More than 650 students graduated with degrees from Bismarck State College after completing the Spring 2026 semester. The graduates were recognized at the college's 86th commencement ceremony held on May 15, 2026, at the BSC Bavendick Center.

Students who completed the coursework to earn degrees from BSC in Fall 2025, Spring 2026 and Summer 2026 were eligible to participate in the 2026 BSC Commencement Ceremony.

This year's ceremony marks the first commencement held in the newly opened Bavendick Center, with seating available for approximately 2,000 guests.

The 2026 BSC student commencement speakers were graduates Tanner Wanner and Alexis Ritzman. Wanner, of Belfield, N.D., graduated with an Associate of Applied Science degree in cybersecurity and computer networks, and Ritzman, of Mandan, N.D., graduated with a Bachelor of Applied Science in finance after completing her degree in three years.

The ceremony is available to view on the BSC website.