MSU Institute of Agricultural Technology Celebrates 2026 Commencement
Print
EmailMSU IAT proudly celebrated the Class of 2026 during its Commencement Ceremony on March 29, 2026, at the Wharton Center for Performing Arts in East Lansing
EAST LANSING, Michigan – The Michigan State University – Institute of Agricultural Technology (MSU IAT) proudly celebrated the Class of 2026 during its Commencement Ceremony held March 29, 2026, at the Wharton Center for Performing Arts in East Lansing. The ceremony brought together graduates, families, faculty, staff and industry partners to recognize academic achievement, applied learning and the collective effort that prepares students for careers in agriculture, food systems and natural resources.
Graduates from across the state completed rigorous, hands-on certificate programs designed to meet real-world workforce demands. Throughout the ceremony, speakers reflected on the importance of applied education, community connection and the relationships that shape student success long after graduation.
Keynote Address Reflects on Applied Learning and Legacy
The commencement keynote address was delivered by Matthew S. Bernia, Program Coordinator with MSU IAT at Muskegon Community College. Bernia supports hands-on, career-focused agricultural programs through student advising, applied curriculum alignment, internship coordination and workforce partnerships that connect education to real-world impact.
In his remarks, Bernia emphasized legacy as something built through steady effort, applied learning and service to others. Drawing from his family’s multi-generation connection to Michigan agriculture and MSU IAT, he highlighted the Institute’s longstanding mission to prepare students to return to their communities equipped with skills, confidence and purpose. He encouraged graduates to view their education not as an endpoint but as the foundation for the contributions they will make throughout their careers.
Outstanding Faculty Award Recognizes Excellence in Teaching and Student Support
During the commencement ceremony, MSU IAT recognized Brian Gardner, Program Coordinator at Montcalm Community College, as the recipient of the 2026 Outstanding Faculty Award. Presented annually, the award honors an instructor whose work exemplifies excellence in teaching, advising and service. Gardner was nominated by his students for his individualized approach to education and unwavering commitment to student success.
As lead instructor for the Agricultural Operations program, Gardner works closely with students, community partners and industry professionals to connect classroom learning with real-world agricultural careers. Students praised his flexibility, accessibility and advocacy, noting his willingness to create personalized academic pathways and provide consistent encouragement. His impact reflects MSU IAT’s mission to deliver applied education through faculty who prioritize student growth and achievement.
Honorary MSU IAT Certificate Presented to Industry Partner Will Bristol
The Michigan State University – Institute of Agricultural Technology also awarded the 2026 Honorary MSU IAT Certificate to Mr. Will Bristol of Nutrien Ag Solutions, recognizing his longstanding partnership and service to MSU IAT students and programs. The Honorary Certificate is presented to an individual whose leadership strengthens applied learning and workforce development across Michigan agriculture. Bristol has been a strong advocate for hands-on education, supporting internships, industry experiences and collaborations that connect MSU IAT coursework to modern crop production and agronomy.
Bristol serves as a Precision Agriculture Lead and Sales Representative for Nutrien Ag Solutions’ Michigan Division and is a fifth-generation fruit grower. His leadership includes service as President of the Michigan State Horticulture Society and in 2019 he was named to the Fruit and Vegetable Growers News “40 Under 40” class. Although unable to attend the ceremony, MSU IAT expressed sincere appreciation for his continued partnership and positive impact on students.
Student Speakers Highlight Growth, Leadership and Purpose
Two outstanding graduates were selected to represent the Class of 2026 as student speakers, sharing reflections on growth, risk-taking and applied learning.
Nathan Hawks, a graduate of MSU IAT’s Landscape Management and Agricultural Industries programs, spoke about the importance of decisions, mentorship and learning through experience. A business owner since the age of 12, Hawks has built and operated his own landscape company while pursuing his education. His leadership includes service on the Michigan Nursery Landscape Association Board of Directors, presidency of the Student Horticulture Association, work with MSU Landscape Services and national competition experience through the National Collegiate Landscape Competition.
As he addressed his classmates, Hawks encouraged graduates to embrace opportunity and uncertainty, noting that “the decisions you almost don’t make and the people you meet because of them will shape your life in ways you can’t see yet.”
Nicole Hollabaugh, an Agricultural Operations student through MSU IAT at Montcalm Community College, reflected on resilience, roots and growth. A former Michigan FFA State Officer, American FFA Degree recipient, Michigan Farm Bureau Collegiate Discussion Meet winner and Agriculture Future of America Ambassador, Hollabaugh brought more than 2,250 hours of supervised agricultural experience to the program. She is completing her MSU IAT certificate and associate degree before transferring to Michigan State University this fall to study Agribusiness Management.
Using agriculture as a metaphor, Hollabaugh reminded graduates of the importance of staying grounded while growing forward. “During our time in MSU IAT, we’ve been building our roots,” she shared. “No matter where you go or what you do next, stay grounded. Stay committed. Stay rooted in purpose.”
Academic Excellence: Students Graduating with Honors
The Michigan State University – Institute of Agricultural Technology proudly recognizes students who graduated with honors, having earned a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or higher. These graduates demonstratedexceptional academic achievement while completing rigorous, applied certificate programs.
Students Graduating with Honors by Program
- Agricultural Industries: Evan Daily, Liam Mehren, Darek Schornack, Dominic Worrall
- Electrical Technology: Samuel Schroeder, Ethan Varty, Nash Wending
- Fruit, Vegetable and Organic Horticulture: Brianna Batterson, Quinn Savage
- Landscape and Nursery Management: Anastacia Hearn, Katherine Makara
- Livestock Industries: Julie Geiger, Alexis Klockziem, Kya Kurka, Jillyan Osterman, Abby Thelen, Paige Thompson
- Turfgrass Management – Golf Course: David Miller, Owen Dodge, Ryan Gonyea, Evan Kluwe, Robert Knapp, Gage Koso, Daniel Miller, Brendan Phillips
Graduate Recognition by Partner Institution
- Bay College: Alexandra Bussler – Agricultural Operations; Liam MacFadyen – Forest Technology
- Delta College: Joshua Christensen, Kailey Irish, Dana Gardner, Hannah Hycki – Agricultural Operations
- Glen Oaks Community College: Jenna Scheffler – Agricultural Operations
- Kellogg Community College: Willow Payne – Agricultural Operations
- Montcalm Community College: Lauryn Dailey, Cortney Hill, Nathan Hochstein, Nicole Hollabaugh, Sidney Ives, Evan Plonka, Nicholas Strunk, Joel VanKempen – Agricultural Operations
- Muskegon Community College: Lisa Lange – Agricultural Operations and Fruit and Vegetable Crop Management; Brianna Storck – Agricultural Operations; Kennah VerMerris – Fruit and Vegetable Crop Management
- Northwestern Michigan College: Alexia Wilkins – Landscape Management; Noah Send – Fruit and Vegetable Crop Management; David Wickland – Viticulture; Melissa Haines – Landscape Management and Fruit and Vegetable Crop Management
- West Shore Community College: Brayden Overmyer – Agricultural Operations
The 2026 MSU IAT Commencement Ceremony celebrated not only academic completion but the collective efforts of students, faculty, advisors, families and industry partners who make applied education possible. Together, they reflect the Michigan State University – Institute of Agricultural Technology’s continued commitment to preparing learners for meaningful careers and lasting contributions across Michigan’s agriculture, food and natural resources sectors.
