Northern holds 2024 graduation ceremonies

Montana State University-Northern held its 2024 graduation ceremonies this morning, with 279 candidates eligible to receive a total of 411 degrees; 115 women and 164 men eligible for 64 certificates, 158 associate degrees, 174 bachelor's degrees and 14 master's degrees.

Graduation speaker Flint Rasmussen, a world-renowned entertainer and rodeo clown - and a former Havre High School math and science teacher - said he had one point he wanted to stress, he learned from living in Montana and from how he and his wife were raised and how they raised their daughters.

"Most of your accomplishments will come from your ability to cultivate relationships and connections," Rasmussen said. "And those that argue with that, don't have them."

He said that, sitting in his hotel room this morning, looking at the list of graduates, he added something to his notes for his speech.

"Watching the news today, what's going on in our country," Rasmussen said, "I want you guys to know, I am more honored to be here in front of a roomful of young people who will truly contribute to this country.

And, he added, as graduates of Northern, from this day forward, somewhere in that closet, they will have something maroon and gold.

He added, "And you are the only people in the country that can say, 'I'm a Northern Light.'"

Watch for more in Thursday's edition of Havre Weekly Chronicle.