Olivet University Celebrates 2026 Commencement

June 22, 2026

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On June 20, 2026, Olivet University celebrated its 2026 Commencement Ceremony at the Riverside Campus, marking an important milestone for graduates, their families, faculty, and the wider university community.

The ceremony recognized students who completed undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs and celebrated their years of academic achievement, spiritual formation, and preparation for lives of service and leadership.

The ceremony was led by Academic Dean Dr. Joseph Lee, who served as Master of Ceremonies. Following the processional, Dr. Hosea Yang led the opening song, and Dr. William Wagner, Director of the Olivet Institute for Global Strategic Studies, delivered the invocation.

University President Dr. Jonathan Park welcomed graduates and guests and reflected on the meaning of commencement as both a celebration and a new beginning.

"When you first came to OU, we said 'Come and hear all you who fear God. Let me tell you what He has done for us.' OU has become a living testimony that our Lord Jesus Christ is the resurrection and life, and I pray that these countless stories of the amazing work of God can be continued to be told both within OU and to the rest of the world."

The Commencement Address was delivered by Dr. Merril Smoak, faculty member of the Zinzendorf School of Doctoral Studies, following an introduction by Dr. Joseph Ray Tallman, Director of the Olive Branch Institute for Islamic Understanding. Dr. Smoak encouraged graduates as they move into the next chapter of their lives and vocations, citing Proverbs 3:56.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths. You are already living out the basics of this promise."

The conferring of the degrees proceeded in the order of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs, followed by the presentation of graduates and the official pronouncement of graduation by University President.

Enmei Zuo, graduating with a B.A. in Theology degree, was the student speaker of the year. After Dr. Christy Tran, Associate Dean of Olivet Theological College & Seminary introduced her, Zuo shared with her fellow graduating class.

"We came here not only for the degree, but to formed by the Word and made into people who can serve Christ and his church. This graduation is not the end but the beginning - of entering the mission fields to save one more soul. So let's go, let us be filled with the Holy Sprit and let the Lord work through us!"

The graduating class followed the tradition of gifting an olive tree, which was planted on the ground. This year, Olivet University presented its first community service award to graduates who excelled in living out the education in practice. Graduates Yujin Yang and Heeyeon Kim were selected to receive this award, presented by the Dr. Nathanael Tran, Chairman of the Board of Trustees.

The Commencement concluded with the benediction delivered by Dr. Donald Tinder, Dean of the Zinzendorf School of Doctoral Studies.

As the Class of 2026 begins its next season, Olivet University celebrates the accomplishments of its graduates and looks forward to the ways they will serve and contribute in communities around the world.

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