MVNU graduates 421 in 65th Ceremony

MOUNT VERNON, Ohio — In a celebration of academic achievement, Mount Vernon Nazarene University proudly recognized 421 graduates during its 65th Commencement ceremonies on May 3, 2025, in the R.R. Hodges Chapel/Auditorium. The ceremonies celebrated the achievements of both traditional on-campus students and those who completed online programs through the School of Graduate and Professional Studies and the International Executive Studies programs.

MVNU President Dr. Carson Castleman expressed his pride in this year’s graduating class and all they’ve accomplished.

“Today marks a significant milestone in your academic journey — a momentous occasion where your hard work, your perseverance, and your dedication culminate,” Dr. Castleman said. “I know that each of you will begin to take up the beacon of light and be a vessel of knowledge and wisdom, prepared to embark on the path ahead. Your accomplishments and your achievements testify to your resilience and your commitment to excellence.

“As we stop today and reflect on your hard work, I’m reminded of Philippians 4:13, ‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.’ I declare that you are equipped with the strength and the courage to face the challenges and the opportunities that await you! Let this scripture serve as a reminder with faith and determination and the grace of God that you can overcome any obstacle and achieve greatness as you leave. May you carry the values of integrity, compassion, and service to others.”

Commencement speaker Ked Frank (’99) followed Dr. Castleman’s sentiment, charging the graduates to take what they’ve learned and build on the foundation.

“Graduates go! Go, go, go, go! And take what this place has invested in you and build on it. Go into this divide and bring the goodness of God wherever he leads you,” said Frank, president and founder of Safe Places for Women. “Remember these three things, be grateful. Be people of gratitude because there’s a lot of people that have invested in you to get you to this point of sitting in this seat today. Be humble. We’re always growing. We’re always learning. We’re always evolving. And the third one is to be willing. Be grateful. Be humble. Be willing and find where God is at work and join him. It is the key to making an impact. It is the key to fulfillment — find where God is at work. Go through the doors that he’s opening for you.”

Baccalaureate

On Friday night, the Baccalaureate Service was held, featuring Dr. Gary Sivewright. Sivewright is the former chaplain and vice president of Mount Vernon Nazarene University, where he also served as professor of Christian education.

Sivewright challenged the graduates to look for the miracles in every situation and to trust in God.

“Here is my prayer for you, Class of 2025. I hope you’ve learned to expect great things from God because you know He can. And when you leave this place, I hope you find a (place) that is seeing God do miracles on a regular basis,” said Sivewright. “If you can’t find a community like that, then you be the instigator of that kind of spirit that trusts God when everyone else has given up. I trust that MVNU has been a place of healing, a place of hope and a place where you have been set free to accomplish whatever it was that God created you to do. And when you leave this place, my prayer is that you will be one of those who will take the time to set others free from whatever bondage their lives have placed them in.

“Finally, I hope you’ve found your identity while here at MVNU. As hard as you have worked, you’ve got to know the degree you have earned doesn’t define you as a person. The friends you’ve made, as close as you might be, do not determine your worth. Whatever opportunities that lie ahead for you in the future do not mean that you personally have value. I hope you’ve discovered that whether you experience success or failure, friends encourage you or let you down, and your future is bright or a little on the cloudy side, Jesus is enough for you.”

Commencement ceremonies are available for viewing on demand at mvnu.tv. To view photos from the weekend, visit flickr.com/photos/mvnumarketing/.