More than 1,000 ISU graduates recognized at 2024 winter commencement ceremony
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The following is a news release from Idaho State University.
POCATELLO – When Kristi Stiedley was in 11th grade, she was struggling with a 1.5 GPA, and considering dropping out of high school.
On Saturday, she stood in front of her fellow Idaho State University graduates, sharing the story of a woman who, despite many days of struggling to believe she could earn a degree, had the courage to continue. She congratulated the crowd of graduates for doing the same.
“I gave up on my goals and dreams for a time, leading to dark days and depression. I was literally sleeping in my car, but I would imagine what it would be like to own a home. I desired a better life, which meant I had to change the story in my mind, work hard, and celebrate each small step. I bet your dream story has pulled you through challenging times,” she said. “‘Who will you share your story with? You never know who is listening.”
Stiedley was one of 1,079 fall and summer graduates at Saturday’s Winter Commencement Ceremony. The institutional reader was Geoffrey Bennett. Idaho State University President Robert Wagner conferred the degrees.
“Please remember that ISU will always be here for you — as a source of educational transformation, and as a source of support as your new alma mater,” Wagner said. “As an ISU Bengal, you have been taught to let your voices be heard, to use your actions to create impact, and your experience to set an example, and to do all this with a mighty roar.”
Student Speaker Dr. Mel Anderson also told graduates to remember that they weren’t alone in their educational journeys.
“We found our firm foundation in the support of our family and friends and in the rich mentorship of the Bengal community,” Anderson said. “We are here today because in the moments we needed greater strength than our own, someone showed up.”