Truett McConnell University Celebrates 2026 Graduates at Spring Commencement

Cleveland, GA – The 2026 graduating class of Truett McConnell University is well on its way as they make the trek through the gate at Folsom Fountain and out into the world, fully equipped to pursue the calling that God has placed on their lives. On Saturday, May 9, 2026, TMU’s graduates proudly walked the stage in the George Blaurock Student Wellness Center amid throngs of family, friends, and faculty who have supported them throughout their academic journey.

Campus buzzed with life as crowds gathered for the two graduation ceremonies: The College of Professional Studies at 10:00 a.m. and the College of Arts and Letters and the College of Life and Health Sciences at 2:00 p.m. Between the ceremonies, TMU boasted a total of 163 graduating candidates.

Vice President for Student Life and Athletics, Jenni Shepard, opened each ceremony with a word of welcome to and recognition of those who supported the graduates, as well as a word of congratulations to the students before her.

“When the graduates leave, they will take with them the principles upon which this university was founded: faith, family, discipleship, and glorifying God in all they do, utilizing their field as a platform to share the love of Christ with others,” Shepard declared.

In his first TMU commencement addresses, Dr. Larry Lyon, TMU President, brought a message from Psalm 1 to the graduates, reminding them that as they leave the hills of North Georgia, they will face an assortment of voices of counsel. He urged students to delight themselves in the law of the Lord and to meditate on His word.

“There is a day coming where we will be judged not by the standards of the world, but by the holiness of God,” Lyon stated.

Following the address from Dr. Lyon, Dr. Kenneth Gabrielse, Dean of the College of Arts and Letters, led the audience through the hymn, “Come Behold the Wondrous Mystery,” composed by Michael Bleecker, Matt Boswell, and 2005 TMU alumnus Matt Papa.

Dr. Maël Disseau, Vice President for Academic Services, presented the candidates for the bachelor’s and master’s degrees to Dr. Lyon, who awarded students their degrees as they made their memorable walks across the platform.

The first commencement ceremony recognized graduates from the College of Professional Studies, including the Hans Hut School of Business, the Michael Sattler School of Public Service, and the Peter and Gredel Walpot School of Education.

The second commencement ceremony recognized students from the College of Arts and Letters, including the Hans Denck School of Communication, the Conrad Grebel School of the Humanities, and the Balthasar Hubmaier School of Theology and Missions, as well as those from the College of Life and Health Sciences, including those from the Pilgram Marpeck School of STEM, The Martha Rielen and Elizabeth Salmen School of Nursing, and the Leonhard Schiemer School of Psychology and Biblical Counseling.

Following the commencement ceremonies, graduates and their families made their way out from the Student Wellness Center to the Front Lawn and soap-filled fountain for photos and final goodbyes before departure from campus.

Truett McConnell University is a private Christian liberal arts and sciences university located in Cleveland, Georgia, and has been ranked by Best Value Schools as the #1 Christian College in Georgia. TMU offers 80+ different programs of study including baccalaureate, master’s, and doctoral degrees. The University boasts a 15:1 student-to-faculty ratio, while 100% of incoming students receive financial aid. For more information about Truett McConnell University, visit www.truett.edu