OAKLAND CITY — Oakland City University proudly celebrated the graduation of 180 exceptional students on Saturday, May 2, 2026, on its Oakland City, Indiana campus. Representing 44 countries, these graduates have demonstrated remarkable dedication, setting a high standard for academic excellence and meaningful community engagement.
Chartered by the State of Indiana in 1885, OCU has been a beacon of education, shaping its students’ futures. OCU’s commitment to providing opportunities for cultural enrichment, intellectual growth, and quality education that lead to responsible societal involvement has been instrumental in the success of its graduates.
Under the leadership of OCU President Dr. Ron Dempsey, the 131st commencement was a momentous occasion. The ceremony, attended by 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, “Everyone gathered not only to celebrate academic achievement but to recognize their journey shaped by faith, purpose, and calling. At OCU, education is never just about knowledge gained or skills acquired—it is about truth discovered, character formed, and lives aligned with the teachings of Jesus Christ.”
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 a degree to one student from the school founded in 1885.
Dr. Justin Murphy, Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences, presided over the conferral of degrees and
certificates to twenty-three students from the school founded in 1885.
Dr. Camy Davis, Interim Dean of the School of Education, presided over the conferral of degrees and
certificates to sixty-one students from the School of Education, founded in 1907.
Dr. Steve Custer, Interim Dean of the School of Business, presided over the conferral of degrees and
certificates to ninety-five students from the School of Business, founded in 1918.
Five 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.
Abigail Breanna Vaugh from Lawrenceville, Illinois:
- 4.0 G.P.A.
- Education Major
- Elementary Education – Special Education
- Played on the Women’s Volleyball Team
Isabella Catherine Donihue from Huntingburg, Indiana:
- 4.0 G.P.A.
- English Major
- Elementary Education – Special Education
Berta Del Hoyo Borrell from Barcelona, Spain:
- 4.0 G.P.A.
- Psychology Major
- Played on the Women’s Soccer Team
Macy Ana Knight from Grayville, Illinois:
- 4.0 G.P.A.
- English Major – Secondary Education Licensure
- Played on the Women’s Volleyball Team
Samaribr Sing Sidhu, from Mohali, Punjab, India – Double Major in:
- 4.0 G.P.A. Double Major
- Business Administration Major
o Management, Human Resources Management, Accounting
- Operations Management Major
o Logistics & Product Distribution
- Played on the Men’s Tennis Team
- OCU Resident Assistant
The student body voted Ellie Dillow from the School of Arts and Sciences and Dave Wilderman from the
School of Business as “Professors of the Year.”
The entire Livestream of the ceremony is available on the Oakland City University Facebook page.
