MVNU celebrates 66th commencement, awards 565 diplomas

MOUNT VERNON, Ohio — Mount Vernon Nazarene University celebrated its 66th commencement May 9, awarding 565 diplomas during two ceremonies highlighting academic achievement, Christian service and leadership rooted in faith.

The university conferred degrees on 241 undergraduate students in the College of Arts and Sciences and 324 undergraduate and graduate students in the College of Adult and Professional Studies. Graduates represented programs across the university and joined MVNU’s global alumni network serving in education, ministry, health care, business, counseling and nonprofit leadership.

Weekend begins with baccalaureate service

Commencement weekend began Friday evening with MVNU’s traditional baccalaureate service in the R.R. Hodges Chapel/Auditorium. The service brought graduates, families, faculty and friends together for worship and reflection before commencement day.

In his welcome, MVNU President Dr. Carson Castleman reminded students that commencement is both a celebration of achievement and a moment of spiritual reflection.

“We gather tonight to celebrate accomplishments, yes, but even more importantly to place them in the presence of the Lord,” Castleman said. “This moment is not simply about what you have achieved, but who you are becoming.”

Featured speaker Rev. Nathan Ward urged graduates to ground their identity in Christ and commit to faithful service. Ward, who has served in pastoral ministry for nearly 47 years, spoke drawing from Romans 11 to emphasize God’s greatness and goodness.

“What you believe about God is the most important thing about you,” Rev. Ward said, quoting missionary Elisabeth Elliot.

He challenged graduates to resist shifting cultural values and instead anchor their lives in Scripture. “Get God’s Word in you,” he said, rather than simply reading it casually.

Rev. Ward also encouraged continued growth beyond graduation, immediate involvement in a local church, and lives poured out in service.

“This is not the end,” he said. “This is just a transition along your ever-bending road of life.”

Dr. Davey challenges graduates to lead with compassion

During Saturday’s commencement ceremonies, the keynote address was delivered by Dr. Randall Davey, a member of MVNU’s Pioneer class, longtime pastor, educator and financial adviser, who last spoke at the university’s first commencement more than five decades ago.

Dr. Davey called graduates to lives marked by compassion, humility and curiosity, distilling his message into three challenges.

“Be kind; be curious; and be loving,” Dr. Davey said, “all three of which are desperately needed in a country where civility has given way to rancor, division and hate.”

Dr. Davey challenged graduates to remain lifelong learners and to approach others with humility and compassion, even in moments of disagreement.

“Curiosity keeps us growing,” he said. “Kindness keeps us human. Love keeps us connected to God and to one another.”

“The world does not simply need more successful people,” Dr. Davey continued. “It needs people of integrity, compassion and faith who are willing to serve others well.”

For the 565 graduates crossing the stage, the day represented not only the completion of their degrees, but also the continuation of MVNU’s motto: “To seek to learn is to seek to serve.” Dr. Castleman challenged graduates to carry the university’s mission into their professions, churches and communities.

“For 58 years, this institution has prepared students to seek truth, serve faithfully and lead courageously,” Dr. Castleman said. “Today, you become part of that continuing story. … Remember that you are not just graduates but ambassadors of knowledge, compassion and faith. May you be beacons of hope, agents of positive change and ambassadors of God’s grace in a world that yearns for light and love.”

Graduates Sent Forward With Charge to Serve

As the ceremonies concluded, Rev. Brad Kochis, MVNU’s Chief Development Officer, reminded graduates that commencement marks them joining the university’s growing alumni community and stepping into the next chapter of leadership and service.

“Go forth as salt and light in a dark world,” Kochis said during the closing benediction. “May you walk humbly, love deeply, lead boldly and trust fully in the one who holds your future.”

Baccalaureate service and commencement ceremonies are available for viewing at portal.stretchinternet.com/mvnuadmin/ and select On Demand. For photos from MVNU’s commencement weekend, visit flickr.com/mvnumarketing/albums/.

To learn more about MVNU’s traditional and online programs, visit mvnu.edu.