MOUNT VERNON, Ohio — Mount Vernon Nazarene University celebrated its 66th commencement May 9, awarding 565 diplomas during two ceremonies that challenged graduates to lead lives rooted in faith, compassion and service.
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.
Throughout commencement weekend, speakers repeatedly returned to MVNU’s motto, “To seek to learn is to seek to serve,” encouraging graduates to carry lives of faith and purpose into their professions, churches and communities.
Weekend begins with baccalaureate service
Commencement weekend began Friday evening with MVNU’s traditional baccalaureate service in the R.R. Hodges Chapel/Auditorium.
MVNU President Dr. Carson Castleman opened the service by reminding graduates that commencement represents more than academic successes.
“We gather tonight to celebrate accomplishments, yes, but even more importantly to place them in the presence of the Lord,” Dr. Castleman said. “This moment is not simply about what you have achieved, but who you are becoming.”
Featured speaker Rev. Nathan Ward encouraged graduates to ground their identity in Christ and remain anchored in Scripture as they enter the next chapter of life.
“What you believe about God is the most important thing about you,” Rev. Ward said, quoting missionary Elisabeth Elliot.
Rev. Ward challenged students to resist being shaped by shifting cultural values and instead allow God to shape their lives.
“Get God’s Word in you,” Rev. Ward said. “This is not the end. This is just a transition along your ever-bending road of life.”
Dr. Davey urges graduates to “Lead With Compassion”
During Saturday’s ceremonies, keynote speaker Dr. Randall Davey, a member of MVNU’s Pioneer class, longtime pastor, educator and financial adviser, returned to campus more than five decades after speaking at the university’s first commencement.
Dr. Davey encouraged graduates to pursue lives marked by humility, compassion and lifelong learning.
“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.”
He urged graduates to remain lifelong learners and approach others with humility and grace.
“Curiosity keeps us growing,” Dr. Davey said. “Kindness keeps us human. Love keeps us connected to God and to one another.”
Dr. Davey reminded graduates that the world needs more than achievement alone.
“The world does not simply need more successful people,” he said. “It needs people of integrity, compassion and faith who are willing to serve others well.”
Dr. Castleman echoed that challenge as he reflected on the significance of MVNU’s 66th commencement ceremony.
“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.”
He encouraged graduates to carry the university’s mission forward as “ambassadors of knowledge, compassion and faith.”
University recognizes students, faculty and staff
While graduates remained the focus of the weekend, MVNU also recognized several individuals whose lives and work embodied the university’s mission.
Brianna Rider and Bryce Bosworth received MVNU’s annual Service Above Self Awards, honoring students who exemplify servant leadership and Christian character.
“Brianna consistently leads with humility, compassion and grace,” Dr. Castleman said. “She has used her gifts to uplift others and strengthen the spiritual life of the MVNU community.”
Of Bosworth, Dr. Castleman said, “Bryce has modeled what it means to serve faithfully behind the scenes while investing deeply in people.”
Professor Scott Hardwick received the 2025-26 Excellence in Teaching Award for his commitment to student learning and mentorship.
“Professor Hardwick challenges students to think critically while also making them feel seen, supported and encouraged,” Dr. Castleman said.
MVNU also presented Presidential Outstanding Leadership Awards to Dr. Krishana White, Dr. Brenita Nicholas-Edwards and David Baker for their investment in the university and the broader Church of the Nazarene.
“These individuals represent the very best of our university community,” Dr. Castleman said. “Their leadership, service and commitment to others reflect the mission and values that define Mount Vernon Nazarene University.”
Honorary degrees recognize lifetimes of influence
The ceremonies also honored three longtime leaders whose influence has shaped MVNU, the church and countless students over decades.
Head Baseball Coach Keith Veale received an Honorary Doctor of the University degree in recognition of a career that includes more than 1,000 wins and decades of mentorship through MVNU athletics.
Rev. Douglas Scott Wyatt received an Honorary Doctor of Divinity degree for more than 30 years of ministry leadership and service to the Church of the Nazarene and MVNU.
Rev. David B. Lutz, an MVNU alumnus, also received an Honorary Doctor of Divinity degree in recognition of more than 35 years of ministry leadership and discipleship.
Graduates sent forward
As commencement ceremonies concluded, Rev. Brad Kochis, Chief Development Officer at MVNU, reminded the 565 graduates that commencement is more than the completion of a degree. It marked the beginning of lives shaped by faith, learning and a calling to serve others well.
“Go forth as salt and light in a dark world,” Rev. 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/.