Haskell Indian Nations University honors 129 graduates at spring commencement ceremony | Latest News, Sports, and Job Opportunities

Haskell Indian Nations University celebrated a significant milestone as 129 students graduated during the university’s 2024 commencement ceremony on Friday, May 3rd. The event was a momentous occasion for the spring and summer graduates who were recognized for their hard work and dedication.

The ceremony featured a special commencement address by Billy Mills, a former student at Haskell and the University of Kansas, who is renowned for being the only American man to have won an Olympic gold medal in the 10,000-meter run. Mills, who is Oglala Lakota, shared inspiring words with the graduates, urging them to carry the footprints of their history as they embarked on their future endeavors.

The graduates were adorned with garlands and turned their tassels from right to left as they received their diplomas from University President Frank Arpan. The ceremony also paid tribute to Cole Brings Plenty, a former Haskell student and actor in the “Yellowstone” spinoff “1923,” who was tragically found dead last month.

The event was filled with pride and joy as the graduates made their way to the stage to receive their diplomas, with Haskell President Frank Arpan posing for photos with the graduates. The 2024 Haskell Student of the Year, Savannah Caitlyn Nieshe, was congratulated by Billy Mills, adding to the celebratory atmosphere of the day.

Overall, the commencement ceremony was a memorable and uplifting event that marked the beginning of a new chapter for the graduates as they set out to make their mark on the world.