Hesston College celebrates 116th annual commencement ceremony

The Hesston College graduating class of 2026 celebrated the close of one chapter and the beginning of another during the college’s 116th Commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 16, in Yost Center. Through messages centered on faith, trust and the power of community, graduates were encouraged to embrace the unknown with confidence in God’s calling and gratitude for the relationships that shaped their journey.

This year’s commencement address, delivered by nursing professor Chantel Cherney, encouraged graduates to “never say never” and to trust in God’s plan for them.

“Be open to where God may lead you, because the truth is, God’s calling on your life might take you places you never thought you could go or maybe never wanted to go,” shared Cherney. “But, in my experience, the places I never thought I’d go or wanted to go to have pulled me closer to His presence, given me a sense of purpose and brought me peace that only comes from living out God’s calling on your life.”

President Mark Landes conferred 29 Bachelor of Science in Nursing degrees, three Bachelor of Science in aviation – professional pilot degrees, four Bachelor of Arts in business management degrees, one Bachelor of Science in engineering degree, 53 associate degrees and one missional leadership certificate. The graduating class of 2026 includes members from 11 countries including the U.S.

The prayer of invocation was delivered by President Landes and the prayer of dedication was given by Ben and Susan Miller Setiawan, parents of aviation graduate Sam Setiawan of Goshen, Ind. Two students, Madison Jarvis, associate degree graduate from St. Francisville, La., and Kendall Boughfman, a bachelor’s degree graduate from McPherson, Kan., were nominated by other graduating students and voted on by their peers to address graduates.

Jarvis encouraged graduates to give their worries and anxiety to God in her address centered around Matthew 6:34, “Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”

“God commands us to not worry, that is the reason to have hope in his plans,” explained Jarvis. “God calls us to be present to live our lives in him because he is with us here and now. As we navigate through this life journey there will be struggles, setbacks, crisis, sickness and difficulties. But we must realize there is beauty in our present moments.”

Boughfman reflected on the community she found in her time at Hesston and the mixed emotions of leaving it behind.

“If anyone in this room is considering Hesston College, this is your sign,” encouraged Boughfman. “You will find more than an education here. You will gain a community of friends, and even family. And that is what makes today so bittersweet. It is the end of an era, but the exciting start of something new.”

The 29 nursing program graduates were honored at a Nursing Pinning ceremony in the sanctuary of Hesston Mennonite Church on the morning of May 16. Graduates received their nursing pins as well as the traditional blessing of hands from Hesston College nursing faculty.

Other commencement weekend events included several music recitals and a theatre showcase. A concert in honor of longtime faculty member Ken Rodgers titled Music and Memories was held on the evening of May 15.