Montana State University (MSU) celebrated its Fall 2024 Commencement Ceremony on Friday morning at the Brick Breeden Fieldhouse, where more than 1,000 students received their diplomas. The ceremony was filled with excitement and pride as family and friends gathered to cheer for their loved ones, creating a festive atmosphere inspired by the spirit of achievement.
Among the graduates, over 800 undergraduate students, 137 graduate students, and 64 Gallatin College attendees walked across the stage, heads held high, as the traditional graduation music, "Pomp and Circumstance," played. The graduates processed through the gymnasium, greeted by the warmth of applause, cowbells, noisemakers, and whistles from the audience.
One of the standout moments came when MSU President Waded Cruzado called out the names of graduating football players Miles Jackson, Dru Polidore, Tommy Sullivan, and McCade O’Reilly. The crowd erupted with one of the loudest cheers of the day, showcasing the support and excitement surrounding these young athletes.
Yet, beyond the numbers and festivities, one of the most heartwarming stories from the ceremony involved Tanya Stewart and her daughter, Deidra Ten Bear. This mother-daughter duo graduated together from MSU's esteemed nursing program, marking not only the completion of their studies but also the culmination of their shared experiences over the past four years.
“It’s so unbelievable. We’re done,” said Tanya as she held her diploma proudly. Deidra echoed her mother's feelings, saying, “I feel like I need to turn this in,” as she held hers aloft. Their emotional graduation was rooted deeply within their family history, tradition, and the values instilled by their community.
Reflecting on their college days, Tanya recalled their first day at the university, when they introduced themselves to classmates. “I went first and introduced myself and said where I was from. And then she got up and was like, ‘I’m Deidra’ and this is my mom,” she recounted with laughter.
From the Crow reservation outside of Billings, Montana, Tanya and Deidra have not only shared the academic path together, but they've also been each other’s support system, holding each other accountable throughout their schooling. Deidra shared, “The way me and her stuck together throughout it... I feel like we really had to keep each other accountable when it came to homework and studying. Lean on each other, cry on each other.”
Both women felt called to the nursing profession, inspired by their own experiences with healthcare. “I had a lot of medical issues growing up. My nurses have always been amazing, so that's what I wanted to do,” Tanya explained. Notably, she underwent open-heart surgery shortly after birth and again experienced health challenges leading up to her graduation. Her courageous health struggles motivated Deidra to follow her mother’s footsteps and commit to the nursing program.
With over 40 family members cheering them on from the stands, both Tanya and Deidra wore traditional garments during the ceremony, enhancing the showcase of their indigenous heritage. Deidra wore the Crow traditional elk tooth dress, made quickly with help from her mother and aunties. “I am wearing a Crow traditional elk tooth dress. My mom and all of my aunties made this in like eight hours,” she said. The dress featured 575 elk teeth, beautifully representing their heritage. Tanya showcased her own traditional attire adorned with beads made by her older sister.
They shared their pride, with Deidra stating, “The Indigenous nurse population is about 0.6% and it's really nice to be part of this population now and hopefully encourage others to do the same thing.” Such initiatives are instrumental for indigenous communities, bringing awareness and support to future generations interested in healthcare careers.
Toward the end of the ceremony, both graduates walked across the stage, their family erupting with cheers and applause. Deidra was called first to receive her diploma, followed closely by Tanya. Amidst the joyous celebration, Tanya accepted her new job position with Intermountain Health. “I would like to say, you’re never too late to go chase your dreams. Because it took me a long time, but I did it!” she said, demonstrating resilience and the persistence required to achieve one’s goals.
The Fall 2024 Commencement at Montana State University was not just another graduation ceremony; it was a celebration of culture, family bonds, and the realization of dreams. The cheers, traditions, and emotional stories woven throughout the day underscored the importance of education and the collective support fostering success.
