Nibbe School of Teaching & Learning celebrates first graduation cohort

The Christianson Alumni Center's Barry Auditorium was filled with energy, gratitude, and excitement on Monday, December 2, as Minnesota State Moorhead celebrated its first graduation event under the newly established Nibbe School of Teaching and Learning. More than 50 guests-including graduates, families, faculty, alumni, and campus partners-gathered to honor students entering the teaching profession and to recognize the transformational support of the Nibbe Family Foundation, whose historic $5.5 million gift established the School earlier this fall.

The celebration opened with remarks from Steve Sjoberg, Director of Marketing and Communications for the MSUM Foundation, who welcomed attendees to the Foundation's home – "a place where grit meets generosity" – and highlighted the significance of honoring the School's first graduates inside the Christianson Alumni Center.

Following the welcome, guests viewed the new Nibbe School video, which shares the Nibbe family's multigenerational connection to education and their vision for strengthening the teaching profession.

The program featured remarks from:

• Dr. Lee Vigilant, Dean of the College of Education and Human Services
• Dr. Boyd Bradbury, Chair of the School of Teaching and Learning
• Dr. Erin Gillett, Professor of Early Childhood Education
• Dawn Guse, representing the Nibbe Family Foundation

Dr. Vigilant celebrated MSUM's longstanding tradition of preparing strong educators and spoke to the promise this cohort brings to classrooms across the region.

Dr. Bradbury reflected on the students' perseverance, heart, and dedication to teaching.

A particularly moving moment came during Dr. Erin Gillett's remarks, where she shared how the Nibbe gift allowed her to take MSUM students to a national professional conference – a first for many of them. She spoke about what it meant to see her students engaging with national leaders, attending sessions alongside veteran educators, and building confidence as they prepare to enter the profession. "Experiences like this change the trajectory of a young educator," she said. "They step into their first jobs already feeling connected, supported, and part of the profession."

The evening's keynote speaker, Dawn Guse, delivered one of the night's most memorable moments with her "Top Ten Things You Might Not Know as You Head Into the Teaching Profession." Blending humor, honesty, and wisdom from her distinguished career, Dawn shared stories that resonated deeply with graduates and reminded them of the joy, challenge, and lasting impact of teaching.

The Nibbe School of Teaching and Learning continues MSUM's legacy of preparing exceptional teachers who will strengthen schools and communities throughout Minnesota and beyond.