York University celebrated the Spring 2026 Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 2, in the Campbell Activity Center. Family and friends packed the seats to celebrate nearly 100 students crossing the stage to get their diplomas.
The University Singers opened the ceremony by leading attendees in the National Anthem before Dr. Darrel Sears, assistant professor of Bible, prayed over the special occasion. Dr. Steven Hardy, chair of the Department of English, read Proverbs 3:1-18. President Timothy Westbrook welcomed students and guests, highlighting not only the academic achievements of graduates but the intersection of students’ education and faith. “You have learned that human reflection without God is insufficient. At York University, you have had the chance not only to learn the skills and knowledge needed for your next jobs, but you have also had the opportunity to learn values and ethics. You haven’t just learned what to do—you’ve also learned to ask the questions, ‘Is it good?’ Is it right?”
President Westbrook then welcomed Tami Heim, CEO of Christian Leadership Alliance, to give the address. Heim reminded listeners that each individual has three gifts they alone are able to give to the world, the first being the gift of one’s presence. “We live in a world that’s connected, but deeply lonely,” Heim said. “Your presence is the first gift you give to this world.” She reminded listeners to shed their light in every situation they find themselves in, quoting Jim Elliot by saying, “Wherever you are, be all there.” Next, Heim reminded listeners of the gift of their words. She quoted 1 Peter, saying, “If anyone speaks, they should do so and speak the very words for God,” emphasizing that these words are not only applicable to preachers, but to all of us. She challenged everyone to “use your words to affirm the dignity of every person as being created and loved by God. Speak truth in love, especially in environments where truth is secondary to convenience.” Finally, she led graduates to think about the gift of their talents, and emphasized that we don't own our talents, but rather are simply stewards of them. She challenged graduates to recognize where their gifts came from and to use them to reflect the Creator: “You can live a life that’s so beautiful that I bet it would take God’s breath away to see you moving and reflecting Him in so many different ways.”
President Westbrook presents Todd Sheldon with a Doctorate of Humane Letters
President Westbrook presents Todd Sheldon with a Doctorate of Humane Letters
Dr. Shannon Leinen then gave awards and honors, first presenting the Dale R. Larsen Teacher of Achievement Award to Professor Kathryn Kurz for her outstanding work. She was nominated by fellow faculty who recognized her service and commitment to her students.
The title of Faculty Emeritus was awarded to Dr. Clark Roush for his decades of faithful service. Attendees stood and cheered as Dr. Roush accepted the title, with many in attendance being his former students.
To the surprise of attendees, Dr. Leinen then gave the stage to President Westbrook for the conferring of another award. Westbrook announced that a Doctorate of Humane Letters would be given to Todd Sheldon, York’s chief financial officer. This honorary degree is reserved for individuals who have not only gone above and beyond in their work but have also bettered their community and modeled a life of service. Westbrook presented the degree, saying, “Todd Sheldon has tirelessly and selflessly given 23 years. The campus we have today is, in many ways, sitting on his shoulders. During two and a half decades, he witnessed very extreme moments of the school’s history, yet through it all, he has been a rock of stability.”
Dr. Leinen returned to announce another rare honor, the York University Distinguished Achievement in Academics Award. This award, given only once before in 2018, recognizes exceptional contributions to YU academics. Dr. Roush was granted this award, having made significant impacts on and off campus.
Leinen also recognized both master's and bachelor's graduates who were wearing a medallion with a gold ribbon, signifying a cumulative 4.0 GPA. Graduates then lined up and crossed the stage one by one, receiving their diplomas from President Westbrook with a handshake and a smile.
The ceremony also marked a historic first for York University, celebrating the inaugural graduates of the Master of Healthcare Administration program.
Dr. Shannon Leinen presents Dr. Clark Roush with the Distinguished Achievement in Academics Award.
In his final moment conducting the choir, Dr. Roush led the University Singers in a rendition of “The Lord Bless You and Keep You.” To close, the attendees joined the choir in singing the alma mater, before Tim Lewis, assistant professor of business, gave the final benediction.
Tre and Jordeyn Burks with Dr. Dan Kelly
2026 Graduates:
M.A. Education: Clarissa May Araujo***, Katrina Kay Aycock, Breanna Joy Bembenek***, Wittni Boettcher***, Celestina M. Dean***, Ryan Eshleman, Suzanne Ljubica Grass***, Britney Lynn Johnson***, Madison Grace Montgomery, Michelle Rene Ming***, Claire Yon Payne***, Jennifer Phelps***, Alyssa Leona Pravecek***, Kendra D. Ritter***, Stacey Lynn Watts, Macy Wilkins***, Erin Marie Zabawa***.
M.A. Organizational & Global Leadership: Braden Matthew Austin, Gregory D. Bryant II, Lorna Isidora Campos Cartes***, Terri Lynn Carlson***, Ruben Colliander, Sofia Botelho Falcão***, Gracie Goldsmith, Rashid L. Green, Matias Madriaga Santibañez, Lena Elizabeth McCoy***, Brett Andrew Sorensen***.
M.A. Healthcare Administration: Jordeyn Rae Burks***, Olivia Marie Shannon***.
*** 4.0 GPA
Bachelor’s Degree: Olivia Louise Adams, Sariah Marie Ayala, Alvaro Ansede Fernandez***, Ariana Taiz Barcelo, Jaden Beske**, La’Kiya Bimbo*, Sergio Bueno, Jean Pierre Cabezas Ortiz**, Devin M. Carroll**, Paisly Jane Cleveland, Kensey L. Clifton, Mayah Jayne Colle***, Dave Dalge, Selvin Emilio De Leon Sanchez, Gustavo Caio Dias Sorato, Jai Dotson**, Cierra Nicole Dringman, Victoria Leigh Eckerberg, Dominique Edwards, Jomar Ezell, Donn’Yae James Ferguson, Madison Hamilton*, Jordan Herring*, Lawson Isabelle Hiltl, Hector E. Holguin*, Moriah Hoshowski**, Felicity Hope Johnson, Jadin Johnson, Elijah Chase Kaawa, Drew Lugafet, Rebekah Lynn Marks, Lois Kathryn Mattock***, Samuel Maudsley, Jaret Mello*, Ian Ajani Ming, Olivia Monk, Shannon Nelson*, Mason Ogle, Terrence Vernard Packer Jr.**, Alliyana Page**, Allison Parker*** M, Lauren Naomi Perez, Elvin Ariel Ramos Rios, Gracie Reynolds***, Eliza Rohda***, Destiny Lynn Shepherd***, Isaac Guy Stark***, Tate Ryan Straatmann, Naomi Anne Taake**, Faith Torstensen, Gracie Torstensen, Mallory Tremaine***, Lauren Haley Tucker, Nayana Vahrenkamp, Morgan R. White*, Ryder J. Williams, Bethany Rose Wright***, Harrison Yunevich*.
*** Summa Cum Laude - GPA of 3.85 or higher
**Magna Cum Laude - GPA of 3.60 or higher
*Cum Laude - GPA of 3.40 or higher
Associate’s Degree: Macey M. Brant, Jenna Clarke, Angela Garcia, Ryan Jordan Lenear, Kaisun K. Marcum, Alba Montesdeoca Florido.