Below, a few NDSU graduating students share some personal experiences at NDSU and explain why the university such a special place.  

NDSU’s virtual winter commencement ceremonies are scheduled for Friday, Dec. 18, at 10 a.m.

Student: Martin Eichers

Major: Mechanical engineering

Hometown: Independence, Minnesota

Lasting impression

Student organizations made the biggest impression on me during my time at NDSU. They provided me with the opportunity to meet new people, develop practical skills and refine my leadership abilities. Technical and competition-based organizations provided a way to apply engineering coursework to actual practice. Many other clubs also existed where I could meet people with similar interests and hobbies. The hundreds of different student organizations at NDSU allow you to find unique communities to become involved with and improve your student experience. 

NDSU experience

The plethora of opportunities at NDSU made my experience great. I was involved in a variety of unique student organizations, held different officer positions in Project P and founded the Formula SAE Electric team. I contributed to undergraduate research in the mechanical engineering department, competed in university research competitions and the Innovation Challenge. It was not difficult to enter the NDSU community and apply myself. All of these opportunities allowed me to meet new students, professors, staff, and community members while developing as a professional. The practical knowledge and leadership skills I developed through these opportunities laid the foundation for my professional career. They helped me determine my professional interests and provided excellent talking points for interviews. My widespread involvement allowed me to expand my knowledge beyond engineering by improving my communication, public speaking and management skills. These are essential to becoming a better professional.

Future plans

I am pursuing mechanical and materials engineering positions, where I can develop leading-edge technology to make an impact on the industry and local communities. 

Student: Dylan Kallman

Major: Agribusiness

Hometown: Lino Lakes, Minnesota

Lasting impression

I enjoyed the all the clubs and organizations I was involved with during my time at NDSU. I participated with CRU, Bison Fund and NAMA. Each of these clubs have had a major impact in crafting me into the person I am today. Each taught me different professional and interpersonal skills that I will always use throughout the rest of my life. I also met many of my friends through these activities who have helped guide me and support me throughout this journey.

NDSU Experience

I enjoyed many of my classes and the professors I got to work with. What made it special was the hands-on experience I got working with NDSU faculty. These experiences have given me a head start in the workforce due to the real-world practicality of the activities. I truly feel blessed to have worked with such an amazing crew of people.

Future plans

I am looking for jobs in the private sector. However, I think it would be interesting to go to a different country for a few years to learn more about other cultures.

Student: JaeLyn Lardy

Major: Spanish education and Spanish

Hometown: West Fargo, North Dakota

Lasting impression

The experience that has had the biggest impact on me during my time at NDSU would be my study abroad experience in Montevideo, Uruguay, during the fall semester of my junior year. This experience gave me a chance to put my Spanish skills to use in the real world. I was able to practice my Spanish every single day while living abroad and this helped me improve my grammatical knowledge as well as my cultural knowledge. This experience expanded my knowledge greatly and made me feel more confident stepping into my last semester as a student teacher. Studying abroad not only helped me academically with Spanish, but it also helped me become a more independent young adult. This semester was monumental in my growth both personally and academically. 

NDSU Experience

There were many things that made my NDSU experience great. A few things that I can think of are the experience of living on campus and participating in student organizations. I joined a wide variety of student organizations throughout my time at NDSU to meet new people and try new things. My favorite thing about student organizations at NDSU is that there is truly something for every student. My NDSU experience will help me succeed because of the variety of experiences NDSU helped me accumulate. From joining the marching band to curing a ham for Little International with Saddle & Sirloin, this institution has pushed me out of my comfort zone and encouraged me to try new things. The NDSU community is welcoming and I felt encouraged to try new things.   

Future plans

I am applying for jobs, but my plans include being a substitute teacher in the Fargo-Moorhead area. I want to continue to make a difference in the lives of students in the area.