Western Dakota Tech graduates 356 May 15

More than 300 students will receive degrees and diplomas during the Western Dakota Tech graduation ceremony scheduled for Saturday, May 15.

During the ceremony, 356 students in more than 20 technical programs will culminate their studies and hard work. The ceremony is scheduled for 1 p.m. in the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center Arena.

“These graduates represent a trained and educated group of workers who will begin careers and make the western South Dakota region an even better place to live and work,” WDT President Dr. Craig Bailey said. “This is a special day for the graduates and our communities.”

Bruce Rampelberg, a widely respected community leader in the Black Hills and across South Dakota, will join WDT as commencement speaker. Rapid City Mayor Alan Hanks will participate in the ceremony, and WDT will present two important awards—Distinguished Service and Distinguished Alumni.

During the ceremony, WDT will unveil the results of the 2K10 Challenge. The 2K10 Challenge required Welding Manufacturing and Collision Repair students to build, paint, and finish a motorcycle by graduation day. As you can see during the ceremony, the students met the challenge and accomplished the goal. They did it all while learning important lessons that will make them even better technicians after they graduate.

WDT partnered with Legendary Buffalo Chip, Black Hills Harley Davidson, and motorcycle designer Michael Prugh on the project.

The Legendary Buffalo Chip in Sturgis issued the challenge in January and joined industry and education for this special opportunity.  Michael Prugh of Prugh Design designed the motorcycle and directed the build. Black Hills Harley Davidson, Custom Chrome, JayBrake, and Performance Machine donated world-class parts to make the project possible. WDT provided students, instructors, and lab space for the five-month challenge. Other project participants include AkzoNobel Lesonal, Hot Leathers, Interstate Batteries, and Spectro Oils.

The final product is a beautiful custom motorcycle with a 120 cubic inch Screaming Eagle engine that will be part of the 3rd Annual Legends Ride during the Sturgis Rally. The bike will be auctioned in support of the Legends Ride which benefits the Black Hills Children’s Home Society and the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum and Hall of Fame. 

The 2K10 Challenge is one example of how WDT prepares graduates for the workforce. Many 2010 graduates secured careers before the ceremony because of the demand for skilled workers throughout the region.

“WDT’s mission is to train students for the workforce,” Bailey said. “Our placement rates show that our students are talented, skilled, and well-prepared for their careers.”

WDT places 99 percent of graduates in careers. Eighty-two percent of graduates live and work in South Dakota.

The 2010 class pushes the total number of WDT graduates since 1968 above 8,000. 

“For 40 years, WDT graduates have joined our communities as leaders and built their careers around the skills and behaviors they learned here,” Bailey said. “WDT always has—and will continue to have—a significant impact on our communities.” 

Other commencement activities include:

  • Friday, May 14: WDT will honor its outstanding graduates during a banquet scheduled for 6:30 p.m. at WDT.
  • Saturday, May 15: WDT will hold the annual Eagle Feather Ceremony at 9 a.m. in Rushmore Hall A at the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center. This is a feathering ceremony to honor the Native American graduates and their accomplishments.

WDT invites the media to all events.