Utah State University Brigham City, Tremonton and Kaysville Celebrate 2026 Graduating Class

Utah State University Brigham City, USU Tremonton and USU Kaysville are proud to have celebrated the class of 2026 on Saturday, April 18 as part of USU’s 139th Commencement.

The Brigham City Region’s class of 2026 consists of 333 individuals earning 10 undergraduate and four graduate certificates and 41 associate, 178 bachelor’s, 113 master’s, one education specialist and seven doctoral degrees– awarding a total of 354 degrees/certificates.

“Tonight’s commencement is a great achievement for all our students,” said Dan Black, USU associate vice president for the Brigham City Region. “You graduates haven’t reached this milestone without the support of spouses, partners, children, parents, siblings, friends and associates who have helped make this day possible.”

The campuses celebrated graduates with a ceremony at Box Elder High School in Brigham City. Black welcomed the graduates and introduced the student speakers, followed by the commencement speaker, Mike Whitaker, chief executive officer of Whitaker Holdings Inc. and a USU alumnus.

The first student speaker was Megan Kramar, who graduated with a bachelor’s degree in marketing. Kramar began her speech reflecting on the doubts she had as she started higher education journey, recalling the feeling of uncertainty she could reach the graduation stage. And all through her journey, life changed. She had more children, changed houses, changed schools, and then became a full-time student.

If you had shown all of that to the version of me who first hit “enroll,” she would have thought it was impossible,” Kramar said. “There is no way she would have believed she could handle all of that.”

Yet, Kramar shared lessons she learned at USU. She learned that in the beginning, one doesn’t have to exactly feel capable. It requires never stopping. Slowly but surely, she found out how capable she was, and did not stop. She challenged her fellow graduates, when they face hard tasks, to remember this accomplishment, because it was one of the hardest things they’ll ever have to face.

“When a job feels overwhelming, remember you have done overwhelming before,” she counseled. “When you feel underqualified, remember you have figured things out before. When something feels too hard, remember that it has never been a good enough reason to stop. You do not need to have everything figured out. You just need to take the next step. Do not underestimate what you are actually capable of.”

The second student speech was from Amanda Wilkins, who received her master’s degree in Instructional Technology and Learning Sciences. Wilkins began her address speaking on her journey of returning to school for a master’s degree. She recounted how life had significant challenges that led her to want to pursue a graduate degree to better the life of her family.

Wilkins went on to use several passages from the Dr. Seuss book “Oh the Places You’ll Go”, iterating that life can have unexpected changes, wonderful surprises, opportunities for growth, challenging times, and ultimately, that you’ll end up where you are supposed to be.

“None of us fully know where the road ahead will lead,” she concluded. “But if you keep moving forward with curiosity, resilience, and courage, you’ll find your way.”

Whitaker then gave the graduation address. He commended the graduates for their perseverance in attaining their degrees. He also challenged the graduates to stretch themselves, take chances and make a positive impact, all while forging their own path.

“I challenge you to bring your intellect, attitude, and enthusiasm into your family, your work, and your community,” Whitaker said. “Your path does not have to be perfect. It just must be yours.”

USU President Brad L. Mortensen then provided a short message and conferred upon the students their degrees. Once the graduates received their diplomas, Whitney Boudrero, senior director of Alumni Engagement, delivered a welcome address.

About USU

With two locations in Box Elder County, Utah State University Brigham City and Tremonton offer students the personalized attention and small class sizes of a small-town college with the resources of a large university. With more than 100 degree options ranging from associate to doctorate degrees, plus technical education offerings, USU offers programs that help fuel local economies and empower individuals and their communities. Learn more at brighamcity.usu.edu.

Located in the center of Davis County, Utah State University Kaysville offers students the personalized attention and small class sizes of a small-town college with the resources of a large university. With degree options ranging from associate to doctorate degrees, plus technical education offerings, USU Kaysville offers programs that help fuel local economies and empower individuals and their communities. Learn more at kaysville.usu.edu.