Alumna to deliver keynote address and receive one of two honorary doctorates at DWU commencement
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 15, 2026
Alumna to deliver keynote address and
receive one of two honorary doctorates at DWU commencement
MITCHELL, S.D. – A well-known local couple and a 1978 alumna will receive honorary doctoral degrees at the 2026 Dakota Wesleyan University commencement ceremony scheduled for Sunday, May 10, at 1:30 p.m. at the Corn Palace.
Lou (posthumously) and Carol Sebert of Mitchell will be honored with a Doctor of Humanities for their lifelong commitment to service impacting thousands with their leadership and generosity. Their commitment to the Dakota Wesleyan is visible not only through their generous contributions but also through their constant presence in the stands at Tiger athletic events, where they have cheered for decades as proud supporters.
Violet Boyer ‘78 of Seattle, Wash., a Spearfish native, will also be honored with a Doctor of Humanities. Boyer had a long career in legislative and education policy, serving as a budget analyst for the State of North Dakota; as a legislative aide and, later, director for North Dakota Senator Kent Conrad; a stint at the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities and finally spending 20 years as the president and CEO of the Independent Colleges of Washington, retiring in 2018. Her career efforts led to the development of policies, budgets and successful corporate fundraising that helped countless students attain higher education. She has also served on the DWU Board of Trustees.
Boyer will also deliver the commencement address.
The ceremony will be livestreamed at www.dwu.edu/live.
A baccalaureate service will be held prior to the commencement ceremony at 10 a.m. in the Sherman Center on the campus of Dakota Wesleyan.
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