ST. GEORGE, Utah — Utah Tech University celebrated the 2024 graduating class of 2,967 students at its 113th Commencement ceremonies on Friday.

During the first ceremony, held in the morning on May 3 at the Greater Zion Stadium at Utah Tech University, 31% of graduates earned their associate degree.

During the evening ceremony, 37% of the graduates received a bachelor's degree, 31% received a certificate and 1% earned their master's degree.

Among those honored at Utah Tech's 113th Commencement Ceremony were two Lake County students — Samantha Nord of Hidden Valley Lake and TJ Marcks of Upper Lake.

"Utah Tech University is excited to celebrate its 2024 graduating class," Interim President Courtney White said. "We are so proud of our graduates' accomplishments and can't wait to see the impact they have on the world as they take what they've learned here at Utah Tech and blaze new trails well into the future."

Utah Tech's 113th graduating class was made up of 39 percent males and 61 percent females, with the youngest being 16 and the oldest being 68. Among the nearly 3,000 graduates celebrated, 41 U.S. states were represented, and 17 countries outside of the U.S. were also represented.

The top five bachelor's degrees awarded were nursing, exercise science, psychology, management and communication studies.

Jared Smith, a bachelor's degree recipient in nursing, was named 2024 valedictorian.

"I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the experiences and people who have influenced my life during my time at Utah Tech University," Smith said. "Utah Tech is a great place, but what really makes it one-of-a-kind are the people you meet here."

Utah Tech University is a premier open-enrollment teaching institution that offers more than 275 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, please visit https://utahtech.edu/.