In anticipation of completing their undergraduate experience at Olivet Nazarene University, members of the Class of 2026 spent the first week of May finalizing papers, studying for exams, and wrapping up projects and presentations before celebrating with senior week activities.
Throughout the week, many academic departments hosted award, pinning and commissioning ceremonies to honor the accomplishments of graduating seniors including the Department of Social Work, the Department of Education, the School of Nursing, the McGraw School of Business, the Department of Mathematics and the University Honors Program.
On Friday, May 8, the campus community gathered for the Baccalaureate service in Hawkins Centennial Chapel to worship together to celebrate the accomplishments of the 2026 graduate candidates. Special music was provided by the University Band, under the direction of Matthew Stratton, D.M., Orpheus Choir, under the direction of Jeff Bell ’81, D.M. and the University Orchestra, conducted by Marvin Jones, Ed.D.
Filimão M. Chambo, Ph.D., general superintendent for the Church of the Nazarene, provided the invocation and graduate candidate, Xochitl Arroyo read 2 Timothy 3:14-17.
Two outstanding graduate candidates, Hannah Mindak and Eli Edwards, were asked to share their testimonies of how their years at Olivet were impactful on their lives. Hannah majored in elementary education and Eli majored in psychology.
“Since coming to Olivet, I have been blessed with the most tremendous opportunities,” Hannah reflected. “I’ve done far beyond what I ever could have dreamed of, but most important of all, I have seen that no matter what I think, no matter the doubts that I have, no matter if I can see the end or not, God’s way is the best way — all the time… This is not always easy in the moment and it can be hard to see purpose when we go through. But know that God will be with you through every second of it… You don’t have to have it all figured out, all you have to do is be open to what He has in store, and take the time to find meaning in the little things along the way.”
“What was most impactful about my four years here was that this was the place that my faith became real,” Eli said. “God pursued me — through people on this campus, through conversations I didn’t expect, through moments where I was confronted in the best ways possible… This community didn’t just show me the positive, perfect side of following Jesus — I wasn’t left naïve to the reality that the enemy is constantly pursuing me as well… We don’t have the luxury of a half-hearted effort or unintentional living when there’s a massive battle raging for our attention, our identities, and our devotion… Will you help me take back our generation for the glory of God? Will you help me look after orphans and widows in their need? Will you take up your cross and willing chose discomfort for the sake of the Gospel? If not us, ONU seniors, then who will?”
University President, Gregg A. Chenoweth ’90 then recognized 1961 graduate, Duane Pierce, with a presentation of the Presidential Medallion for his legacy of investing in the futures of Olivet students through generous scholarship support.
Graduate candidate Gracie Amburgey, introduced Dr. Chenoweth, who offered a baccalaureate sermon message to inspire the graduates to consider the calling God has placed on their lives through both a personal commission and a spiritual calling.
At the end of the message, Dr. Chenoweth had the faculty and members of the board of Trustees, who were strategically seated around the entire room, stand and make eye contact with one of the senior students in the room before leading them in a commissioning statement.
“In a moment, we’ll raise our hands toward you…” he said. “It’s an ancient ritual, it’s a loving posture of intercession between God and the one we want to bless. When we raise your hands toward you, we’re asking God to see you, because we see you, and to direct his favor upon the ones that we see.”
The benediction for the service was given by University Chaplain Ryan Green.
The 113th Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 9, marked the academic achievements of this class with the conferral of 526 bachelor’s degrees in Hawkins Centennial Chapel.
Following the processional of the faculty and the candidates, the National Anthem was sung by graduate Ana Quezada.
Guest speakers included Dawn Schwarzkopf, Ed.D., mother of graduate Trey Schwarzkopf, who gave the invocation; Matt Marcukaitis ’18/’22 MBA, father of graduate Sydney Marcukaitis, who read the scripture, Mathew 6: 19-33; and Dr. Chambo, who provided the commencement address.
“God is actively restoring, renewing and redeeming his creation, and He invites you to participate in that work,” said Dr. Chambo. “One of the most important things you have learned at Olivet is that vocation is more than job. Too often we imagine God’s work as something that happens in the church, but the mission of God is far broader… Here’s your calling: bring integrity where there is compromise; bring compassion where there is indifference; bring humanity in an age of artificial intelligence; bring hope where there is despair; and bring Christ’s presence into every place He sends you. Your life will speak!”
Vice President for Academic Affairs Stephen Lowe ’88, Ph.D. then presented the graduate candidates for conferral to Dr. Chenoweth. Dr. Lowe also presented a special posthumous bachelor of science degree in pastoral ministry given to the family of Sean Curbow.
Following the conferral of the undergraduate degrees, ten graduates were commissioned by Lieutenant Colonel Alex Moen as second lieutenants in the United States Army. These included Shania Camacho, Roberde Celine, Levi Counterman, Justus Fenn, Jordan Hildreth, Abram Irions, Kira Long, Chinelo Mogbo, Grant Rix and Dana Williams.
Ron Hyson ’76 Ph.D., as the chosen representative of the 50-year class, charged the graduating class with encouragement and a blessing.
“God’s word is filled with dreamers, risk takers, many of whom weren’t sure they were quite up for the task for what he wanted them to do,” Dr. Hyson said. “God used them to accomplish what often seemed impossible… My charge to you is to make three commitments: Serve God with abandon, with your whole heart; serve others with joy, and let that joy fill your life; and give your whole self to realizing the dream that God has planted in your heart. Dream big!”
Dr. Lowe also announced Anne Figus, Ed.D., PMP with the Richard M. Jones Faculty Award for Teaching Excellence, and Jon Seals ’03, MFA with the Samuel L. Mayhugh Award for Scholarly Excellence.
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Vice President for Student Development Jason Stephens, Ph.D., recognized Sadie Blaszczyk and Kyle Neuber as recipients of the Maggie Sloan Crawford and Robert Milner awards for outstanding female and male graduates. Sadie and Kyle both majored in biology.
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The ceremony concluded with the singing of the Alma Mater, led by Dr. Neal Woodruff ’91, and the benediction given by Chris Shride ’93, J.D., father of graduate Makenzie Shride.
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In a separate commencement ceremony on Saturday afternoon, 252 graduate and continuing studies degrees were conferred. Matt McBurnie ’96 MBA, vice president of public relations and communication at Riverside Healthcare, provided the commencement address.
During the ceremony, Cathy Dillinger ’16 MSN, Ph.D., associate dean of the School of Nursing, presented Jeff Williamson ’84, Ed.D. with the Willis E. Snowbarger Award for Teaching Excellence. Dr. Dillinger also presented 2026 MBA graduate Alex Lavens with the Ralph E. Perry Award for Student Excellence.
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To watch recordings of the baccalaureate service, or the undergraduate or graduate commencement ceremonies, click here.
To learn more about Olivet’s undergraduate and graduate degree programs, visit Olivet.edu/Academics.
