Southeast Hosts Commencement Ceremony May 15  

Winona and Red Wing, MN (May 7, 2026) – Minnesota State College Southeast will celebrate commencement on Friday, May 15 at 3 p.m. at Memorial Hall at Winona State University. The college will honor more than 450 new graduates and award more than 580 certificates, diplomas, and degrees. 

The commencement ceremony processional will be led by Southeast’s Outstanding Educator of the Year, John Huth, band instrument repair instructor. Huth was among the college and university educators recognized by Chancellor Scott Olson and the Minnesota State Board of Trustees at a statewide awards ceremony held in April. 

The ceremony will also feature student speaker Laura Scott, who is graduating with her associates of applied science degree in business management. Originally from Le Sueur, Minnesota, Scott returned to college after a 10-year hiatus but never lost sight of her goal to earn an advanced degree.  

Jason Bystrom, a 2010 graduate from Southeast’s Band Instrument Repair program, is the recipient of the college’s 2026 Outstanding Alumni Award. Bystrom is co-owner of Red Wing Music and is recognized as a master technician in brass instrument repair, locally and nationally. He regularly volunteers his time to mentor students in the band instrument repair program and serves on the program’s advisory board. 

Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system Chancellor Scott Olson will attend this year’s ceremony, to honor Southeast President, Dr. Marsha Danielson, who is retiring June 30. 

“Commencement is the single most important day of year for all of us at Southeast,” said President Danielson. “It represents the culmination of our students’ persistence and hard work and provides an opportunity to celebrate their accomplishment with friends and loved ones.” 

Commencement Quick Reference: 

Minnesota State College Southeast’s 2026 Commencement Ceremony 

Friday, May 15 at 3 p.m. 

Memorial Hall, 175 Mark Street 

Winona State University, Winona, MN 

Please note: Graduates must arrive at 2 p.m. to line up for the processional. 

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