UVU Celebrates Largest Graduating Class in School History on May 7

UVU’s commencement and convocation ceremonies for 2021, honoring the largest graduating class in the school’s history — 8,729 graduates earning a total of 10,443 degrees and certificates — will be celebrated again in “drive-thru” and “drive-in” style on May 7, 2021.

“We are proud of our 2021 graduates and know that they will do great things for themselves and others,” said Dr. Astrid S. Tuminez, president of Utah Valley University. “More than 80% of our alumni live and work in Utah after graduation, which helps fuel and sustain the state's growing economy. Their skills and credentials, along with their ability to continue living UVU's core values of exceptional care, exceptional accountability, and exceptional results will help them succeed in Utah and anywhere else they choose to go.”

Besides being the largest graduating group of students in school history, the Class of 2021 is also one of the most diverse. The youngest graduate is 16 and the oldest is 68, 18% are students of color, 35% are first generation, and 45% are age 25 or older.

“Our graduates have truly proven their resilience,” said Danielle Corbett, UVUSA student body president. "They persisted despite the pandemic and other challenges and have come out stronger than before. They will undoubtedly play a key role in bettering our world today and in the future."

The university also announced that honorary degrees will be bestowed on Gary R. Herbert, former governor of Utah (public service), and Melisa Nellesen (humane letters). As previously announced, Dr. Wendy Watson Nelson will be the commencement keynote speaker and will receive an honorary degree (humane letters).

Convocations (graduations) will be from 2:30–7 p.m., the start time depending on the number of graduates in each school. Graduates will line up in parade-like fashion in their vehicles in designated campus parking lots organized by their respective colleges and schools. They will drive to a pre-selected location to receive their diplomas. Each graduate, accompanied by any of their family and friends, will be allowed one vehicle in the “drive-thru” graduation to help maintain proper COVID-19 precautions. Commencement will begin at 8:15 p.m., with pre-show student entertainment from 7:30–8:15 p.m.

For more information, visit UVU’s Ceremony Information website.

Honorary Degree Recipients

Dr. Wendy Watson Nelson
Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters

Dr. Wendy Watson Nelson is a professor, published author, former nurse and psychologist, and wife of Russell M. Nelson, president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

As a professor of marriage and family therapy, Nelson taught for 12 years at the University of Calgary in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, and for 13 years at Brigham Young University, teaching doctoral and master’s students. During those 25 years, she regularly presented at national and international professional conferences while teaching, researching, writing, supervising, and consulting in her field. She also maintained a private counseling practice for 30 years.

She is the author of the books Change Your Questions, Change Your Life and Rock Solid Relationships, and she co-authored a landmark book for healthcare professionals titled Beliefs: The Heart of Healing in Families and Illness. She has published many articles, including “Osteophytes and marital fights” and “Is there life after suicide? The systemic belief approach for ‘survivors’ of suicide.” She also produced an educational series titled Families with Health Problems: Assessment and Intervention.

On April 6, 2006, Nelson married Elder Russell M. Nelson, who became president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on January 14, 2018. She continues to strengthen families by devoting her time and talents to religious service and speaking to congregations throughout the world.

She holds a Ph.D. in family therapy and gerontology. She was born in Raymond, Alberta, Canada, to Leonard David and Laura Byrde McLean Watson.

Former Utah Gov. Gary R. Herbert
Honorary Doctorate of Public Service

Former Gov. Gary R. Herbert served as the 17th governor of Utah from 2009 to 2021. During his tenure, his focus was on economic development, education, energy, and efficiency in government. As a result, Utah is recognized as a premier business destination and a great place to live and raise families, with an unsurpassed quality of life.

Herbert was born and raised in Utah County, where he would eventually serve as a county commissioner for 14 years. He attended Brigham Young University, served six years in the Utah National Guard (from 1970–1976), and started a successful real estate brokerage and development company, Herbert and Associates Inc.

He served as the president of the Utah Association of Realtors and the president of the Utah Association of Counties. Herbert has also served as chair of both the Western Governors’ Association and National Governors Association and was the president of the Council of State Governments. Prior to becoming governor, he served as Utah’s lieutenant governor for four and a half years.

Herbert has been a strong advocate for excellence in public and higher education in Utah. He assisted in legislative efforts to help Utah Valley State College become Utah Valley University and supported policy measures to fund accessible education and to increase infrastructure at the university. He has dedicated his time and resources to benefit the students of UVU, having taught at the university for seven years and launching UVU’s Herbert Public Policy Initiative.

Herbert and his wife, Jeanette, have lived in Orem for over 50 years and are the proud parents of six children and 17 grandchildren.

Melisa Nellesen
Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters

Melisa Nellesen is a champion, defender, supporter, and campaigner for those with autism spectrum disorder, including her son Cole. She is the namesake of the Melisa Nellesen Center for Autism at Utah Valley University, having shaped and developed it from its beginning in 2016. Nellesen actively leads and serves there as a board member and a participant in functions, classes, and other events.

Her unceasing efforts to advocate for members of the autism community have contributed to the excellence and improvement of special education programs and offerings in Utah.

She married Keith Nellesen in 1991. The couple has three children: McKenzie, Cole, and Preslee. In 2000, Cole was diagnosed with autism, and the Nellesen family’s lives changed forever. Nellesen hired and supervised numerous tutors, who came to her home to provide one-on-one therapy for Cole in an effort to get him to communicate. It was there that she fell in love with those who devote their lives to educating these special kids.

In 2015, former UVU President Matthew S. Holland approached the Nellesens about building a center for autism at UVU. They had been looking for opportunities to improve the autism community in Utah and knew this was exactly what they were seeking.

UVU broke ground for the Melisa Nellesen Center for Autism on April 21, 2016, and the center opened just over one year later, on May 3, 2017. Nellesen’s greatest joy is helping her children and others to grow and prosper. She is an alumna of Utah Valley Community College (now Utah Valley University) and a proud Wolverine.

Dr. Wendy Watson Nelson