ABERDEEN, S.D. — Northern State University's TRIO Student Support Services program is proud to recognize its graduating students for their hard work, perseverance and commitment to academic success during the 2025-26 academic year.
TRIO Student Support Services is a federally funded program designed to support first-generation college students, students with financial need and students with disabilities as they work toward earning a college degree. Through academic advising, mentoring, financial literacy education, career exploration and personal support, the program helps students persist and graduate.
"Watching our students cross the graduation stage is one of the most meaningful and rewarding parts of our work," said Becky Jensen, TRIO Student Support Services director. "Over the years, we've had the privilege of getting to know these students not only academically, but personally, and we've seen the resilience, determination and growth they've demonstrated throughout their college journeys. We are incredibly proud of all they have accomplished and excited to see where their next chapters lead."
This year's graduating class reflects the determination and resilience that define the TRIO Student Support Services community. Graduates have contributed to campus leadership, academic excellence, service initiatives, student organizations and peer mentorship while pursuing their educational goals.
"TRIO SSS has impacted my college career in many ways," said Ella Cozad, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Education in elementary education and special education. "It created a community of support for me as I pursued my education as a first-generation student. The academic advising, workshops and peer mentoring programs have all helped me navigate my challenges and now I am graduating."
Fall 2025 Graduates
- Karly Wellman, BS in Psychology
- Braden Freeman, BSEd in Music Education
- Jalyssa Johnson, BSEd in Art
Spring and Summer 2026 Graduates
- Noah Bayer, BS in Sports Administration
- Sara Bokelheide, BSEd in Elementary Education
- Graham Borden, BS in Human Performance
- Ella Cozad, BSEd in Elementary Education and Special Education
- Kelsa Edwards, AS in Business Administration
- Madison Geditz, BS in Psychology
- Rian Gehring, AA in General Studies
- Tiger Heart, BS in Accounting
- Caiti Hubert, BS in Physical Education, Youth Sports and Recreation
- Mariam Mohammad Hidalgo, BS in Biology
- Margaret Neeley, BSEd in Elementary Education and Special Education
- April Olson, BFA in Studio Art
- Damen Pape, BS in Sports Administration
- Emma Rahm, BS in Chemistry
- Caden Robbins, BS in Sports Administration
- Joshua Steinwandt, BS in Physical Education, PK-12 Education
- Colton Wicks, BSEd in Elementary Education and Special Education
TRIO Student Support Services also recognizes former scholars who earned master's degrees from Northern State University during the 2025-26 academic year.
Spring 2026 Alumni Graduates
- Tabitha DeVoss, MSEd in Instructional Design in E-Learning
- Jaeden Shaving, MSEd in Educational Studies
- Mackenzie Stoltenberg, MS in Banking and Financial Services
- Renea Taylor, MSEd in Special Education
- Cory Weeks, MSEd in Teaching and Learning
For more information, contact Becky Jensen, TRIO Student Support Services director, at becky.jensen@northern.edu or 605-626-3398.