Northern Class of 2014 graduates

Montana State University-Northern's class of 2014 took the stage Saturday to receive the diplomas they have worked for in their time at the university.

Denise Juneau, Montana's state superintendent of public instruction, was the speaker at the ceremony.

"You are graduating from a very special place," Juneau said.

Juneau reminded the soon-to-be graduates to "always remember where you came from" and to remember who helped them along their way as they advanced through their education.

She urged the 303 graduating students to stay true to themselves and do well on whatever path they take from graduation on.

"Your personal integrity can never be taken from you," Juneau said. " ... Have the courage to trust your own moral compass."

Juneau talked about the opportunities ahead of the graduates and how they should seize them.

"I urge you to take your education and do something with it," she said.

MSU-Northern Chancellor James Limbaugh spoke of how proud he was of the students who attended the university and how they can now be proud of the work they had accomplished.

"These graduates are an inspiration to us all," Limbaugh said.

Gilbert Horn, a former code-talker in World War II, was given an honorary doctorate of letters before the graduation ceremony by Chair of Montana University Board of Regents Paul Tuss of Havre.

Kenny Ryan, a program specialist at Fort Belknap, spoke the praises of Horn and his family.

"I could go on all morning and speak of the accolades (of Horn)," Ryan said. " ... He is a most distinguished Assiniboine warrior."

Ryan then sang a song sung traditionally to welcome home Assiniboine warriors, as men in regalia danced to honor Horn and his legacy.

This is the second time in MSU-Northern's history such an honor has been given. The first was given to Ted Turner.