Native grads walk at 2026 ISU commencement ceremonies
ISU President Robert W. Wagner addresses graduates, with an appearance by Miss Sho-Ban Myke Moore (left) at the afternoon commencement ceremony at the ICCU Dome on Saturday, May 9.
By YVONNE WARJACK
Sho-Ban News
POCATELLO — Native American graduates were among thousands of Idaho State University students May 9 during the 2026 Spring Commencement ceremonies at the ICCU Dome.
Randy’L Teton, commencement speaker and ISU President Robert Wagner highlighted perseverance, community, leadership, and the importance of carrying culture and identity into the future.
Sho-Ban tribal member Randy’L Teton addresses graduates in commencement speech.
Native American graduates represented tribal nations from across the region, including the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes, Oglala Lakota, Eastern Shoshone, Red Pheasant Cree Nation, Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, and Miwok communities.
Many Native graduates entered the ceremonies wearing beadwork, ribbon skirts, feathered caps, medallions, traditional jewelry, and culturally decorated graduation regalia that reflected both academic achievement and tribal identity.
From left, ISU Native graduate Tyson Shay and ISU Director of Tribal
Relations Echo Marshall.
Families and supporters filled the arena with applause, songs, cheers, and celebrations as graduates crossed the stage beneath the black-and-orange banners of Idaho State University’s 125th anniversary year.
ISU president Wagner addressed graduates during the ceremonies, reminding students that their accomplishments represented the mission and purpose of the university. “You represent the very reason why our institution exists - you are the focal point of all our efforts,” “As a public institution we fulfill our contract, or our public responsibility, by our graduates who leave this institution to serve, work and enrich communities, support families and contribute to society.” Wagner’s remarks came during a historic year for Idaho State University, which celebrated record enrollment and retention rates alongside the university’s 125th birthday celebration according to an ISU press release.
Sho-Ban dancers performed during an honor song before the afternoon ISU commencement ceremony.
One of the highlights was the address delivered by Randy’L Teton, who spoke to graduates about resilience, adapting through life’s changes, and honoring the communities that helped shape them. Her message resonated throughout the ICCU Dome as graduates prepare to begin the next chapter of their journeys. “Don’t be afraid of the detours,” Teton said. “Success is not a straight line. It is a series of adjustments made with courage.”
She encouraged graduates to recognize the people and communities that supported them throughout their educational journeys and to carry those connections forward into their futures. “As you walk across this stage, take a breath. Look at the families cheering for you,” she said. “Carry your community with you, just as I carry the spirit of my people in everything I do.” Native American graduates were among those recognized throughout the ceremonies for completing degrees in fields including business administration, psychology, sociology, biology, social work, biochemistry, hospitality management, marketing, physician assistant studies, speech-language pathology, and human resource development.
The ISU Spring/Summer 2026 Native Graduates list included students from undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs whose accomplishments reflected years of academic work, cultural perseverance, and family support. Throughout the day, graduates paused for photographs with relatives and friends while others proudly displayed decorated caps, honor cords, beadwork, and traditional attire that blended cultural identity with commencement traditions.
