Utah State University Uintah Basin Celebrates 2026 Graduating Class

Utah State University Uintah Basin is proud to have celebrated its class of 2026 on April 25 as part of USU’s 139th commencement ceremony. The USU Uintah Basin Class of 2026 consists of 109 individuals earning 47 associate, 49 bachelor’s, 19 master’s and one doctorate degree, and four certificates. The graduation ceremony was held at Uintah High School in Roosevelt.

It is truly an exciting occasion to be here with you today,” Law said. “We are here to honor the 109 students who will be graduating. They represent a diverse group, each with their own journey and are worthy of celebration.”

Law welcomed the graduates and then introduced the student and commencement speaker.

Michael Davies, who graduated with an Associate of Science degree, then addressed the audience as the student speaker. Davies began his speech talking about data.

As a researcher, Davies stated that often data that does not fit a pattern seems like it should be thrown out. But it is often the most important data collected. He likened many of the graduates to these outliers, because they defied odds as non-traditional students to earn their degrees.

“In a place where finishing college is still uncommon, every person in this room is proof that uncommon does not mean impossible,” he said.

Davies spoke on his college journey. After withdrawing from college twice, a family tragedy inspired him to enroll a third time. Davies said he almost quit again, but the encouragement of several USU Uintah Basin employees changed his mind. His mindset began to change because he knew others believed in him. Once this belief in himself manifested, he started to succeed.

“Our lives are not limited by the pattern they started with,” he said. “Sometimes the biggest barrier in front of you is not ability. It is the story you have been telling yourself about your ability.”

He closed by encouraging the graduates to never give up on themselves, to embrace life’s unexpected twists, and to embrace being an outlier.

Quinn Bennion, Vernal City Manager and USU alumnus, then addressed the class as the commencement speaker. Bennion shared five life lessons that he hoped would aid the graduates as they begin their next stage:

1. You are unique; understand what you do well and discover and develop your strengths
2. Build as many relationships as possible
3. Be curious and relentless in your pursuit of knowledge
4. Embrace humility
5. Stay hungry for adventure and passionate about life

“You just finished years of critical learning and pursuit of knowledge. Now put it to work,” Bennion said.

USU President Brad L. Mortensen then provided a short message and conferred upon the students their degrees. Once the graduates received their diplomas, Ryan Dent, president of the USU Alumni Advisory Board, delivered a welcome address.

Operating campuses in Vernal and Roosevelt for more than 50 years, Utah State University Uintah Basin gives students the personalized attention and small class sizes of a small-town college with the resources of a large university, all in the backdrop of the outdoor oasis that is the Uinta Mountains and Ashley National Forest. With degree options ranging from associate to doctorate degrees and more than 125 programs available, as well as access to the renowned Bingham Research Center, USU Uintah Basin offers programs that help fuel local economies and empower individuals and their communities. Learn more at uintahbasin.usu.edu.