Senior Haley Helmin will speak during the 5 p.m. NDSU commencement ceremony scheduled for Friday, Dec. 16, in the Sanford Health Athletic Complex.
NDSU graduating senior Haley Helmin is hoping her classmates take her message to heart.
“The theme of my speech is about finding your inner passion and purpose in your life and career,” said Helmin, who was selected as class representative to address the 5 p.m. commencement ceremony scheduled for Friday, Dec. 16, in the Sanford Health Athletic Complex.
The ceremony will include graduates from the College of Agriculture, Food Systems and Natural Resources; College of Business; College of Health Professionals; and College of Science and Mathematics.
“I hope my audience will understand that they were meant to be at this moment (commencement),” said Helmin, who is earning her Bachelor of Science degree in accounting. “This is a moment of great celebration, but also a moment about moving on from NDSU to start a new chapter.”
Helmin was Miss Teen United States 2020 and Miss Fargo USA 2022, finishing second runner-up to Miss North Dakota USA. Her success in pageants gave her a platform to establish and continue as director of Ally’s Wings, a non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness about the under-funding of childhood cancer.
Helmin participated in the NDSU Accounting Club, and following graduation will be an auditor for the political subdivision of the North Dakota State Auditor’s Office. She plans to sit for the CPA exam and eventually she’d would like to be an accountant with the FBI.
“NDSU prepared me for life and my future career by giving me amazing resources to help better myself,” Helmin said. “They also provided a superior accounting program that will help me excel in my future career as a government auditor.”
Her favorite activities during her collegiate career included Bison football games and the many networking opportunities offered by the College of Business.
“I love that NDSU became my home – NDSU fosters a supportive and fun community,” Helmin said. “In my experience, it's hard to not feel like you are a part of the herd. I think this is important because when you are leaving home for the first time it is easy to not feel safe or welcomed in a new area. Having a place like NDSU helps with that transition.”
Based on her personal NDSU experience, Helmin encourages prospective students to put the university at the top of their lists.
“NDSU has phenomenal programs that will give you an advantage when you get in the job market. NDSU also is a small, big campus – not too big, but not too small,” she said, noting there is always something to do. “You will never be bored and you’ll have lots of opportunities to make new friends.”
Helmin’s hometown is Brainerd, Minnesota. She is the daughter of Kyle and Amanda Helmin.
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