to work as an assistant golf course superintendent in the upper Midwest and/or pursue law school.
Makayla Hackman
Major: Human Development and Family Science
Hometown: Ostego, Minnesota
The most memorable part of my NDSU experience was the people. Whether it was new friends I made, reconnecting with old friends or the relationships that formed with different faculty members, all of them had a role to play in my success at NDSU. Some of the friendships and relationships that have been formed will be lifelong. With the support of friends and faculty, I have stepped out of my comfort zone and pushed myself to do things I wouldn’t have before. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the people that have come into my life because of NDSU.
Plans after graduation: I will be teaching second grade at St. Mary’s Catholic School in Breckenridge, Minnesota.
Madison Lien
Major: Nursing
Hometown: Moorhead, Minnesota
The relationships I have made throughout my time at NDSU have made a lasting impact on my life. I have met some of my best friends through the student organizations I have been a part of, learned from some of the most inspiring nursing faculty members and grown both personally and professionally. I am forever grateful to NDSU for giving me such an incredible collegiate experience and preparing me to enter into the professional workforce.
Plans after graduation: I have accepted a job as a registered nurse at Sanford Health in Fargo. I’ll be working on the Children’s Resource Team.
Bukola Bakare
Major: Transportation and Logistics
Hometown: Lagos, Nigeria
The leaderships skills, the community engagement opportunities and the relationships that I have built with my professors, students and administration are the great NDSU memories I am taking with me. I am very grateful for my experiences her at NDSU.
Plans after graduation: I plan to continue teaching and conducting research at a U.S. university.
Kutay Yilmaz
Major: Plant Science (Master’s degree)
Hometown: Istanbul, Turkey
NDSU provided many opportunities to improve myself by organizing various seminars, conferences, symposiums and other professional opportunities. During my NDSU plant science career, I actively participated in more than 20 oral, poster or showcase display presentations. My first memorable moment was winning the People’s Choice Award for Best Display at the NDSU Graduate Student Showcase in 2019. Accepting applause and congratulations in front of an audience was a unique feeling. My academic success helped me become a nominee to showcase my white edible grain sorghum research at the North Dakota University System Legislative Showcase at the State Capitol Building in Bismarck in 2019. I talked to more than 65 people and 12 legislators to explain why my research is important for North Dakota, farmers, community health and for the life improvement of future generations. I appreciate NDSU staff, faculty and friends that helped me find and improve myself at NDSU.
Plans after graduation: I plan to work as an agronomist at the Agricultural Research Institute under the Republic of Turkey’s Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry General Directorate of Agricultural Research and Policies.
David Smith
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Hometown: Bismarck, North Dakota
The most memorable part of my NDSU experience was making connections with other students. I’ve been able to meet many amazing people through classes and extracurricular activities, which has allowed me to form relationships that will last a lifetime. Memories aren’t worth having without the friends that they are shared with. I’m thankful that I’ve been blessed with the best of friends.
Plans after graduation: I’m searching for a mechanical design position that will challenge me to create solutions for tomorrow’s problems and improve the world around us.
Matthew Kruger
Major: Soil Science (Master’s degree)
Hometown: Rice, Minnesota
The most memorable part of my NDSU experience was being a part of the Bison family. From my first day at NDSU until now, faculty and students have been more than just teachers and fellow students. They have been willing to lend a hand when I need help, provide a laugh when stress is high and they’ve been there to help celebrate my success. I am grateful for all the relationships I have built over my time at NDSU.
Plans after graduation: I’m looking for an opportunity, but haven’t settled on anything specific, yet.
Matthew Friedmann
Major: Management with human resources
Hometown: Mendota Heights, Minnesota
The most memorable part of my experience was when I was crowned Homecoming King during my senior year. Everyone on the Homecoming court became good friends and we had a blast the entire week. We got to attend so many events and meet amazing people. The most memorable part of the week was getting to go out onto the Fargodome field during the football game with Homecoming Queen Anna Lemm.
Plans after graduation: I’ll be returning to NDSU to study higher education leadership in graduate school.
