Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe University (LCOOU) recently celebrated 44 undergraduates and 12 master’s degree graduates during its 2024 commencement.

Following the processional drums, flag song, and posting of colors, President Russell Swagger, (Ojibwe), delivered the welcome address. Dennis “Mezinaanikwad” White, who has had great impact on the university and community, was awarded the honorary degree of Doctor Honoris Causa in Ojibwe language, math, and fine arts.

“Dennis is a pillar not only of the university community but also of the Lac Courte Oreilles community and beyond. His presence and guidance shaped the way we do business as a university,” stated President Swagger. “You will see his influence throughout today’s commencement ceremony. Many communities and organizations across the country also recognize Dennis as a traditional knowledge holder. Many often call on him to advise, teach, demonstrate, and pray. His humble demeanor and gentle teaching style embody the spirit of our ancestors and how they taught the young in their charge. He also embodies our elders, the original educators, whose wisdom and vision echo through the university’s mission today. This honor the university is bestowing on Dennis highlights the areas in which he has risen to expert level in his life and the areas through which he has shared his gifts with the world.”

Following this distinguishment, LCO tribal governing board representative David Bisonette and board of regents vice chairperson, the Honorable Judge Monica “Zhaawanagiizhigookwe” Isham, offered congratulatory remarks.

Donna LaSieur, LCO member and alumni of the university’s first graduating class, delivered the keynote address. Her granddaughter Andre’Anna Acosta (LCO member) delivered the 2024 American Indian College Fund student of the year address.

In the fall of 2022, the Higher Learning Commission fully accredited the university’s two master’s degrees in human services and business administration. Accordingly, Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe College also formally became Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe University. At the 2024 commencement, the university recognized its first graduates in each of these programs with a hooding ceremony, which confers a special recognition upon graduates receiving masters’ or doctoral degrees. While modern-day undergraduates wear robes and caps, those with masters’ or doctorate degrees are presented with hoods to show their continued pursuit of knowledge. Such hoods are an expression of tradition and are used to communicate the wearer’s school, degree, and field of study for the rest of their lives. Dr. Tom DePaoli hooded the Master of Science in business management graduates, and Dr. Laura Berg hooded the Master of Human Services graduates.  

Additionally, the associate’s degree in nursing graduates participated in the Nightingale Pledge and a pinning ceremony. “The Nightingale Pledge dates to 1893, it reflects the values of nursing and serves as a moral compass to guide nursing practice. The Nightingale Pledge is a vow to prioritize the well-being of patients. Graduates were pinned by a person who supported them through their studies,” Nursing Program director Jamie Gohde explained.

The 2024 commencement celebration concluded with a feast.