Montana Tech celebrates spring commencement on May 9

Three students pose for a photo in their cap and gown.

BUTTE, MT – Montana Technological University is proud to announce its 2026 Commencement ceremonies, honoring the achievements of 400 students receiving 422 degrees and certificates. The ceremonies will take place on Saturday, May 9, 2026, in the HPER Complex.

To accommodate all graduates and their families, the university will host two separate ceremonies. Each will be followed by a reception in the Student Success Center.

  • Morning Ceremony (10:00 AM): Honoring graduates from the College of Letters, Sciences and Professional Studies and Highlands College.
  • Afternoon Ceremony (1:00 PM): Honoring graduates from the Lance College of Mines & Engineering and Graduate School.

Keynote Speaker: Dr. Hannah McLaughlin

The 2026 commencement address will be delivered by alumna Dr. Hannah (Dysinger) McLaughlin. A Butte native and 2013 Montana Tech Chemistry graduate, Dr. McLaughlin was a prominent student-leader, participating in the Honors Program and serving as ASMT Vice President.

Today, Dr. McLaughlin is a gynecologic oncologist with Compass Oncology in Portland, Oregon. After earning her medical degree through the University of Washington’s WWAMI program and completing a prestigious fellowship at the University of Michigan, she now specializes in advanced cancer surgery and treatments.

Student Speakers

  • Morning Ceremony: Matthew Ashcraft is an Exercise and Health Sciences student. A combat veteran of the 101st Airborne Division and co-founder of the Veterans Association at Montana Tech, Matthew will transition from the family ranch to pursuing a Doctor of Chiropractic degree at the Southern California University of Health Sciences.
  • Afternoon Ceremony: Mina Chantelle Wepiah Atuguba, a master’s candidate in Geological Engineering. Originally from Navrongo, Ghana, Mina is a leader in the mining and geotechnical fields. Her address will highlight her journey from West Africa to becoming a voice for innovation and academic excellence at Montana Tech.

Pre-Commencement Events

  • Line Rodeo: Friday, May 8, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM, Pole Yard, Highlands College.
  • Order of the Engineer Ceremony: Friday, May 8, at 5:00 PM in the Library Auditorium. Approximately 70 engineering graduates will participate in this storied tradition, accepting the Obligation of the Engineer and receiving their stainless-steel rings.
  • Sherry Lesar School of Nursing Pinning Ceremony: Saturday, May 9, 8:00 AM, Library Auditorium). Celebrating 29 BSN students, this ceremony marks the official welcome of our newest graduates into the professional world of nursing.

For more information and complete event details, please visit the Montana Tech Commencement Page.

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