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BSC Commencement to honor 1,121 graduates on May 15

Published: May 14 2026
BSC Commencement to honor 1,121 graduates on May 15 - Photo
Bismarck State College will confer 1,384 degrees during its 86th commencement ceremony at 1 p.m. CDT Friday, May 15, at the BSC Bavendick Center, 1511 Canary Drive. The ceremony will recognize students who completed their coursework during the 2025-26 academic year, as well as those expected to complete their requirements this summer.

This year, 1,121 BSC graduates will receive 85 bachelor’s degrees, 816 associate degrees and 483 certificates or diplomas. Multiple graduates are receiving more than one degree. Among this year’s graduates are 42 high school students who have earned their associate degree or certificate degree from BSC by taking dual credit and/or early entry classes and are being awarded their college diploma prior to graduating from high school.

This year’s ceremony marks the first commencement held in the newly opened Bavendick Center. Seating is available for approximately 2,000 guests, with overflow seating and a livestream available in the Live Event Venue inside the BSC Advanced Technology Center, 1200 Schafer St.

Student speakers for the ceremony are Tanner Wanner of Belfield and Alexis Ritzman of Mandan.

Wanner, of Belfield, N.D., is graduating with an Associate of Applied Science degree in cybersecurity and computer networks. He plans to begin his career as a computer technician in Dickinson after graduation.

Ritzman, of Mandan, N.D., is graduating with a Bachelor of Applied Science in finance after completing her degree in three years. A cross-country athlete and active student leader, she served as FBLA chapter president for three years and was named the 2025 Outstanding Business Student of the Year for Region 5.

Following the ceremony, graduates and guests are invited to a post-commencement celebration in the BSC Student Union.

The ceremony will stream live at bismarckstate.edu/livestream. A recording of the ceremony will be available online at bismarckstate.edu/commencement after May 22.