Eastern Mennonite University awarded 313 degrees during its 108th annual Commencement on Sunday, May 3. The total included 171 undergraduate degrees, 129 graduate degrees, 10 seminary degrees, and three doctor of nursing practice (DNP) degrees. The university’s 304 graduates represented 23 states, Puerto Rico, and 15 countries.
Commencement address
Dr. Angela J. Lederach, assistant professor of peace and justice studies at Chapman University, delivered the Commencement address in Yoder Arena.
The author and anthropologist, whose father, John Paul Lederach, co-founded the Center for Justice and Peacebuilding, spoke about the lessons she’s learned from peacebuilders and CJP alumni around the world.
Undergraduates Dylan Hall and Arelys Martinez Fabian, along with MA in Counseling graduate Yenifer Dottin-Carter ’23, presented the graduate perspectives.
This was Rev. Dr. Shannon W. Dycus’ first Commencement as interim president.
Celebration of Blessings
The Center for Justice and Peacebuilding sent 17 graduates into the world with words of tribute during its annual Celebration of Blessings on Sunday afternoon, following Commencement. This year marks the 30th anniversary celebration of the CJP.
Graduates LaToya Fernandez, Jamila Gaskins, Hannah Gilman, and Jacob Sankara offered their perspectives.
Graduate Celebration and Sending
EMU honored members of the Class of 2026 at its Graduate Celebration and Sending service on Saturday evening in Lehman Auditorium.
The event featured a faculty address by Dr. Tara Kishbaugh, senior class salutations from co-presidents Genesis Figueroa and Arelys Martinez Fabian, and the presentation of the senior class gift, along with prayer, music, and poetry from graduates.
Donning of the Kente
Family, friends, faculty, and other supporters gathered in the MainStage Theater on Saturday to honor the perseverance, compassion, and determination of this year’s graduates at EMU’s 11th annual Donning of the Kente Ceremony.
The event recognized 49 graduates celebrating their African and international heritage.
Nurse Pinning
Sixteen EMU nursing graduates marked a major milestone Saturday morning during a pinning and commissioning ceremony in Lehman Auditorium.
Dr. David Rosie, an emergency medicine physician at Sentara RMH Medical Center in Harrisonburg, delivered the keynote address.
Lavender Graduation
EMU recognized 11 graduates at its fifth annual Lavender Graduation on Friday evening in the Old Common Grounds space. The ceremony honors LGBTQ+ graduates and alumni while celebrating their unique experiences, achievements, and contributions to the university.
Sarah Peak and Jamila Gaskins delivered the keynote addresses.
EMU at Lancaster will award 21 undergraduate degrees, 13 graduate degrees, and 13 graduate certificates at its Commencement ceremony on Friday, May 8, at 7 p.m. at Forest Hills Mennonite Church in Leola, Pennsylvania. Lancaster Mayor Jaime Arroyo will deliver the address.
Stay tuned for a recap of the Lancaster ceremony.
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