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COMMENCEMENT

Lemm family has four generations of NDSU graduates

Published May 2017

NDSU senior Elli Lemm is the fourth generation of her family to attend classes at NDSU.

The agricultural economics major follows in the footsteps of great-grandmother Rose Lane, grandparents Duane and Elizabeth Lemm, and parents Randy and Julie Lemm.

Even so, she says it was not a given that she’d attend NDSU.

“I thought of it as an option, but that’s not why I came here,” explained Lemm, who grew up on a farm and ranch near Hillsboro, North Dakota. “My parents and grandparents had told me about all the wonderful experiences they had at NDSU, so I scheduled some tours. Afterward, I knew that was it and I didn’t want to look anywhere else."

Lemm made the most of her four years at NDSU, and was highly active in student activities. As an officer of the Saddle and Sirloin Club, she helped organize NDSU’s annual Little International Livestock Show, the largest student-sponsored event on campus. She is the immediate past vice president of the club and was chosen as queen for the 90th Little I in 2016. In addition, she was an NDSU Ag Ambassador, participated in two Pay It Forward tours and volunteered at the Great Plains Food Bank.

Lemm describes Little International as a family reunion, because her parents also helped put on the event as students, and they return to campus to see longtime friends. Mother Julie was queen in 1980.

“That connection makes NDSU even more special – to know that we all shared the Little I experience,” Lemm said. “It’s cool to look at the old pictures and hear all the stories. It’s fun to share with each other and talk about things.”

For Lemm, commencement will be a bittersweet moment, knowing one chapter of her life is ending and another is beginning.

“I love NDSU. I had so much fun here, and I got to know so many close friends,” she said. “Now that I’m graduating, I’m even more excited about NDSU, because I know what goes on here and what opportunities are available to students. So, I will definitely keep sharing my positive experience at NDSU with prospective students. There are a lot of ways to get your foot in the door to see what works best for you.”

Lemm plans a career in the agriculture industry, either in a marketing or communication position.

“NDSU is a one-of-a-kind experience, and I’m glad I’ve been here four years,” Lemm said. “But, it’s time for new students to take the reins and have the same experience I got to have.”

Lemm’s younger sister, Anna, is an NDSU freshman.


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Last Updated: Friday, May 12, 2017 9:42:38 AM
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