Dakota State University students walking around campus

Preparation + opportunity = success

That's the DSU equation. We're a four-year university with nationally recognized programs, cutting-edge facilities, and the brightest thinkers. But we're also a tight-knit, inclusive community. Small class sizes mean hands-on training and individualized attention. All this with an affordable, public school price that's among the best values in the region.

Majors & Degrees

Search

Popular searches

smiling woman

Is DSU the right fit for you?

Even the best brochures and postcards (and yes, even websites) can only tell you so much about a college. The only surefire way to know if DSU is right for you is to see for yourself.

Visit DSU

Home ― News ― Brian Siemonsma DSU commencement speaker

Brian Siemonsma DSU commencement speaker

December 8, 2014

Archived video of ceremony:  http://streaming.dsu.edu/Graduation/GraduationFA14.wmv

Dakota State University’s fall commencement is Saturday, Dec. 13, 10:30 a.m. at the DSU Fieldhouse in Madison, S.D. Dakota State will award 4 doctorate, 55 master’s, 95 baccalaureate and 11 associate degrees. Gateka Verite and Anastasia Gentles will serve as student marshals, and Risë Smith, Digital Design and Access Librarian/Professor, is mace bearer.

Brian Siemonsma, current Project Manager at Meta Payment Systems (subdivision of Metabank) in Sioux Falls, S.D., serves as this year’s commencement speaker. Before joining Meta Payment, Siemonsma has been a member of the South Dakota Air National Guard for the last 15 years. As an Air Force Officer (Captain), he serves as the Medical Readiness Officer in the 114th Medical Group.

Siemonsma grew up on a farm near Dell Rapids, S.D. and graduated from St. Mary’s High School in 2001. He graduated Cum Laude from Dakota State University in 2005 with a degree in Computer Information Systems and minors in Ecommerce, Networking & Center of Excellence. In 2012, he completed graduate school at Southwest Minnesota State University where he obtained a Master of Business Administration degree.

While attending DSU, Siemonsma participated in numerous activities, including: Student Association (President 2004-2005), Student Ambassadors (President 2003-2004), Kappa Sigma Iota Honor Society (President 2004-2005), Technology Fellows, the Center of Excellence in Computer Information Systems and Resident Assistant. He was one of the initial students who participated in the tablet computing initiative. The outcome of this initiative was putting a tablet device in the hands of all students. Achievements while at Dakota State include: President’s List, Lowry Scholar, Student Leadership Award and Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges.

After graduating from Dakota State University, Siemonsma started his career working for the Schwan Food Company in Marshall, Minn. as a Systems Developer in their IT department. While with Schwan Food Company, he was promoted to SAP Developer II, III and Senior IT Business Process Analyst. At the end of 2012, he accepted a position as a Project Manager at Meta Payment Systems in Sioux Falls, S.D. and is currently employed there.

Siemonsma resides on an acreage north of Sioux Falls, S.D. and is married to Katie (Lanoue) Siemonsma, DSU class of 2006. Their children include Carter (6), Tenley (3), and baby (Jan. 2015).