Secretary Betsy DeVos Challenges CCU’s Class of 2026 to Lead with Courage, Conviction, and Humility

Posted on May 11, 2026

Secretary Betsy DeVos Challenges CCU's Class of 2026 to Lead with Courage, Conviction, and Humility

LAKEWOOD, Colo. - Colorado Christian University celebrated 1,895 graduates during two Commencement ceremonies on May 8 at Blue Arena in Loveland, marking the close of the University's 112th academic year. Graduates earned 14 doctoral degrees, 621 master's degrees, 900 bachelor's degrees, and 360 associate degrees as friends and family gathered to celebrate the Class of 2026.

Commencement 2026 also marked a historic milestone for CCU as the University conferred Doctor of Philosophy degrees for the first time in its 112-year history. The inaugural graduates of CCU's Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision, offered through the School of Counseling, were recognized as pioneers of the University's first doctoral research program, reflecting the highest levels of academic rigor, professional excellence, and Christ-centered scholarship.

Colorado Christian University was honored to welcome former U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos as its 2026 Commencement speaker. DeVos, who served as the nation's 11th Secretary of Education from 2017 to 2021, encouraged graduates to embrace their calling with courage, conviction, and humility as they engage a rapidly changing culture.

Referencing Micah 6:8, DeVos charged graduates to "do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God," reminding them that "the true value of life is the difference you make in the ways you walk with God and spread the love of Jesus."

In addition to earned degrees, CCU awarded honorary doctorates to DeVos and Lakewood small business owner Jack Phillips in recognition of distinguished leadership, service, and faithfulness in the public square.

Phillips, owner of Masterpiece Cakeshop in Lakewood, became a nationally recognized advocate for religious liberty following a landmark U.S. Supreme Court case decided in his favor in 2018.

"Commencement was a meaningful opportunity to celebrate graduates formed in wisdom, prepared for meaningful work, and called to bless the world," said CCU Provost Dr. David Corbin. "It reflects the distinctive combination of academic excellence and Christ-centered purpose that defines Colorado Christian University."

CCU also recognized senior Kale Edmonds as the recipient of the 2026 CCU Leadership Award, the University's premier student leadership honor recognizing exceptional Christian character, leadership, and service. The award includes a $25,000 cash prize made possible through the generosity of Vistage and Sam Reese.

Edmonds, a history major pursuing secondary education licensure from Gretna, Nebraska, served as director of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes at CCU while competing on the University's Cross Country and Track & Field teams. Earlier this year, he continued serving students during his student teaching placement at Evergreen High School following a tragic school shooting.

"At CCU, commencement is more than the celebration of a degree - it is the commissioning of leaders," said CCU President Eric Hogue. "It marks the moment students step boldly into their purpose, equipped to engage culture with grace and truth, lead courageously in their professions, and faithfully live out the work God has placed before them."