CHADRON, Neb. — Nearly 160 Chadron State College graduates were recognized Friday during Winter Commencement in the Chicoine Center.

The opening moment of reflection was offered by Alyssa Springer of Indianola, Nebraska, and the closing moment of reflection was offered by Harley Rhoades of Douglas, Wyoming.

Brandon Hall, a 22-year Marine Corps veteran and Colorado educator, delivered a commencement speech to the graduates Friday that blended personal anecdotes, life lessons, and a call to embrace life’s unpredictable journey.

Hall, who earned his teaching degree in secondary education from Western Colorado University, expressed gratitude for his time at a small Division II college, crediting it with providing him with a personalized education and a sense of belonging.

“We share a bond, you and I,” said Hall, who was recalling his undergraduate experience. “It taught me the value of a personalized education and made me feel seen and heard in a way that shaped who I am today.”

He thanked the graduates for staying in the fight and encouraged them to embrace life’s unexpected twists, challenges, and opportunities.

“We need you and your wisdom now more than ever,” he said.

Hall recounted his enlistment in the Marine Corps in March 2001, during his senior year of college, a decision that led to a 22-year journey including deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. Reflecting on pivotal moments, he described being a recruit at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego on Sept. 11, 2001, when he heard the news about the terrorist attacks.

“That day changed the trajectory of my life,” he said. “For many, it’s now a distant memory or a paragraph in a history book. But for me, it was a defining moment.”

He emphasized the importance of storytelling in inspiring and connecting others across generations.

“Your stories help to define you,” Hall said. “The events that shape you will first have meaning for you before they inspire others. My hope for you is that you live a life filled with purpose, resilience, and curiosity — a life worth sharing.”

Hall encouraged the graduates to take pride in their accomplishments and challenged them to create lives that generate meaningful stories they can share with their families in the future. He said he recently became a grandfather, and his granddaughter, Freya, influenced his speech.

“I originally planned to talk about endurance, and the need to live your best life. It was an epic speech that dove deep into motivational quotes. We were going to get super hyped and I am sure you might have been standing on your seats. But Freya reminded me of something even more important: the legacy we leave behind and the stories that we will tell our grandchildren,” Hall said.