Rasmussen University Celebrates 6,200 Graduates in Final 2026 Commencement

ST. PAUL, Minn., Sept. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/, Rasmussen University, part of American Public University System, will celebrate the achievements of nearly 6,200 graduates during its 2026 Minnesota Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, Sept. 19, at 11 a.m. at Roy Wilkins Auditorium in St. Paul, MN, as well as online. The ceremony marks the third and final commencement celebration for Rasmussen University in 2026, following events in Illinois in April and Florida in June.

The graduates, representing the Classes of 2025 and 2026, come from 32 states and Washington, D.C., showcasing the national reach of Rasmussen University and its commitment to accessible, career-focused education. Nearly 20% of the graduates are earning their second or additional degree, highlighting Rasmussen's commitment to lifelong learning and supporting students as they continue to advance their education and careers.

The ceremony will feature remarks from distinguished leaders and members of the Rasmussen University community. Keynote Speaker Dr. Cyrus Batheja, president and CEO of Ecumen, will deliver a message of perseverance, purpose, and lifelong learning. Ecumen is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing innovative housing, healthcare, and community-based services for older adults. Batheja's own educational journey was inspired by his mother, an immigrant who pursued nursing school while raising her family. His keynote will reflect on the perseverance behind graduates' achievements and encourage them to stay rooted in purpose, create opportunities for others, and define success by how they live and serve their communities.

Tykeishah Todd, a September 2026 Master of Healthcare Administration graduate, will represent the graduating class as its graduate speaker. A dedicated healthcare professional and mother of two, Todd is also a returning Rasmussen University graduate, having earned her Human Services degree in 2022. Throughout her Rasmussen journey, Todd has balanced her education, career, and family responsibilities while continuing to pursue her professional goals. She currently serves as a supervisor in family medicine, where she leads with a passion for supporting her team and improving the patient experience. While pursuing her master's degree, she also earned two career promotions.

Todd's journey reflects the resilience and perseverance of Rasmussen graduates. In her Commencement message, she will encourage graduates to give themselves grace, embrace their individual journeys, and remember that setbacks do not define their potential. She will share how earning her degree represents healing, growth, and rewriting her story.

Kimberley Wilde, a 2022 Rasmussen University graduate, will return to the Commencement stage as the alumni speaker and help lead Rasmussen's Alumni Pinning Ceremony. Wilde earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Management online from Rasmussen University after previously earning her Associate of Science degree from Rasmussen. She currently serves as a senior business analyst at Mayo Clinic. As a first-generation college graduate, Wilde returned to school as an adult learner while balancing a full-time career and raising her two daughters. For Wilde, earning her degree represented not only a personal accomplishment but also an opportunity to demonstrate to her daughters the importance of education and that it is never too late to pursue a goal.

Rasmussen University, founded more than 125 years ago, has a proud tradition of preparing students for careers that strengthen communities and make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. As part of American Public University System, Rasmussen University advances their shared mission to empower students through education to transform lives, advance careers, and serve their communities. Since 1900, Rasmussen has been creating opportunities, transforming lives, and strengthening communities through student-centered education that prepares graduates for in-demand careers. With over 109,000 students and 250,000 alumni worldwide, the university offers undergraduate and graduate programs online and across 20 Rasmussen campuses nationwide in eight areas of study, including nursing, health sciences, business, technology, and social services.