Western Dakota Tech will honor 316 graduates during WDT's 45thCommencement, scheduled for 1 p.m. Saturday, May 18, in the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center Arena.
Graduates from more than 20 programs will receive degrees and diplomas as they culminate their studies and hard work.
"These graduates represent a trained and educated group of workers who will begin careers and make the western South Dakota region an even better place to live and work," WDT President Mark Wilson said. "This is a special day for the graduates and our communities."
Educator, motivational speaker, author, and accomplished runner Elaine Doll-Dunn will join WDT as commencement speaker. WDT also will present two important awards—Distinguished Service and Distinguished Alumni—during the ceremony.
Despite a recovering economy, many graduates secured degree-related employment before the ceremony because of a growing demand for skilled workers throughout the region. More than 98 percent of WDT's 2011-2012 graduates are either working, continuing their education, or serving in the military, and more than 90 percent remain in South Dakota.
"WDT's mission is to train students for the workforce," Wilson said. "Our placement rates show that our students are talented, skilled, and well-prepared for their careers."
The 2013 class pushes the total number of Western Dakota Tech graduates since 1968 to nearly 9,000.
"For more than 40 years, WDT graduates have joined our communities as leaders and built their careers around the skills and behaviors they learned here," Wilson said. "WDT always has—and will continue to have—a significant impact on our communities."
Other commencement activities include:
Friday, May 17:
- Nursing Pinning Ceremony: WDT will honor graduates from the Practical Nursing program during a pinning ceremony at 10 a.m. in Room ABCD
- WDT will honor its outstanding graduates and other award winners during the annual Awards Banquet scheduled for 6 p.m. in the WDT Commons.
Saturday, May 18
- WDT will hold the annual Eagle Feather Ceremony at 9 a.m. in Room ABCD. This is a feathering ceremony to honor the Native American graduates and their accomplishments.
WDT invites the media to all events.
Western Dakota Tech is the only technical institute that serves the western South Dakota region. WDT offers more than 30 programs in a variety of fields, including Business and Computers, Construction Trades, Health Services, Legal and Public Services, Manufacturing and Mechanical Trades, and Science and Technology. More than 98 percent of WDT's most recent graduates are working, continuing their education, or serving in the military, and 90 percent remain in South Dakota.
WDT faculty, staff, and administration focus their efforts on helping students gain the skills and experiences they need to succeed. Through hands-on learning, internships, and industry partnerships, WDT students graduate ready to make real and immediate contributions to their employers and their communities.For information about WDT, call (800) 544-8765 or (605) 718-2565 or send an email to admissions@wdt.edu. Visit WDT on the web at www.wdt.edu.
