Nearly a thousand members of Bemidji State University’s Class of 2014 gathered in front of a packed house of friends and family at the university’s 95th Commencement ceremony at Sanford Center.

Dr. Richard A. Hanson, president of Bemidji State University and Northwest Technical College, addressed the graduates and shared stories of success by students of the Class of 2014 who all reflected a similar group of traits.  Trudy Rautio, CEO of Minneapolis-based Carlson Companies and a 2007 Bemidji State University Outstanding Alumni honoree, was recognized as the 32nd recipient of Bemidji State’s Distinguished Minnesotan award and delivered this year’s commencement address.