NE North Dakota News

The University of North Dakota (UND) held its 104th Summer Commencement on August 8, 2025, at the Chester Fritz Performing Arts Center in Grand Forks. The event took place despite severe weather conditions earlier in the day, including a thunderstorm and tornado warning.

A total of 534 undergraduate and graduate students were eligible to receive degrees during the ceremony. The event was also marked by a posthumous Doctor of Philosophy in Indigenous Health awarded to Kalisi Uluave. Uluave passed away on July 25, 2024. He had served as opioid response tribal liaison and tribal tobacco control research and project coordinator within the Department of Indigenous Health, and taught Master of Public Health courses focused on American Indian policy. His wife Mariah Uluave, his mother Sheila Taysom, and his stepfather Steve Taysom accepted his diploma and doctoral hood.

The commencement ceremonies were livestreamed on UND’s website and Facebook page for remote viewers.

Ryan Zerr, professor and chair of the Department of Mathematics & Statistics at UND as well as associate vice president for Strategy & Implementation, delivered the keynote address. Zerr is also an alumnus who earned both a B.S. in Meteorological Studies and an M.S. in Mathematics from UND.

In his speech to graduates, Zerr said: “Graduates: Congratulations on reaching this milestone! You, and your family, friends and supporters, should be proud of what you’ve accomplished.”

He continued: “I’m honored to be here to say a few words to commemorate the occasion and to acknowledge your hard work and dedication in reaching this point. As a mathematician, it seems appropriate to note a few of the numbers that have defined your time as a UND student. For instance, one of you will receive the 169,000th degree granted by UND since its first commencement in 1889. On average, you’ve spent at least 96,000 minutes in class to obtain a four-year degree. And for those who have earned graduate degrees, the total is just that much greater.”

Zerr reflected on his own experience as a graduate: “When I was in your place, I wasn’t sure what would come next... What I mean is that I didn’t have a detailed plan... But there’s a different type of plan... It’s the type of plan that focuses on the principles and values that define each of our characters... Do the right thing even when no one is looking... Be kind and treat others with respect... Act with honesty and integrity.”

He described these guiding principles as axioms: “A mathematician would refer to ‘big picture’ rules such as ‘do the right thing’ and ‘act with integrity’ as axioms... They’re higher level, not quite so formula-like. But they’re key; the foundation for what you are trying to do.”

Zerr highlighted three particular axioms—consistency, adaptability, opportunity—explaining their relevance for graduates entering new phases in their lives: “The first of these… consistency… It means a consistent approach that isn’t subject to change when challenges arise... The next item I mentioned was adaptability... Yes: consistent in the face of difficulties… but adaptable enough to know when something isn’t working — when a change in approach may be necessary… The great news is that the ability to navigate the interplay between consistency and adaptability is a hallmark of the degree you’ve just earned…”

On opportunity he said: “Opportunities are what help us find our niche… Had I not said ‘yes’ at a number of critical points…I would have missed opportunities for growth — opportunities that have helped define my career…”

He closed by encouraging graduates not to overlook personal connections made during their time at UND: “Number of friendships formed while at UND… Number of teachers and mentors who have had an impact on your education… Number of family and friends who have supported you…”

“Those who provide consistency when you need it… Those who are mentors…” he added before concluding with reference to future possibilities opened by their education.