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Four South ��ֱ���� State University recent and soon-to-be graduates will be featured speakers at the university’s 139th commencement on May 10 at First Bank & Trust Arena.
 
SDSU will have three ceremonies as more than 1,700 students plan to walk across the stage for their degrees. 
 
The student speakers at each of the ceremonies include:
 
 

10 a.m. ceremony 

Samuel Hadacek
 
Coming from Mount Solon, Virginia, Samuel Hadacek majored in economics with an agricultural specialization.
 
As the son of two veterinarians and growing up on a farm, Hadacek has always had a keen interest in the agricultural industry, how its markets work and its biggest issues. This interest drove him to South ��ֱ���� State, where he was involved in the Economics Club and was a Ness School of Management and Economics contestant at the International Food and Agribusiness Management Association’s case competition. Hadacek participated in the Hult Prize Challenge, where he and three other student leaders traveled to Nairobi, Kenya, to pitch their startup, Agri-Cycle Innovations. Hadacek also took two trips abroad to West Africa to study developing agricultural economies.
 
Since graduating from SDSU in fall 2024, Hadacek has spent time managing the family farm and working for the Virginia Cattlemen’s Association. He hopes to continue working in policy while preparing to pursue a master’s degree in economics.
 
He advised current students to build as many connections as they can, pursue mentorships and internships, and study abroad if they can.
 
“SDSU has changed my life forever, and so much for the better. I can think of a million places that I could have gone for college, but I never would have had the experiences that I have gotten had it not been for SDSU,” Hadacek said.
 
2 p.m. ceremony 

Pierre Lear
 
Pierre Lear, originally from Watertown, is a passionate educator, athlete and leader dedicated to personal growth and empowering others to succeed. As a graduate teaching assistant in the sport and recreation management program at SDSU, he is committed to creating meaningful learning experiences that inspire his students. Now graduating with his master’s degree in sport and recreation administration, he aspires to pursue a Ph.D. and ultimately become a university professor, leaving a lasting impact in both academia and athletics. 

In addition to his academic pursuits, he is a Division I hurdler, training with the goal of competing in the 110-meter hurdles at the regional and national meets in June, with a long-term vision of qualifying for the 2028 Olympics. 

Outside of athletics and academics, he leads a Bible study. His commitment to leadership, community and faith has profoundly shaped his journey. He strives for excellence in all areas of his life and is dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of those around him. 

“I’ve been very grateful to be here for six years,” Lear said. “I came here with a lot of hopes and dreams, but SDSU has helped me to channel that, to be very people-centered. I think my time here has only improved the skills I had, to be better than my weaknesses.”
 
 

Carley Mullins
 
Carley Mullins, originally from Algona, Iowa, is the daughter of Greg and Brenda Mullins. She is a recent graduate of the SDSU College of Nursing and the School of American and Global Studies. 

On campus, Mullins has been involved in many capacities. She served as a secretary and vice president for the Van D. and Barbara B. Fishback Honors College Student Organization. Mullins dedicated multiple years to LeadState, a program designed to foster student leadership, as a student coach and coordinator. Mullins also volunteered as a teacher for SDSU’s Public Humanities Initiative English as a Second Language program, which utilizes language to form connections within the Brookings community and beyond. 

Passionate about health care, Mullins is pursuing a career in nursing with a special interest in nurse education. Her research explores the impact of peer evaluation on student clinical skill retention, confidence and behavioral change. 
 
She’s grateful for the connections she’s made and opportunities she’s had at State.
 
“If you take the time to slow down … and listen to the people around you and be open-minded, you’d be surprised by the number of opportunities that are sitting around you, and you’re just not looking at them yet,” Mullins said.
 
6 p.m. ceremony 

Logan Tlam
 
Logan Tlam is from Mount Vernon, majoring in human biology with a minor in health sciences and on the premedicine track. During his time at SDSU, he has been involved in many student clubs and organizations. He serves as an Admissions Ambassador, is a student in the Van D. and Barbara B. Fishback Honors College, participates in anatomy research with the Snow Lab research team, and coaches women’s club volleyball.  

Tlam’s passion for science and health lies in whole-body medicinal approaches, preventative medicine and epidemiology. Furthermore, the connection between clinical application and undergraduate anatomy education led him to complete his honors capstone, titled “Case-Study Analysis and Clinical Review of Human Cadavers,” and present it at the 2024 National Collegiate Honors Council conference. 

Following graduation, Tlam will attend the University of Minnesota to pursue a master’s degree in integrative biology and physiology. Afterward, he hopes to attend medical school to become a physician and researcher.
 
“(SDSU) has been so impactful in my life, and I’ve tried to be intentional about giving something back to SDSU. I’m really going to miss those opportunities to do that, and I can’t wait for more opportunities to come in my future,” Tlam siad.
 
Find more information on spring 2025 graduation ceremonies and activities online.