Commencement 2024 Speakers

More than 135 will receive their degrees at the University of Minnesota Rochester’s (UMR) commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 11. The following were selected to speak at the ceremony.

Shannon Anderson, PhD 

Faculty Speaker

Dr. Shannon Anderson earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Augustana University, studying chemistry and English literature. During her time as an undergraduate teaching assistant and tutor, she discovered a love for finding ways to help students understand complex concepts in chemistry. 

Desiring to further her abilities in reaching students, she pursued and received PhDs in both chemistry and STEM education from North Dakota State University and completed a postdoctoral teaching and research fellowship at South Dakota State University. 

Dr. Anderson has been a faculty member at the University of Minnesota Rochester since January 2021, primarily teaching courses focused on organic chemistry. She conducts research on scientific literacy, student reasoning and problem solving in organic chemistry, and you will likely find her in the classroom incentivizing participation with limited edition BTS stickers.

Brandi McParland

BSHP Student, Respiratory Care

Brandi McParland, or Bee as some may know her as, born and raised in Saint Cloud, Minnesota. Brandi is a first generation student and wanted to become a Respiratory Therapist for her sister who had Cystic Fibrosis. Brandi will be continuing her career at the University of Minnesota Fairview Eastbank in Minneapolis. 

In life, Brandi adheres to the principles of peace, love, unity and respect. These values guide her to uplift, cherish and honor mutual respect for one another.

Puja Chhetri

BSHS Student

Puja Yadu Chhetri was born in Nepal and raised in a refugee camp until age 11. Her experiences from growing up in a country with limited resources and access to quality health care motivated her aspiration to work in medicine. 

Upon moving to Fargo, North Dakota, she found support and leadership opportunities that led her to the University of Minnesota Rochester. 

As the middle child in a close-knit family of four siblings, Puja values family time, cooking, hiking, traveling and listening to K-pop music (especially BTS). With her strong desire to improve health care accessibility for all, Puja’s ultimate goal is to become a physician who bridges the gap in immigrant communities.