Waynesburg University Celebrates the Class of 2026 at Commencement

Waynesburg University held its Commencement Exercises Sunday, May 3, on the Lawn of Miller Hall, honoring more than 300 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral students.

Gayle Manchin, Federal Co-Chair of the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), addressed the Class of 2026 as the Commencement speaker, and Reverend Dr. Glen Bell, who recently retired from his role of Senior Vice President of Development of the Presbyterian Foundation, served as the Baccalaureate speaker.

During the Commencement Address, "First Lady 101," Manchin reflected on her time as First Lady of West Virginia, relaying that she never said no when given a chance to participate, join, listen, learn and be a part of things bigger than just her space.

"I ask you to reflect on and appreciate what you have gained from Waynesburg University in addition to the academic credits, and how you can continue to enlarge your space to learn and grow throughout your lives."

Manchin encouraged graduates to not just look forward to those who have served as role models, but to look behind themselves as well, toward those who have looked at them as role models.

"Just as you have gained so much from Waynesburg, I assure you that you have had an influence on others, and you have truly gained from all of those opportunities and experiences," said Manchin. "Whoever you become in life, your true success will be made more meaningful from the hearts you touch, and the hearts that touch you, intentionally or accidentally."

Manchin and Rev. Dr. Bell were awarded honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degrees during the Commencement ceremony.

Emily Barker and Abigail Speer were named valedictorians, with Barker delivering the valedictory to the University. Walter Paskert also offered remarks as the graduate program representative.

In Barker's valedictory, she encouraged graduates to look beyond career success as the source of fulfillment and instead anchor their lives in faith, purpose and service through Jesus Christ. She challenged her classmates to use their education, gifts and future careers as opportunities to serve others and make a meaningful difference in the world.

"Let us go out from here finding purpose not in ourselves or in our careers, but in doing the work that Jesus has called us to," Barker said.

In Paskert's address, he reflected on the perseverance, sacrifice and faith required to pursue educational goals while balancing work, family and life's responsibilities, emphasizing that trusting God can lead to blessings. He encouraged graduates to embrace both the "no" of sacrifice and the "yes" of commitment, trusting that the challenges along the way are worth the reward.

"It takes sacrifice, persistence, determination, and at the foundation of it all, it takes God," said Paskert.

In addition, Tyler Garret Kunz was awarded the 2026 Douglas G. and Kathryn D. Lee Servant Leadership Award. This award was established by the Waynesburg University Board of Trustees to honor the leadership and commitment of Douglas and Kathryn Lee to the University. It is awarded each year to one graduating student who has demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities over the course of their time at Waynesburg University in the mission focus areas of faith, learning and serving.

At the Baccalaureate ceremony, Rev. Dr. Bell's message, "Searching for the Light," reflected on President Douglas Lee's inaugural call to live out Waynesburg University's motto, Fiat Lux, or "Let There Be Light."

"What if we used this moment to steer our lives by the light of our guiding star - our deepest values, our truest hopes and dreams?" he asked, challenging the Class of 2026 to orient themselves by what is deepest and most true: calling, purpose, service and leadership.

About Waynesburg U.

Consistently ranked a best value school, Waynesburg University's Strategy for the 21st Century affirms its commitment to developing an entrepreneurial mindset and ethical leadership skills for all students. Rooted in its mission of faith, learning and service, the private, Christian university is located on a traditional campus in the hills of southwestern Pennsylvania.

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