BROOKINGS – South Dakota State University’s 2017 commencement will be held May 6 in Frost Arena. There will be three sessions, two for undergraduates and one for students completing graduate degrees.

The commencement schedule will be:

• 10 a.m. – Undergraduate students from the College of Agriculture and Biological Sciences, the Jerome J. Lohr College of Engineering and the College of Nursing.


The speakers for this ceremony are Kathy Walker ’81, a partner with OpenAir Equity Partners, and Benjamin Gillette, a graduating senior.

Jeff Broin, founder, chairman and CEO of POET, will receive an honorary doctorate of public service.


• 2 p.m. – Undergraduate students from the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Education and Human Sciences and the College of Pharmacy and Allied Health Professions.

The speakers for this ceremony are Mike Huether, mayor of Sioux Falls, and Allyson Helms, a graduating senior.

Sen. Tim Johnson will receive an honorary doctorate of public service.


• 5 p.m. – Graduate students.


The speakers for this ceremony are Suzane T. Ortega, president of the Council of Graduate Schools, and Olivia Durowah, who is graduating with two master’s degrees.

The Sixth Street construction project from 20th Avenue to east of 34th Avenue will continue through summer 2018. Exit 132 onto Sixth Street/Highway 14 is undergoing extensive construction work. If traveling to Brookings via the interstate, use Exit 133 and access SDSU from the north. From Exit 133 take Highway 14 west and and turn south onto Jackrabbit Avenue. Traffic will be significantly impacted during the project, so plan for extra travel time.

The ceremonies will also be streamed live at https://www.sdstate.edu/graduation.

More information about Commencement 2017 is available at https://www.sdstate.edu/graduation.