ST. GEORGE, Utah — Utah Tech University celebrated the 2025 graduating class of 3,088 students at its 114th Commencement ceremonies this week.

TJ Marcks of Upper Lake, California, was included in the 2025 graduating class.

To accommodate friends and family of the growing collective body of UT graduates, four commencement ceremonies were held on May 1 and 2 in the M. Burns Arena on Utah Tech's campus.

With 3,088 individual graduates and 3,547 total degrees and certificates awarded, the 2025 class stands as a testament to the university's commitment to hands-on learning, innovation and student success.

"Today, we celebrate not just a milestone in our graduates' academic journeys, but the pioneering spirit of resilience, innovation and purpose that defines Utah Tech University," University President Shane B. Smeed said. "I am confident these graduates are well prepared to enter the workforce and make a difference in their industries and communities."

Degree distribution for this year's class includes 38% bachelor's degrees, 30% associate degrees, 30% certificates and 2% master's degrees.

The 2025 class is marked by its diversity, with graduates ranging in age from 16 to 70 and representing 27 countries and 42 U.S. states and territories. Of the graduates, 72% were from Utah, 26% from other states and 2% were international.

Women made up 62% of the graduating class, while 38% were men. Additionally, 28% of all graduates were first-generation college students.

Degrees were awarded across Utah Tech's seven academic colleges, with the highest percentage coming from the University College (45%). The rest were distributed among Health Sciences (18%), Science, Engineering & Technology (12%), Business (10%), Humanities & Social Sciences (9%), Arts (3%) and Education (3%).

This year, each college named one student as its Valedictorian, who each spoke at their specific commencement ceremony, including:

College of Arts - Kensington Owens
College of Business - Teancom Denevan
College of Education - Jordan Boyce
College of Health Sciences - Evan D. Thomas
College of Humanities & Social Sciences - Emma Mancuso
College of Science, Engineering, & Technology - Rachel L. Krupnek
University College - Victoria Wallentine

Utah Tech University continues to fulfill its mission as an open, comprehensive, polytechnic university, offering active learning and career preparation through industry collaboration and hands-on education.

Utah Tech University offers nearly 300 academic programs at one of the lowest tuition costs in the Western United States. The University was built upon a rich tradition of determination and generosity that is still embraced by the campus community today. With the motto "active learning. active life." Utah Tech provides personalized and engaged learning experiences that prepare students for rewarding careers and enriched lives. Outside of the classroom, students have the opportunity to enjoy the unparalleled opportunities for an active life that accompany UT's location in beautiful Southern Utah.

For more information about Utah Tech University, visit utahtech.edu.