OAKLAND CITY – Oakland City University proudly celebrated the graduation of 194 exceptional students on Saturday, May 3, 2025, on the Oakland City, Indiana campus. With their hard work and dedication, these graduates have set a high standard for academic excellence and community involvement.
Chartered by the State of Indiana in 1885, OCU has been a beacon of education, shaping the future of its students. OCU’s commitment to providing opportunities for cultural enrichment, intellectual growth, and quality education, leading to responsible societal involvement, has been instrumental in the success of its graduates.
Under the leadership of OCU President Dr. Ron Dempsey, the 130th commencement was a momentous occasion. The ceremony, attended by a whole house of family members, guests, and Board of Trustees members, was a testament to the graduates’ hard work and dedication. In his address, Dr. Dempsey congratulated the graduates, stating it was his most enjoyable duty as President of the University.
The students were then presented by their Dean:
- Dr. Ron Mercer, Dean of the School of Religious Studies and Chapman Seminary, presided over the conferral of degrees and certificates to four students from the school, founded in 1885.
- Dr. Justin Murphy, Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences, presided over conferring degrees and certificates to twenty-eight students from the school, founded in 1885.
- Dr. Robert Hacker, Director of Educational Studies, presided over conferring degrees and certificates to sixty-nine students from the School of Education, founded in 1907.
- Dr. Jervaise McDaniel, Dean of the School of Business, presided over the conferral of degrees and
- certificates to eighty-seven school students, founded in 1918.
OCU’s Community Outreach Correspondence Program graduated nine students.
Two outstanding students were honored with the prestigious President’s Award. The awards recognize not only the highest academic accomplishment in each school but also the significant contributions the students have made to campus life, reflecting the university’s commitment to holistic development.
- Matias Salfate – Rancagua, Chile – Bachelor of Science in Business Administration andHuman Resources – PERFECT 4.0 G.P.A. Played on the Men’s Soccer Team Worked on campus at Pioneer Food Service
- Emily Forston – Gentryville, Indiana – Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and Mathematics – PERFECT 4.0 G.P.A., Cheerleader, Resident Assistant (RA) in Resident Life Department
The student body voted Dr. Justin Scheller, from the School of Business, “Professor of the Year.”
The entire Livestream of the ceremony is available on the Oakland City University Facebook page.
