ST. GEORGE, UT (05/11/2026)– Utah Tech University celebrated the 2025 graduating class of 3,078 students at its 115th Commencement ceremonies this week.
The ceremonies took place May 6 and 7 at the Utah Tech University Burns Arena. Four ceremonies were held over the two days to provide a more efficient and intimate opportunity to celebrate each individual graduates accomplishments. The first ceremony was at 9 a.m. on May 6 for those receiving their associate degrees. The second ceremony was held that afternoon for those receiving their degree from the College of Humanities & Social Sciences or College of the Arts. The third ceremony was held Thursday morning for those from College of Health Sciences and College of Education. The final ceremony was held Thursday afternoon for graduates from the College of Science, Engineering & Technology and the College of Business.
“I am incredibly proud of Utah Tech University’s Class of 2026,” President Shane B. Smeed said. “I am confident that as Utah Tech’s newest alumni, our Trailblazers will take their next steps not only with knowledge but also with confidence. They are equipped with the capability that come from hands-on experience and are ready to apply what they’ve learned to solve real-world challenges and make a meaningful difference in the communities they serve.”
The following local students were celebrated as part of Utah Tech’s 115th graduating class:
Jenifer Lopez of Mesquite, NV
Emily Anderson of Mesquite, NV
Graicee Draney of Mesquite, NV
Raeanna Slack of Mesquite, NV
Joslynn Harris of Mesquite, NV
Orlando Sandoval of Bunkerville, NV
Elizabeth Glammeyer of Mesquite, NV
Amy Burnside of Mesquite, NV
Abby Felix of bunkerville, NV
Tyra Ludvigson of Mesquite, NV
Camila Palacios of Mesquite, NV
Marli Wakefield of Mesquite, NV
Kelly Denninghoff of Henderson, NV
Lydia Leavitt of Mesquite, NV
Vanessa Guerrero of Mesquite, NV
Booker Wakefield of Mesquite, NV
Lillee Rivas of Mesquite, NV
Leslie Torres of Mesquite, NV
Sierra Kammerer of Mesquite, NV
Dakota Hafen of Mesquite, NV
Each graduating class is unique. This year, the graduates represented 21 countries and 43 U.S states, with 2,384 graduates being from Utah. The eldest graduate is 71, earning their General Studies Certificate, while the youngest graduate earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry at age 15. The majority of this year’s graduates are female, at 62%, and 28% are first-generation students.
Celebrating the culmination of Utah Tech graduates’ hard work and the ultimate accomplishment of earning their degrees, Commencement is the most important time of the year on the Utah Tech campus. As a result, the Commencement Committee works very hard all year long to ensure no detail is overlooked. This year, to increase the celebratory feeling of Commencement festivities, Utah Tech hosted a Commencement Drone Show at the beginning of the week for the first time in its history.
For more information about Utah Tech’s Commencement Ceremonies visit utahtech.edu/commencement.
