Utah State University Uintah Basin enjoyed a fantastic socially distanced celebration of the 2021 graduates over the weekend. USU shared in a news release on Saturday that the class of 2021 is comprised of 124 Uintah Basin community members that earned a total of 66 associate’s, 45 bachelor’s, 12 master’s degrees, and one graduate certificate. Associate Vice President James Taylor welcomed the guests to the celebration. “Each one of you represent unique journeys and stories but collectively you are what makes the Uintah Basin strong, educated and ready for the future,” shared Taylor. “You have my respect and my appreciation for all that you have done and everything you will do to make our world and our region a better place.” Melissa Taveapont, who received her degree in Human Development and Family Studies, then spoke on her journey as a first-generation college graduate. “My experience as a USU student has allowed me to take back my voice, cheer, and happiness,” shared Melissa. “I am priceless. I am a first-generation Mexican American college graduate. I am powerful, independent, and an educated woman paving the way for future generations.” The keynote speaker was Darren Parry, former Chairman of the Northwestern Band of the Shoshone Nation, who shared that his goal is to make sure that those who have gone before are not forgotten. The ceremony also provided an opportunity to give out awards including Outstanding Faculty Award to Inella Bastian, Faculty Researcher of the Year to Mike Christiansen, Outstanding Graduate Student to Oaklee Riley, Outstanding Undergraduate Student to Jaden Libberton, Student Researcher of the Year to Cal DeBerard, Outstanding Staff Member to Trish Kingsford, and Facilitator of the Year to Pua Rasmussen. To learn more about what USU Uintah Basin has to offer and to learn about scholarship opportunities, visit www.uintahbasin.usu.edu.
