Mount Marty graduates 22

This story is from The Watertown Current written by Brandon Helm on April 27, 2026. Used with permission.

Twenty-two Lancers received diplomas as Mount Marty University - Watertown held commencement on Saturday, April 25, at Immaculate Conception Church in Watertown.

Dr. Melissa Meidinger, MMU adjunct faculty and regional director of the Small Business Development Center, gave the address. She acknowledged the graduates' "years of hard work, late nights, perseverance, grit, and growth." Additionally, she urged them to continue the pursuit of a life well-lived and focus on faith, family, friends, and meaningful work.

"Be bold enough to live your life, not someone else's," said Meidinger. "Delight the world with all that you are."

The student address was given by Ally Helle, a psychology graduate from Watertown. She expressed congratulations to her fellow graduates, as well as their gratitude to MMUW professors.

"Mount Marty gave us more than a degree. It gave us community... it gave us mentors, classmates, friendships, and moments of grace," Helle said. "You belong here, and you have family here."

A number of awards were presented based on the school's Catholic Benedictine principles. Allison Geffre was given the Awareness of God Award. Bianca Fonder was presented with the Community Award. Francisco Ortega won the Hospitality Award. The Lifelong Learning Award honored Lindsey Dorosh. 

Music was provided by Brian Ries on organ, and a special musical selection was performed by the Watertown High School Arrow Choir. The invocation was delivered by graduate Lonnie Kleinsasser, and the benediction was delivered by Dorosh.

Conferring the degrees was Mount Marty University President Mark Brown. This was Brown's first commencement after assuming the presidency of the 90-year -old school earlier this year.

Graduates include:

• Alexis Alexander, Brandon, Business Administration
• Lindsey Dorosh, Wilmot, Elementary Education
• Bianca Founder, Watertown, Human Service
• Allison Gefre, Watertown, Psychology
• Olivia Hansen, Wheaton, Minn., Accounting
• Aron Haug, Sisseton, Business Administration
• Ally Helle, Watertown, Psychology
• Ryder Johnson, Castlewood, Elementary Education
• Lonnie Kleinsasser, Watertown, Business Administration
• Hunter Lee, Clark, Accounting
• Shantel Mack, Watertown, Psychology
• Shantel Matejek, Watertown, Elementary Education
• Jahna Meester, Watertown, Elementary Education
• Samuel Olson, Watertown, Accounting
• Francisco Ortega, Milbank, Accounting
• Sarah Petersen, Watertown, Psychology
• Robby Poore, Watertown, Psychology 
• Kate-Lyn Redlinger, Watertown, Psychology
• Britanie Sander, Gary, Business Administration
• Sarah Schake, Castlewood, Business Administration
• Miranda Schlecht, Canby, Minn., Elementary Education
• Alexis Stinton, Castlewood, Technical Management