Utah State University Uintah Basin Celebrates Largest Graduating Class

Utah State University Uintah Basin is proud to celebrate its largest graduating class of 153. The Class of 2020 consists of individuals earning 67 associate, 55 bachelor’s, 23 master’s degrees, and one graduate certificate. While celebrations have been postponed in lieu of the COVID-19 pandemic, USU is celebrating its Uintah Basin graduates virtually and invites all graduates, alumni and supporters to wear blue on April 30 and post selfies in support of the Class of 2020 using hashtag #USUGRAD20.

“We recognize the hard work and dedication of our graduates and wish we could give you the celebration you deserve during this unprecedented time,” said James Y. Taylor, Associate Vice President. “This milestone is worthy of the utmost celebration, and I hope you and your families are finding ways to honor this tremendous achievement in your own way after completing finals. We look forward to celebrating you fully as part of our Aggie family when possible.”

USU Uintah Basin has created a culture of lifelong learners, and this year’s class includes four graduates from the student services team: Kim Rasmussen, Trish Kingsford, Katelyn Huffman and Maygen Simm.

This year, USU also graduated the largest Master of Social Work cohort, which includes 12 Uintah Basin graduates. These graduates will go on to make a difference in their communities, along with the many other graduates in their respective fields.

Kai Rasmussen who graduates with a bachelor’s of wildlife ecology and management, is one of the many stories of student perseverance. As a mother of three, she juggled a full-time job, being a caregiver, and managing a farm all while attending USU full-time.

“USU gave me a family I never knew I could have from attending college. They helped me with school, setting goals, and personal life problems,” Rasmussen said. “USU and its faculty are a large reason why I'm finally graduating, all the support and encouragement pushed me even when I wanted to give up.”

Rasmussen’s career goal is to land a job as a wildlife biologist for the Department of Natural Resources, Bureau of Land Management or another similar agency. While there isn’t a traditional commencement ceremony this spring, the feeling of accomplishment remains as she starts her job search.

“It feels amazing to earn a diploma. I can hardly express the relief, excitement, and happiness I have been overwhelmed with. This is one of my biggest goals I've completed in my life so far,” Rasmussen said.

Kevin Remington, a 2020 Master of Business Administration graduate, is a true-blue blooded Aggie. He heard about the MBA program while earning his bachelor’s degree in history in 2016 from the Uintah Basin campus and felt it would be the most beneficial road for his career aspirations.

“Education has always been important for our family,” Remington said “My wife, Kristen, has a master's in occupational therapy. Additionally, there is a long history of gaining education from USU. Both my parents have bachelor’s from USU, and my grandpa received his bachelor’s and master’s from USU.”

Even before graduating, his pursuit of a graduate degree started paying off.

“One piece of advice that I would share with others is to take chances—I decided to approach my company CEO. Upon sharing my intention of obtaining my MBA, he promoted me to general manager so that I could immediately implement the things that I would learn. The MBA program has taught me how to effectively manage a business as well as how to effectively manage the people within the business,” Remington explained. “After being in the program for one year and implementing different policy and procedures, I had the confidence to approach my CEO and ask for a promotion and raise. Because of what I learned in the USU MBA program, I am currently the president and COO of Cedar Bear Naturales.”

Students were put in a unique position this spring semester as courses transitioned online. With 25 years of experience in innovative online education, USU was able to provide a seamless transition.

“When the university transitioned to completely online, nothing really changed. We continued to complete our work and turn it in through Canvas, our online learning management system,” Remington said. “We met through Zoom each week with our professor. If I had questions, I could email the professor and could expect an answer to all emails. Feedback came quickly and efficiently. The education is the same no matter where you attend.”

Although USU has postponed its commencement celebration, it still intends to celebrate graduates now. Graduates are encouraged to share their stories on Facebook and Instagram using #USUGRAD20 while utilizing GIPHY stickers on Instagram and photo frames on Facebook. A crowdsourced Google Map will be generated using comments as a demonstration of those in solidarity with the class of 2020.

The Uintah Basin plans to honor its Class of 2020 on Friday, Sept. 4, from 5-7:30 p.m., as permitted. The venue will be announced at a later date. The celebration will include a message from keynote speaker, Valentina Sireech, and student speaker Andrea Wardle. There will be an award ceremony, announcement of graduates, photo opportunities, along with food, refreshments and Aggie Ice Cream.

A commencement ceremony in Logan will be held on August 29 (as permitted). See USU’s website for more details: https://www.usu.edu/commencement/schedule.cfm.