More than 2,000 graduates honored at ISU spring commencement ceremonies

POCATELLO — At Idaho State University’s 2024 Commencement ceremonies Saturday, Idaho State University Ph.D graduate Najmeh Dehghani-Tafti encouraged her fellow Bengals to remember those who helped them throughout their educational journey as they look to their futures.

“We all owe much to this community that lovingly supported us, believed in our success, and became our safe space,” she said. “Whether it was a comforting hand from a dear friend, a word of encouragement and understanding from our professors, or the invaluable services provided by our university, our remarkable community lifted us.”

More than 2,000 graduates were honored at Idaho State University’s Spring 2024 commencement ceremonies Saturday. The institutional reader was Geoffrey Bennett. “The Star Spangled Banner” and “Alma Mater Hymn” were performed by Miren Gabiola. Graduate Madison Kenyon spoke at the morning ceremony, and Dehghani-Tafti spoke at the afternoon ceremony.

Kenyon told her fellow Bengals that their journey is just beginning.

“ISU gave us both an education and a community that taught us lessons beyond the classroom,” she said. “But the story isn’t over. Today starts the next chapter of our lives.”

State Board of Education board member Cally Roach told the graduates their degrees were important tools in changing the trajectory of their futures.

“The certificate or degree that you earned here at ISU will open opportunities that never would have happened otherwise,” she said. “Forty years from now, you will look back on a career filled with wonderful experiences and friendships. You will also be amazed and proud of what you have accomplished professionally.”

Idaho State University President Robert Wagner told the graduating class that this marks the beginning of another journey.

“This is the power and transformational nature of education. It is about bettering your life. And by bettering your life, you also have an opportunity to make the world a better place,” Wagner said. “And you do that by using what you learned here.”