Montana State University Seniors Celebrate Their Graduation

Thousands of family and friends gathered at Montana State University in Bozeman to see their seniors cap off their college years with two graduation ceremonies on Saturday.

NBC Montana says during the afternoon ceremony, business, engineering and science students funneled into the Brick Breeden Fieldhouse for their moment. School officials encouraged them to remember where they came from wherever they are heading.

It was a time to reflect, to look into the struggles and triumphs of the last four years and to sit in the satisfaction of accomplishment.

"It's been really incredible. MSU has been an incredible school to go to. I've had so many opportunities that I don't think I would have had anywhere else but here. So many great people supporting me," said one engineering graduate.

This is the 124th graduating class at Montana State. The school was founded in 1893 as a land-grant institution, where the federal government gave lands to the state to create places for public learning.

MSU is Montana's largest university with a near 16,000-student enrollment in Fall 2015.

Getting the diploma may mark the end of a journey, but it is the journey the students will cherish.

"It's been amazing. I've loved MSU. Being here, the campus, the school... I mean it's amazing, I love it," said Sam Pontillo.

These students will always be a part of the university's legacy. Whether they are staying here in Bozeman, heading across the country or around the world, they will always have a home with the friends and family they made here.