These graduates boldly step forward rooted in Christ and ready for the world.
Commencement at Concordia University Ann Arbor is more than a ceremony. It is a moment where stories, faith and purpose meet. On Saturday, May 2, graduates gathered for the baccalaureate service and commencement, surrounded by family, friends, faculty and mentors. Together, they celebrated not only what had been accomplished, but the path that led them here.
A moment where tables turn
The ceremony opened with a message from Rev. Dr. Tony Sikora, campus pastor, who invited graduates to reconsider Jesus’ parable of the Good Samaritan.
Rather than focusing on how to be the Good Samaritan, Sikora encouraged graduates to first recognize their own need for Christ. In that way, he reframed the story: we are both the one in need and the one called to show mercy.
His message centered on a clear and grounding truth. We are all the person in the ditch. Christ is the one who rescues, restores and carries us forward.
As life shifts and, as he noted, “tables turn,” one thing does not change. Christ remains at work in and through us.
As tassels prepared to move and a new chapter was about to begin, graduates were left with questions to carry forward: Who is your neighbor? What does God want for your life?
The answer was both simple and challenging. Our neighbor is everyone. And we are called to lives marked by mercy, service and love.
A community that walked together
Dr. Erin Laverick, associate vice president of Campus Operations and Student Success, welcomed those gathered, helping set the tone for the celebration.
During the ceremony, Laverick encouraged graduates to continue serving in their vocations, reminding them that their work matters.
“The world needs you,” she said. “Never underestimate the difference you make every single day.”
Reflecting on the day, Laverick emphasized the significance of the moment and the class being honored.
“Commencement is always an exciting time, and this year, it was a resounding success,” Laverick said. “The university was thrilled to celebrate our graduates. Their dedication, resilience, and excellence have inspired our entire community. We wish them the very best and look forward to seeing the impact they will make in the world.”
That celebration extended well beyond the graduates themselves, reflecting a community that not only marks milestones, but continues to walk alongside its alumni.
Throughout the ceremony, the university recognized families, friends, mentors and supporters who walked alongside students through late nights and challenges. Their encouragement, prayers and steady presence helped make the day possible.
Commencement, in that sense, became something shared as Laverick introduced student speaker Amanda Fogo, who stepped forward to address her classmates, grounded in Christ and guided by His Word.
A message prepared with purpose
Fogo centered her message on Colossians 2:6-7, encouraging her classmates to remain grounded in Christ as they step into what comes next.
Her message reflected three themes shaped by the Concordia experience.
Rooted in Christ
Students grew in faith within a Christ-centered community—supported by professors, encouraged by peers, and known as individuals.
Ready for the world
Graduates leave prepared not because the road ahead is easy, but because they have been shaped through service, challenge and perseverance.
Not perfect, but purposeful
They move forward not with perfect plans, but with trust in God’s guidance and a willingness to live out their calling.
Fogo also took time to thank those who made the journey possible, including God, faculty, staff, families and fellow graduates. Her message made clear that this day was never reached alone.
She left her classmates with a steady reminder: they are not stepping forward as perfect people, but as people with purpose.
A room full of celebration
The conferral of degrees marked a defining moment in the ceremony. One by one, graduates crossed the stage to the applause of loved ones. Laverick and Dr. Juliane Chreston, OTD, OTR/L, recognized graduates across programs and levels of study. Chreston serves as director of the occupational therapy program and assistant dean in the School of Health Professions.
Highlights included the second cohort of occupational therapy doctorate graduates, the first to walk the stage. Reflecting on their capstone presentations from the day prior, Chreston said, “It was inspiring to hear them present their capstone projects on Friday and appreciate the tremendous impact they have already had in their communities.”
Master’s and bachelor’s degree recipients followed, crossing the stage with honors graduates among them. The ceremony recognized education graduates, prepared to serve students in classrooms across Michigan.
Wendy Hardy, associate professor of education and MSCI director, shared her pride in those entering the field.
“The education graduates have been working hard in classrooms throughout the state of Michigan and have attained their teaching certificate and now will impact the lives of children for years to come,” Hardy said. “We are so proud of our teachers.”
Each name called represented more than a degree. It reflected growth, perseverance and a calling taking shape.
A joyful sending
The ceremony concluded with a closing prayer from Rev. Dr. Jamison Hardy, Concordia University System president, offering gratitude and hope for what lies ahead.
Following commencement, graduates and their guests gathered for a reception. Over cake, refreshments and conversation, families and friends marked the transition from student to graduate. The celebration honored the moment while looking ahead to what comes next.
A new beginning
Echoing the words of student speaker Amanda Fogo, the Class of 2026 leaves Concordia prepared for their vocations and supported by a community that continues to walk alongside them.
This moment is not an ending. It is a beginning. Wherever they go, they carry a clear sense of purpose, grounded in Christ.
Want in?
Concordia University Ann Arbor is a Lutheran higher education community committed to helping students develop in mind, body and spirit for service to Christ in the Church and the world.
Click here to view a full list of the programs.