Commencement Speakers 2024
Graduation is near, Tommies! Commencement ceremonies are scheduled for May 11, 25 and 26, 2024. Meet the following outstanding students who will represent their peers as commencement speakers before they walk across the stage and begin their next chapters.
Speakers are listed chronologically by ceremony.
May 11 at 1 PM - School of Law
Emily Toms '24
Emily L. Toms has earned her Juris Doctor (J.D.) from the School of Law at the University of St. Thomas. She will be clerking for the Honorable Janine Kern on the South Dakota Supreme Court. Reflecting on her time at St. Thomas, Emily says, "My time at St. Thomas Law has left me with the deepest sense of community that will continue to provide support as I move into the next stage of my life."
May 25 at 9:00 am - Undergraduate Commencement for Opus College of Business
Lisan Hasnain '24
Lisan Hasnain is a senior Business Administration Entrepreneurship major and Communication minor. Currently pursuing opportunities in the digital accessibility space, he has found his journey at St. Thomas to "have been one of profound learning, not just academically but in the depths of what it means to truly listen, observe, and understand the world from a perspective not many can claim to have."
May 25 at 12:30 pm - Undergraduate Commencement for College of Arts & Sciences
Scout Mason '24
Scout Mason III is a Journalism and Digital Media - Production major. He is moving to Cleveland to join the Cleveland Browns, where he'll be working as a member of their video production and content team. Reflecting on his time at the University of St.Thomas, Scout notes, "As someone who moved to Minnesota from North Carolina, I am so lucky to have found St. Thomas. I truly believe no other university would allow me the opportunities St. Thomas has. Roll Toms!"
May 25 at 3:30 pm - Undergraduate Commencement for Morrison Family College of Health, School of Education, School of Engineering
Bridget Zenk '24
Bridget Zenk is a dedicated Vocal Music Education major with a minor in Spanish and Theology. She is currently teaching music at Woodbury Leadership Academy and plans to continue her role at the WLA for the 2024-2025 school year. Reflecting on her time at the University of St. Thomas, Bridget finds that "as we leave this place and think about how we've grown, I'm confident that our faces will be familiar to many in the world. They will be painted by our dedication and the hard work we're willing to put in to make a positive impact."
May 26 at 9:30 am - Graduate Commencement for Morrison Family College of Health, Opus College of Business
Ismail Kassim '24
Kassim Ismail has received a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from the University of St. Thomas, with plans to become a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (Psych NP). Looking back on his journey, Kassim recalls a guiding principle: "The best among you are those who bring the greatest benefits to many others." This sentiment drives him to "strive and push forward for the betterment of others, highlighting the importance of service and kindness in improving the world one step at a time."
May 26 at 12:30 pm - Graduate Commencement for College of Arts & Sciences, School of Divinity, School of Engineering, School of Education
Shiwen Hou '24
Shiwen Hou just completed a Master of Science (M.S.) in Software Engineering from the University of St. Thomas. As she transitions from academic life to the professional world, she is actively seeking opportunities in the IT sector. Shiwen aims to secure a role that challenges her and allows her to apply the knowledge and skills developed during her studies. She is enthusiastic about contributing and growing in a dynamic team that values innovation and dedication. When reflection on her time at St. Thomas Shiwen says, "Studying in a new academic and cultural environment taught me a lot about connecting with people from all walks of life. It wasn't just about mixing different subjects, but also about understanding and appreciating different cultures. These experiences have given me valuable insights that I'll always carry with me."
May 26 at 3:00 pm - Dougherty Family College Commencement
Speaker TBA
Information about the speaker for DFC commencement will be shared soon.