Haskell Indian Nations University celebrates 129 graduates at spring commencement ceremony

photo by: Austin Hornbostel/Journal-World

Haskell Indian Nations University recognized 129 spring and summer graduates at the university's 2024 commencement ceremony Friday, May 3, 2024.

On Friday, 129 students were recognized as they graduated from Haskell Indian Nations University.

The university hosted its 2024 commencement ceremony for spring and summer graduates on Friday, May 3, 2024.

At the ceremony, graduates heard a commencement address from Billy Mills, a former student at Haskell and the University of Kansas and a famed long-distance runner who remains the only American man to have won an Olympic gold medal in the 10,000-meter run. Mills, who is Oglala Lakota, achieved the feat while competing at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics and set a new Olympic record for the event.

photo by: Austin Hornbostel/Journal-World

Billy Mills, a gold medalist in the 1964 Tokyo Olympics and a former student at Haskell and the University of Kansas, was the featured speaker at Haskell’s commencement ceremony Friday, May 3, 2024.

Mills urged graduates to “take the footprints of our history with you” as they continued on.

“You will play a major role in choreographing the horizon of America’s future, this incredible democratic experiment,” Mills said.

photo by: Austin Hornbostel/Journal-World

Haskell graduates turn their tassels from right to left.

photo by: Austin Hornbostel/Journal-World

A Haskell graduate receives her diploma from University President Frank Arpan.

photo by: Austin Hornbostel/Journal-World

A Haskell graduate is adorned with garlands after receiving their diploma.

photo by: Austin Hornbostel/Journal-World

Haskell graduates applaud in recognition of Cole Brings Plenty, who attended Haskell and was an actor in the “Yellowstone” spinoff “1923.” Brings Plenty was found dead in Johnson County early last month after going missing from Lawrence. He was recognized in the commencement ceremony program for earning his associate of arts degree in communication studies.

photo by: Austin Hornbostel/Journal-World

Haskell graduates make their way to the stage to receive their diplomas.

photo by: Austin Hornbostel/Journal-World

Haskell President Frank Arpan poses for a photo with a Haskell graduate and a future student.

photo by: Austin Hornbostel/Journal-World

Billy Mills shakes hands with Savannah Caitlyn Nieshe, the 2024 Haskell Student of the Year.

photo by: Austin Hornbostel/Journal-World

Haskell President Frank Arpan poses for a photo with a Haskell graduate.

photo by: Austin Hornbostel/Journal-World

Wyomee Cooke, the president of Haskell’s Student Government Association, speaks during the university’s commencement ceremony on Friday, May 3, 2024.

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