Letter to the Editor - A letter to the 2022 graduating class of MSU-Northern

Some of the faculty and staff at Northern would like to speak to you directly. We have put together a collection of some of the thoughts and messages we want to convey to you now, as you begin your journey post-graduation.

Know that you have worth and value. Know that your worth is not dependent on where you were born. Regardless of your nationality or personal identity, we are thankful that you chose Northern to pursue your degree. And your potential — employment or otherwise — is not dependent on your color, culture or ethnicity.

Know that your worth is not tied to your gender or sexuality. Gone are the days of encouraging women to be seen and not heard. Do not be silent and polite. Be loud and fight for justice and equality.

Know that your worth does not come from subservience to your employer. You can be a successful, productive employee without having to work through your lunch break or take on overtime. Your health and well-being, and the health and well-being of your family, are more important than any company’s bottom line. You can be successful, achieve great things, and have a great career without sacrificing your physical or your mental wellness. You own yourself. No one else does.

Know that your worth does not come from wealth. Your value to your family, friends, community and country is not a number in your bank account. We hope Northern has prepared you for success, but only you can define success. And success can be measured in more ways than your financial gains or your prowess in the stock market. Raising a family, excelling at a skill or talent, or helping to grow your community are all laudable achievements that should not be overshadowed by the size of your paycheck.

And finally, know that you are worthy of love and respect. You have persevered through a pandemic and economic recession to complete a degree and better yourself. We are proud of you and excited for your future. Go live your best life. You deserve it.

Congratulations, Class of 2022!

Kalin Amende

Samantha Balemba-Brownlee

Andy Bradshaw

Lindsey Brandt-Bennett

Alissa Cook

Steven Don

Casey Donoven

Matt Erdel

Joyce Finn

Brittany Garden

Josh Gomez

Laura Gomez

Scott Guyant

Valerie Guyant

Gwen Hart

Steve Hesske

Sandy Johnsrud

Morgaine Lomayesva

Erica McKeon-Hanson

Wanda Meredith

Brianna Nelson

Brent Olinger

Grant Olson

Kirk Olson

Molly Parman

Carol Reifschneider

Aaron D. Riggin

Mark Seiffert

Joel Soiseth

Amber Spring

Katelyn Springer

Joseph Todd

Taryn Wallon

Mary Ward 

and two other staff and faculty