Lewis-Clark State College has done a lot over its 133 years of serving students and Idaho, but at its commencement ceremony Friday the school will do something it has never done before – award a master’s degree.
In 2020, President Cynthia Pemberton – in response to expressed needs for niche graduate degrees, especially in healthcare – successfully spearheaded an effort to change Idaho statute to allow LC State to offer graduate programs. Though it has awarded a number of graduate certificates, on Friday, Ann Leung will become the school’s first master’s recipient when she receives a Master of Science in Nursing Leadership in Healthcare.
“This is an incredible moment in history for an incredible institution,” Pemberton said. “LC State has always found innovative ways to meet some of Idaho’s biggest needs, and we’re honored to continue that legacy. I wish Ann and all of our graduates the best of luck as they begin or advance in their professional journeys. Their success is Idaho’s success.”
Founded in 1893, LC State is Idaho’s second-oldest public higher education institution. It even predates the Idaho State Board of Education (SBOE), which former LC State president George Black wrote legislation to form in 1913. Though often mistaken for a community college because of its name, the school has been offering bachelor’s degrees since 1943 – well before its four-year sisters, Idaho State University (1947) and Boise State University (1965). SBOE board member David Turnbull, who represents Region 2, said it is an important moment for north Idaho.
“Lewis-Clark State College graduates represent determination, resilience, and a commitment to growth,” Turnbull said. “They leave with the hands-on skills, knowledge, and confidence to step into meaningful careers and make an immediate impact in their communities across Idaho and beyond. The Idaho State Board of Education congratulates each graduate on this achievement and looks forward with confidence to the continued contributions they will make in the years ahead.”
Including Leung, LC State is expected to award 966 degrees and certificates to 800 graduates at its two commencement ceremonies at the P1FCU Activity Center on Friday, May 15. A total of 434 graduates are expected to participate in the ceremonies.
LC State’s first ceremony, scheduled for 10 a.m., will feature the School of Professional & Graduate Studies. The second ceremony will begin at 2 p.m., featuring graduates from the Schools of Liberal Arts & Sciences and Career & Technical Education.
The ceremonies will honor a number of individuals including retiring emeritus faculty member Mike Owen. Linda Clark, longtime Idaho educator and past SBOE board member and president, will receive the President’s Medallion. In her final year as president of the SBOE, Clark oversaw the board’s unanimous 2025 vote to support LC State’s proposal to seek to change the school’s name to Lewis-Clark State University.
Among the student awards, Amanda Uhlenkott will receive the Gertrude Mellen Dick Award, given to the student with the highest cumulative GPA for four years of undergraduate work; William “Cy” Wareham will receive the President’s Award for outstanding contributions to the college, his division, fellow classmates, and the community; and Troy Sandwick will be the recipient of the Provost’s Award, given to a high-achieving student who earned the majority of their degree credits through online coursework.
More details regarding the ceremonies, related events, and livestreaming are available at www.lcsc.edu/graduation.