MITCHELL, SD (Mitchell Now) — Dakota Wesleyan University will award honorary doctoral degrees to a longtime Mitchell couple and a distinguished alumna during its 2026 commencement ceremony.
The ceremony is scheduled for Sunday, May 10, at 1:30 p.m. at the Corn Palace.
Lou Sebert, posthumously, and Carol Sebert will receive Doctor of Humanities degrees in recognition of their lifelong commitment to service and impact on the Mitchell community. The Seberts have been longtime supporters of Dakota Wesleyan, contributing both financially and through their consistent حضور at Tiger athletic events over the years.
Also receiving a Doctor of Humanities degree is Violet Boyer, a 1978 Dakota Wesleyan graduate originally from Spearfish. Boyer built a career in legislative and education policy, including roles as a budget analyst for the State of North Dakota and as a legislative aide and later director for U.S. Sen. Kent Conrad.
She also worked with the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities and served 20 years as president and CEO of the Independent Colleges of Washington before retiring in 2018. Her work helped develop policies, budgets and fundraising efforts that expanded access to higher education. Boyer previously served on the Dakota Wesleyan Board of Trustees.
Boyer will deliver the commencement address.
A baccalaureate service is scheduled for 10 a.m. the same day in the Sherman Center on the Dakota Wesleyan campus.
The commencement ceremony will be livestreamed at https://www.dwu.edu/live.