Speaker: Victoria Kitcheyan (Winnebago), Tribal Council member
First elected to the Winnebago Tribal Council in 2015, Victoria “Tori” Kitcheyan currently serves as a Tribal Council Member and formerly, as the Chairwoman of the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska since 2020. Kitcheyan is the former Chairwoman of the National Indian Health Board, the Secretary’s Tribal Advisory Committee (STAC) at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and the Medicare, Medicaid and Health Reform Policy Committee (MMPC). She has testified numerous times before the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate on issues including health care disparities in Indian Country, tribal land consolidation, advance appropriations for Indian programs, public safety, and tribal infrastructure needs. In addition, Kitcheyan has served on various agency tribal technical advisory committees for the Great Plains area. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Haskell Indian Nations University.
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Speaker: William (Billy) Kirkland - Assistant Secretary – Indian Affairs
William (Billy) Kirkland, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, is the 15th Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs. He was confirmed by the United States Senate on October 7, 2025. The Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs assists the Secretary of the Interior in fulfilling the Department’s trust responsibilities to American Indian and Alaska Native Tribes and individuals. The post was established in the late 1970s under the authority contained in 43 U.S.C. 145. Prior to his appointment, Mr. Kirkland delivered high-impact services to Fortune 500 companies, political candidates, and advocacy campaigns, driving strategic results for businesses and organizations across the country. His leadership experience includes managing professional teams, developing sophisticated campaign strategies, and achieving significant legislative and public relations outcomes. Mr. Kirkland’s career in public service includes serving in the Executive Office of the President as special assistant to the president and deputy director of Intergovernmental Affairs. In this role, he led tribal engagement efforts for the White House, revitalized the White House Council on Native American Affairs Policy Agenda, and coordinated the first-ever Oval Office recognition of Navajo Code Talkers. His work advanced collaboration among federal, tribal, state, and local leaders, strengthening government-to-government relationships nationwide. Mr. Kirkland holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Georgia. He has been recognized with several distinguished honors, including the University of Georgia’s Top 40 Under 40 Award, designation as an Eagle Scout, and appointment to the White House Commission on Presidential Scholars.
Venue doors will open to guests one hour before the ceremony starts.Coffin gymnasium has limited seating: Overflow guests will be directed to the Haskell Auditorium to view the livestream of the ceremony.
Commencement Luncheon - Curtis Hall
A complimentary meal will be provided to all attendees after the commencement ceremony. Luncheon will be provided at Curtis Hall.
Contact: Robin Shield at rshield@haskell.edu for vendor information.
Contact Jeremy Shield at jshield@haskell.edu if you plan to have a "Special" at the Commencement Powwow.
Click to enlarge
Parking Map
Review Map for parking guidelines.
Graduate Instructions
Graduation Practice
Practice will be on May 7th @ 3 pm and it is mandatory unless you are in a final. Practice is at Tecumseh Hall.
Complete the Following by April 25th:
Confirm the accuracy of your name and degree program (this was on the petition form, but you will receive an email for confirmation) – signature required from Registrar's Office
Update Address with campus post office in Navarre Hall (where you need your diploma sent) – Signature required from Post Office
Return books, cameras, and checked out equipment to library (unless needed for finals) – Signature required from Library
Pay any holds and fines at the Bursars office in Navarre Hall – Signature required from Bursars Office
Graduate candidates for degrees must arrive at Tecumseh Hall Gymnasium for check-in at least 1 hour before the commencement ceremony. Candidates will gather for the graduate lineup. Please allow sufficient time to travel to campus, find parking, and arrive with your cap and gown.
Cap & Gown
Graduates and degree candidates who plan to participate in the commencement ceremony must place their cap and gown order online from Oak Hall Cap and Gown by April 8th.
After this date, please contact Chris Barr (303) 475-1189 for cap and gown availability.
Watch the Livestream
The ceremoy will be livestreamed from Coffin Sports Complex.
A live link will be published here the day before the ceremony.
A professional photographer will take photos of the graduate and diploma, and we will provide the link where you can view. Note: this could take a few weeks to post.
Livestream link is available at the livestream tab above for family and friends who cannot attend the ceremony.
Frequently Asked Questions
Click on a question below to expand or collapse the answer.
Your degree will be officially conferred upon receipt of your final grades. The diploma will be issued four-six weeks following verification of the final grades and completion of degree audit.
Speaker: Victoria Kitcheyan (Winnebago), Tribal Council member
First elected to the Winnebago Tribal Council in 2015, Victoria “Tori” Kitcheyan currently serves as a Tribal Council Member and formerly, as the Chairwoman of the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska since 2020. Kitcheyan is the former Chairwoman of the National Indian Health Board, the Secretary’s Tribal Advisory Committee (STAC) at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and the Medicare, Medicaid and Health Reform Policy Committee (MMPC). She has testified numerous times before the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate on issues including health care disparities in Indian Country, tribal land consolidation, advance appropriations for Indian programs, public safety, and tribal infrastructure needs. In addition, Kitcheyan has served on various agency tribal technical advisory committees for the Great Plains area. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Haskell Indian Nations University.
Speaker: William (Billy) Kirkland - Assistant Secretary – Indian Affairs
William (Billy) Kirkland, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, is the 15th Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs. He was confirmed by the United States Senate on October 7, 2025. The Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs assists the Secretary of the Interior in fulfilling the Department’s trust responsibilities to American Indian and Alaska Native Tribes and individuals. The post was established in the late 1970s under the authority contained in 43 U.S.C. 145. Prior to his appointment, Mr. Kirkland delivered high-impact services to Fortune 500 companies, political candidates, and advocacy campaigns, driving strategic results for businesses and organizations across the country. His leadership experience includes managing professional teams, developing sophisticated campaign strategies, and achieving significant legislative and public relations outcomes. Mr. Kirkland’s career in public service includes serving in the Executive Office of the President as special assistant to the president and deputy director of Intergovernmental Affairs. In this role, he led tribal engagement efforts for the White House, revitalized the White House Council on Native American Affairs Policy Agenda, and coordinated the first-ever Oval Office recognition of Navajo Code Talkers. His work advanced collaboration among federal, tribal, state, and local leaders, strengthening government-to-government relationships nationwide. Mr. Kirkland holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Georgia. He has been recognized with several distinguished honors, including the University of Georgia’s Top 40 Under 40 Award, designation as an Eagle Scout, and appointment to the White House Commission on Presidential Scholars.
