Graduates from 32 states and Washington, D.C., to gather in St. Paul for Rasmussen University's final 2026 commencement celebration

ST. PAUL, Minn., Sept. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Rasmussen University part of American Public University System (Rasmussen) will celebrate the achievements of nearly 6,200 graduates during its 2026 Minnesota Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, Sept. 19, at 11 a.m. at Roy Wilkins Auditorium in St. Paul, MN, as well as online. The graduates completed their programs during the past year, representing the Classes of 2025 and 2026.

The Minnesota ceremony marks the third and final commencement celebration for Rasmussen University in 2026, following ceremonies in Illinois in April and Florida in June. Graduates have completed programs across eight areas of study, including nursing, health sciences, business, education, human services, justice studies, design and technology, offered at 20 Rasmussen campuses and online.

"Rasmussen University has a proud tradition of preparing students for careers that strengthen our communities and make a meaningful difference in the lives of others," said Angela Selden, chancellor of American Public University System. "As part of American Public University System, Rasmussen University advances our shared mission to empower students through education to transform lives, advance careers, and serve their communities."

Graduates registered to attend the ceremony in person represent 32 states and Washington, D.C., reflecting the national reach of Rasmussen University and its commitment to accessible, career-focused education. Nearly 20% are earning their second or additional degree from Rasmussen, highlighting Rasmussen's commitment to lifelong learning and supporting students as they continue to advance their education and careers.

"Throughout our three commencement celebrations this year, we've had the privilege of hearing countless stories of resilience and purpose," said Dr. Carrie Daninhirsch, provost at Rasmussen University. "In Illinois, Nursing graduate Beatrice Agbayewa pursued a career she loves after being inspired by a friend, persevering through health challenges along the way. In Florida, Human Services graduate and Navy veteran Brian Lange turned his own challenges finding his path after military service into a passion for helping other veterans rebuild their lives. As we gather here in St. Paul, where Rasmussen was founded more than 125 years ago, it's especially meaningful to celebrate our final graduating class of 2026 and the next generation of graduates who will carry that legacy forward."

Commencement Speakers

The ceremony will feature remarks from distinguished leaders and members of the Rasmussen University community who will share messages of perseverance, purpose and lifelong learning with the graduating class.

Keynote Speaker: Dr. Cyrus Batheja

Dr. Cyrus Batheja, president and chief executive officer of Ecumen, will deliver the keynote address. Ecumen is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing innovative housing, healthcare and community-based services for older adults.

Batheja's own educational journey was inspired by his mother, an immigrant who pursued nursing school while raising her family. Her determination shaped his path into nursing and healthcare leadership. In his keynote, he will reflect on the perseverance behind graduates' achievements and encourage them to stay rooted in purpose, create opportunities for others and define success by how they live and serve their communities.

Prior to joining Ecumen, Batheja held senior leadership positions with UnitedHealthcare and Optum, including serving as national vice president of nursing at OptumRx, where he led more than 1,500 nurses delivering critical therapies across the United States. He is also co-founder of Batheja Supportive Living Services, serves on the Board of Regents at Augsburg University and was inducted as a Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing in 2022.

Graduate Speaker: Tykeishah Todd

Tykeishah Todd, a September 2026 Master of Healthcare Administration graduate, will represent the graduating class as its graduate speaker. A dedicated healthcare professional and mother of two, Todd is also a returning Rasmussen University graduate, having earned her Human Services degree from Rasmussen in 2022.

Throughout her Rasmussen journey, Todd has balanced her education, career and family responsibilities while continuing to pursue her professional goals. She currently serves as a supervisor in family medicine, where she leads with a passion for supporting her team and improving the patient experience. While pursuing her master's degree, she also earned two career promotions.

Todd's journey reflects the resilience and perseverance of Rasmussen graduates. In her Commencement message, she will encourage graduates to give themselves grace, embrace their individual journeys and remember that setbacks do not define their potential. She will share how earning her degree represents healing, growth and rewriting her story.

Alumni Speaker: Kimberley Wilde

Kimberley Wilde, a 2022 Rasmussen University graduate, will return to the Commencement stage as the alumni speaker and help lead Rasmussen's Alumni Pinning Ceremony.

Wilde earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Management online from Rasmussen University after previously earning her Associate of Science degree from Rasmussen. She currently serves as a senior business analyst at Mayo Clinic.

As a first-generation college graduate, Wilde returned to school as an adult learner while balancing a full-time career and raising her two daughters. For Wilde, earning her degree represented not only a personal accomplishment, but also an opportunity to demonstrate to her daughters the importance of education and that it is never too late to pursue a goal.

During her own Commencement celebration in 2022, Wilde was selected to represent her class as the graduate speaker. She now returns as a proud alum to welcome the newest graduates into Rasmussen University's lifelong alumni community.

The Alumni Pinning Ceremony is a special Rasmussen University tradition symbolizing graduates' transition from students to alumni and their entry into a community that will remain connected long after Commencement.

To learn more about Rasmussen University's 2026 commencement ceremonies, visit:
Rasmussen University Commencement Information

About Rasmussen University:
Rasmussen University part of American Public University System (Rasmussen), combines a rich history of educational excellence with the strength of a system dedicated to preparing students for service-oriented careers. The System is committed to enriching communities by delivering innovative, career-focused education and maintaining a longstanding commitment to preparing the next generation of healthcare professionals. The System offers undergraduate and graduate programs online and across 20 Rasmussen campuses nationwide in eight areas of study, including nursing, health sciences, business, technology, and social services. Since 1900, Rasmussen has been creating opportunities, transforming lives, and strengthening communities through student-centered education that prepares graduates for in-demand careers. Learn more at www.Rasmussen.edu.

About American Public University System:
American Public University System (the System), provides postsecondary education that transforms lives, advances careers, and improves communities. With over 109,000 students and 250,000 alumni worldwide, the System includes American Military University (AMU), American Public University (APU), Rasmussen University, and Hondros College of Nursing. 

The System is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) (www.hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. It is a wholly owned subsidiary of American Public Education, Inc. (Nasdaq: APEI).

Contact: Molly Andersen
Mobile: 903.920.4366
Email: molly.andersen@rasmussen.edu

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SOURCE Rasmussen University