Voices from the podium: USU Eastern 2026 graduation

Utah State University Eastern celebrated its 2026 graduating class during its commencement ceremony on Saturday, April 25, marking the final milestone for students across dozens of academic programs.

The ceremony was held at the Bunnell-Dmitrich Athletic Center (BDAC) on Saturday morning. Dr. Laurens (Larry) H. Smith, USU Provost and Executive Vice President, delivered the keynote speech. The address served as a bookend to a decades-long career in higher education, as Smith was set to retire that summer.

In interviews conducted prior to the ceremony, Smith and student leaders reflected on the paths that brought them to the podium.

“Serving as the USU Eastern commencement speaker was an honor and privilege that I’m grateful for,” Smith said. “This was my last speech as a higher education professional. I’ve experienced so much as a university faculty member and administrator over the course of decades, there’s a great deal I could talk about. The trick was picking only a few things to focus on in the several minutes available.”

Smith, whose academic background is in physiology and cell science, shared a unique perspective on his path to the provost’s office. “I might be considered a first-generation student twice over because my dad didn’t attend high school,” he noted. “A half century ago many, if not most, of my college classmates were ‘first gen’ students, even though that term didn’t exist then. While my parents weren’t able to relate to the college experience and help me navigate and understand the college journey, they made up for it in their encouragement and support through all my levels of education.”

Reflecting on his leadership path, Smith credited a mindset of constant reflection, solving problems, and being his own “biggest critic” for his growth. Regarding the Price campus, he noted he was present during the merger between CEU and USU. “What always stood out was the pride students, faculty, and staff had in the institution,” he said. “I loved the spirit and enthusiasm of all who worked at and attended Eastern.”

Student Leaders Reflection of their Journey

The ceremony featured several student speakers who demonstrated academic excellence and a commitment to the campus community.

Valedictorian Davian Dix, an engineering technology student from Stansbury Park, Utah, described the honor as “proof that hard work pays off.” Dix, who balanced rigorous courses with a demanding soccer and work schedule, admitted to being her own toughest critic. “I used to think this expectation was my way of compensating for feeling inadequate. However, I recently learned this is not the case. I have high expectations because I know what I’m capable of achieving,” she said.

Dix noted that her honor was also a milestone for representation. “There’s a lot of stigma surrounding women in STEM, and I’m honored to challenge the traditional norms placed upon women.” Following graduation, Dix plans to transfer to Regis University in Denver, Colorado, to continue her engineering degree and play collegiate soccer. She aspires to combine her degree and passion for sports to create sports complexes and recreational centers for underprivileged communities.

Salutatorian Christian Rockenbach, originally from Kodiak, Alaska, graduated with an associate’s degree in engineering, drafting, and design. Rockenbach maintained a 4.0 GPA while adjusting to a new environment away from home. “I never thought I would be capable of achieving salutatorian status, and that showed me that you are often more capable than you think,” he shared. After graduation, Rockenbach plans to transfer to Utah Valley University to pursue a bachelor’s degree in architecture, with the long-term goal of becoming a licensed architect.

USUSA Student Speaker Brooklyn Mackay described her three years in student leadership as one of the most meaningful experiences of her life. “I have truly loved the students on this campus,” the nursing student said. “I have loved working alongside you listening to your ideas, your concerns, and your stories. You have been the reason I came to this school every day.”

Val J. Halamandaris Caring Award recipient Jacelynn Rose, a health education and promotion major from Duchesne, spoke on the necessity of resilience. “Early setbacks, losses, injuries, and moments of rejection could have defined me, but instead they became the lessons that shaped my approach to leadership and service,” Rose said. She encourages her peers to lead with empathy and to “do it scared,” facing obstacles despite fear.

As the ceremony concluded, the atmosphere in the BDAC shifted from formal proceedings to a celebration of the future. The collective turning of the tassels represented more than just a graduation requirement; it served as a symbolic handoff from the leaders and academic standouts to the next generation.

The day’s reflections from Provost Smith and the student speakers displayed a shared theme of transformation. Whether these graduates remained in Price to continue their local impact or departed for new cities and career paths, their influence on the university remained. The class of 2026 left behind a campus culture shaped by a focus on belonging and advocacy, ensuring that, as their individual journeys evolved, their contributions to the USU Eastern community were firmly established.