On Saturday, Heidelberg University celebrated the accomplishments of nearly 300 graduate and undergrad students at Commencement, held for the first time in the university’s new and spacious Frann’s Fieldhouse.
As new alumni, the graduates are following the footsteps of 15,687 Heidelberg alumni, including Heidelberg’s oldest living alum, Lenore VanGundia Costello, who received her degree 86 years ago, in 1938. Lenore is still energetic, living in Florida, at age 109.
“To all graduating students and their families, please know how much we admire your spirit and hard work to reach this life goal,” President Rob Huntington told the grads. “You have built many close relationships here. Please continue to make Heidelberg stronger through all of your connections and by returning.”
Expressing his appreciation for the central role of Heidelberg faculty for “teaching, advising, guiding and mentoring our students,” Rob extended special recognition to Dr. Pam Faber, who is retiring after 39 years as Professor of Biology.
Commencement keynote speaker Alison Marker, President and CEO of Marker Construction Inc., encouraged Heidelberg’s Class of ’26 to “stay human,” reminding graduates that empathy, curiosity and authentic connection are leadership strengths in a rapidly changing world shaped by AI and uncertainty.
Inspiring words
In keeping with Heidelberg tradition and the theme of resilience, compassion, opportunities and shared experiences, two graduates – Haylie Sewell, representing graduate students, and Abigail Stine, representing undergrads – were selected to address their classmates.
Representing the MBA program with her speech Embracing Change, Celebrating Success,” Haylie spoke about the challenges of balancing coursework, work, and personal responsibilities in an online learning environment that demanded independence, accountability, and adaptability. While the experience often felt isolating, she said it also strengthened students in unexpected ways.
“This isn’t just a graduation; it’s the result of years of effort, late nights, challenges, personal growth, and even stressing about our Turn-It-In scores,” she said.
Haylie encouraged classmates to celebrate every accomplishment, no matter how small, and to resist comparing their journeys to others. Instead, she emphasized the importance of supporting and celebrating the success of those around them.
“We didn’t go through this program competing against each other – we went through it together,” she said. “When one of us succeeds, it’s not a comparison point; it’s proof of what’s possible.”
She reminded graduates that discomfort and uncertainty are often necessary parts of growth, urging them to move forward with confidence, authenticity, and pride in their individual paths.
Representing undergrads, Abbie, a Biology major with a Chemistry minor, echoed many of the same themes, centering her speech, When the Light Returns, on the idea of growth that happens quietly – through setbacks, doubt, friendships and perseverance.
Using the April 2024 solar eclipse as a metaphor, Abbie reflected on the uncertainty many students experienced during college and how moments of darkness often reveal growth in hindsight.
“For a few minutes, everything paused,” she said of the eclipse. “And slowly, the light faded. It was beautiful. A little eerie. A little emotional.”
Abbie shared her own struggles recovering from multiple surgeries while managing demanding coursework and the loss of confidence that followed. Through those challenges, she learned that growth is not defined by perfection, achievement, or titles, but by continuing to show up.
“Sometimes growth isn’t about winning,” she said. “Sometimes it’s about continuing.”
She reminded classmates that many had faced moments of doubt, setbacks, and imposter syndrome during their time at Heidelberg, but Commencement served as proof of how far they had come.
“Commencement, by definition, means beginning,” Abbie said. “The growth we experienced here – intellectual, emotional, communal – doesn’t stay behind on this campus. It travels with us.”
Commencement by the numbers
In all, 196 undergrads received Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Music, and Bachelor of Science in Nursing degrees. A total of 82 graduate students received their master’s degrees in Business Administration, Counseling, and Athletic Training.
Old traditions, revamped
Despite a new venue this year, as classes before them have done for many years, the Class of ’26 processed to the ceremony, albeit on a new route from Saurwein Health & Wellness Center to Frann’s Fieldhouse. Leading the procession was the class’s newly revealed banner.
As each graduate walked across the stage to receive their diploma, Dr. Chris Abrams, Dean of Student Affairs, and Ashley Helmstetter, Vice President of Advancement, Marketing, Alumni, and Community Relations, presented them with a white rose to convey the university’s respect, friendship, hope, and love as they continue their journey.
The village makes it happen
During major milestone events like Commencement, the entire campus community comes together to make them happen.
Special music was provided by the Heidelberg University Symphonic Band, under the direction of Dr. Ben Herrick, and the Concert Choir, under the direction of Dr. Gregory Ramsdell. Graduating senior Sarah Jewell led the singing of the National Anthem and junior Jerahmy Marshall performed the anthem Lift Every Voice and Sing. Graduating senior Cole Miller led the singing of Sweet Alma Home to conclude the ceremony.
Graduating senior Ainsley Manger provided the invocation and Board of Trustees Chair Kathleen Geier ’78 assisted President Huntington in presenting honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degrees to the Rev. Beth Long-Higgins ’84, who delivered the Baccalaureate sermon on Friday, and CEO of National Machinery and Heidelberg Trustee Andrew Kalnow. Alison Marker received the honorary Doctor of Business Administration degree.