Boise State University held its 118th commencement ceremonies over the weekend of May 9, with family and friends gathering at ExtraMile Arena to celebrate the achievements of graduating students. A total of 3,403 students who completed their coursework in spring were eligible for 4,428 degrees and certificates. These graduates join a community of more than 180,000 living alumni from Boise State.
Dr. Jeremiah Shinn, Interim President and Vice President for Student Affairs at Boise State, addressed the graduates during the ceremony. “Graduates, Boise State University is better because of you. You are part of the fabric of this institution, woven into its story, its spirit, and its future,” Shinn said. “We are so proud to call you Broncos, and even prouder to welcome you alumni of Boise State University.”
For the first time in university history, master’s and doctoral degree recipients celebrated together in a dedicated ceremony. Samantha Lords represented the Graduate College as student speaker after earning a Master of Arts in Counseling with a GPA of 3.93 and holding leadership roles within Chi Sigma Iota honor society. “You do not have to be okay all the time,” Lords said during her speech. “We are humans. We are going to make mistakes, and things are going to get messy. Not only is it okay to not be okay, it is empowering to know that you are not alone.”
Three undergraduate student speakers also addressed their peers: Diana Colis encouraged fellow first-generation students by saying: “Soon we will enter our first year of employment… always ask questions without fear… seek truth outside yourself to best understand your internal identity.” Natalie Ayala highlighted perseverance as she reflected on her experience interning for NASA: “Our success isn’t just individual; it’s an inspiration for others… When you dare greatly, you inspire others to do the same.” Isaac Celedon advised his classmates: “Keep showing up… And keep caring about something bigger than yourself… your life won’t be defined by a title; it will be defined by the people you impacted — and the people who impacted you.”
The university also presented Bruce Newcomb with an Honorary Doctor of Laws degree in recognition of his accomplishments in public service and contributions both statewide as Speaker of Idaho’s House from 1998-2006 and later as director of government relations at Boise State University. U.S. Congressman Mike Simpson spoke about Newcomb’s legacy during the ceremony: “I can tell you there is no finer example of a great man than my good friend… Bruce Newcomb… I’ve seen him as a husband… but the role I know him best at is my friend and friend of many that meet him.”
The event marked significant milestones for both individual achievement among students—including those breaking new ground as first-generation college graduates—and institutional traditions such as combined graduate-level celebrations.
