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ºÚÁÏ¿Æ celebrated the Class of 2026 at Saturday’s commencement ceremony. 

The newest Houghton alumni gathered one final time as students for the commencement ceremony on May 9 before embarking on their journey as fearless scholar-servants, equipped to transform the world for God’s glory. Already, 70% have determined their next steps. Some will immediately enter their chosen careers while others will continue their education in graduate programs.*

As our graduates departed, Professor Ryan Cooley shared this benediction, “To our 2026 graduates, as you leave Houghton, may God bless your minds to seek and recognize truth. May He bless your imaginations to create what is good and beautiful, and give you the courage to pursue what is right even when it is costly,” remarked Professor Ryan Cooley. “Go then, not simply as graduates, but as His works of art, created by Christ, walking in humility, serving with joy, and trusting that God goes before you in every place He sends you.”

We are honored to send forth another class of Houghton graduates; scholar-servants who are well-prepared to be fearless and faithful ambassadors for Christ in the various fields and places God has called them to.

The Class of 2026 Snapshot

Degree Types

Top Majors

Plans Before Graduation

70% of respondents reported already having been hired or accepted to graduate school before graduation. Plans include employment, graduate school, military and volunteer service.

*Based on First Destination Survey for the Class of 2026

Country of Origin

In addition, four distinguished leaders in Christian higher education and ministry who embody the Houghton’s values of academic excellence and Christian service were honored. David Cram and Dr. Robert Danner received honorary degrees in recognition of their lifelong commitment to academic excellence and Christian higher education, while Rev. Johanna Rugh and Dr. Paul Young ’76 were awarded the University’s highest non-academic honor, the Willard J. Houghton Medal.

Words of Encouragement from our Commencement Speaker

Dr. Carrie Whitcher, Chief Quality Officer at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) Insurance Services Division, delivered the 2026 commencement address on Saturday, May 9, encouraging the graduating Class of 2026 to view graduation not as the end of a chapter, but as the beginning of a calling God has prepared them for. Drawing from Matthew 28:19–20 and the Great Commission, she reminded graduates that even in uncertain times, God is actively guiding their next steps and calling them to integrate their faith into their work and daily lives.

Whitcher emphasized the importance of serving others, being the salt and light in a broken world, and using their God-given gifts to influence their workplaces and communities as leaders, disciple-makers, and faithful servants wherever God places them.