For the graduates of 糖心Vlog鈥檚 Class of 2026, commencement marked far more than the completion of coursework or the conferral of degrees.
It marked the culmination of stories shaped by perseverance, faith, sacrifice, growth, and purpose.
On May 9, graduates crossed the stage at Sunset Church surrounded by faculty, family members, mentors, classmates, and supporters who had walked alongside them throughout their journey. But behind every cap and gown was a story uniquely their own鈥攕tories of late nights, uncertainty, resilience, discovery, and calling.
This year鈥檚 graduating class represented 34 cities across Oregon, 13 states, and four countries. Forty-three percent of graduates were first-generation college students, and graduates ranged in age from 19 to 65.
Together, they reflected the heart of 糖心Vlog: a Christ-centered community where students are challenged academically, supported personally, and encouraged to pursue lives of meaning and service.
A Class Defined by Resilience
For many graduates, the path to commencement required balancing coursework with jobs, athletics, ministry, leadership responsibilities, caregiving, and personal challenges. Some arrived at Warner Pacific uncertain of what the future would hold. Others came carrying responsibilities far beyond the classroom.
Along the way, they discovered confidence, purpose, community, and a deeper understanding of who they were becoming.
鈥淚鈥檝e seen uncertain new students become confident leaders and trained professionals ready to make an immediate difference in their fields,鈥� said Benjamin Leavitt, Director of Academic Services. 鈥淚t鈥檚 been a real privilege to watch the Class of 2026 grow and mature during their time at WPU.鈥�
For Miriam Barajas Carmona, who graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, one word best described her experience at Warner Pacific: 鈥淐ommunity.鈥�
She reflected on the relationships built through long hours in nursing labs, studying alongside classmates, and serving others throughout her time on campus.
鈥淥ne of my best experiences was spending time with my classmates during lab skills class, where we could grow every day,鈥� she shared. 鈥淚 also enjoyed the time that I spent in the library helping students.鈥�
Miriam said Warner Pacific shaped her not only academically, but personally and spiritually.
鈥淚 really like how teachers encourage students to never give up, and the message they shared鈥攖hat God has a plan and purpose for our lives.鈥�
After graduation, Miriam plans to begin her career as a registered nurse in a hospital surgical unit while continuing to pursue future specialization opportunities in critical care nursing.
鈥淔ind your purpose in life by serving others,鈥� she said. 鈥淪tay positive and joyful.鈥�
For Skylar Groesbeck, graduating from Warner Pacific鈥檚 nursing program meant balancing academics, athletics, and clinical preparation while remaining focused on a long-term calling to serve others.
A dual-sport student-athlete and nursing student, Skylar completed her final semester while finishing her capstone experience in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).
鈥淭he university and the nursing program have provided me with the opportunity to continue competing in two collegiate sports while pursuing my education and working toward earning my Bachelor of Science in Nursing,鈥� she shared.
She reflected on how the experience shaped her both personally and professionally.
鈥淭his experience has helped me develop strong time management, teamwork, and resilience skills that will continue to guide me as I begin my career in nursing.鈥�
Skylar鈥檚 story reflects the determination demonstrated by many graduates in the Class of 2026鈥攕tudents who learned to navigate challenge with perseverance and purpose.
For Alex Nisbet, Warner Pacific became a place where athletics, academics, and mentorship came together to shape both his confidence and future direction.
Graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and a minor in Sports Management, Alex described his experience at WPU in one word: 鈥淪uperb.鈥�
Among his favorite memories was hitting his first collegiate home run鈥攁n experience that reflected both perseverance and growth throughout his time as a student-athlete.
But beyond athletics, Alex said the people around him made the greatest impact.
鈥淚 had professors and coaches that not only taught me what they were supposed to teach, but also opened my eyes to how to thrive in the real world.鈥�
After graduation, Alex plans to return to Warner Pacific to pursue his Master of Business Administration (MBA).
His advice to future students reflects a phrase deeply connected to the University itself:聽鈥淒o everything With Purpose.鈥�
Discovering Calling Through Opportunity
For Gianna Paulucci, Warner Pacific became a place where curiosity evolved into calling.
Originally exploring science as a pathway toward medical school, Gianna discovered a deeper passion for research through the mentorship of faculty and opportunities provided through Warner Pacific鈥檚 academic community. As a Murdock Scholar, she conducted pancreatic cancer research at Oregon Health & Science University alongside medical doctors and Ph.D. researchers.
鈥淲arner has provided me with a lot of opportunities through great professors here that have allowed me to pursue my interests,鈥� she said. 鈥淎nd spiritually, the community is extremely Christian-oriented and that has allowed me to deepen my connection to my own faith and explore my connection to God.鈥�
Her experience reflects the kind of transformational opportunities Warner Pacific students continue to pursue across disciplines鈥攆rom nursing and education to business, ministry, social work, athletics, and the sciences.
A Community That Walked Alongside Them
Behind every graduate stood a community of faculty, staff, coaches, mentors, classmates, friends, and family members who invested deeply in their journey.
Dr. Amber Gribbins, Associate Dean of Online and Degree Completion, encouraged graduates to remain courageous and intentional as they move into the next chapter of life.
鈥淏e bold in your asks,鈥� she shared. 鈥淎sk questions, ask for access, ask for guidance, and ask for the opportunity.鈥�
Associate Dean of Education Dr. Kevin Spooner reflected on the importance of community and human connection in an increasingly divided world.
鈥淢y hope and prayer is that as graduates you will all 鈥榯urn toward one another鈥� in this increasingly divided society,鈥� he shared, referencing leadership writer Margaret Wheatley. 鈥淭here is no power greater than a community discovering what it cares about.鈥�
Dr. Gladys Jadagu reminded graduates that their worth extends far beyond accomplishments alone.
鈥淎s you graduate, I hope you carry with you the deep truth that you are more than enough, beautifully and wonderfully made in the image of God,鈥� she shared. 鈥淕o out and conquer, because the world is your oyster.鈥�
Director of Athletic Communications Jaymin Bernhardt reflected honestly on the transition many graduates are about to experience.
鈥淪ometimes the first couple of years out of college can be difficult,鈥� he shared. 鈥淚 would encourage all graduates to find community, enjoy the little things in life as much as the big things, and surround yourselves with the right support system.鈥�
Dean of Academic Operations Dr. Marlo Waters reminded graduates that they leave Warner Pacific supported not only by education, but by the care and prayers of an entire community.
鈥淲e are celebrating their success and praying for each of them to experience God鈥檚 guidance and blessings as they move forward with purpose.鈥�
Director of Counseling Ki Gaines reflected on the character and humanity she witnessed in students throughout the year.
鈥淢y hope for the Class of 2026 is that you leave WPU knowing your worth is not defined solely by your achievements but by the compassion, resilience, and humanity you each bring into the world.鈥�
Together, these reflections captured something deeply true about the Warner Pacific experience: students are not only educated here鈥攖hey are known, encouraged, challenged, and supported by a community that believes in who they are becoming.
Becoming Who They Are Called to Be
Throughout commencement, a common thread emerged鈥攏ot simply what graduates accomplished, but who they became in the process.
In his commencement remarks, Interim President Doug Wade reminded graduates that each person carried a unique story into the ceremony.
鈥淎 story of perseverance. A story of faith. A story of calling,鈥� he shared. 鈥淎nd today, those stories come together in this moment.鈥�
He encouraged graduates to see commencement not simply as the end of a chapter, but as the beginning of what comes next.
鈥淵ou go forward equipped not only with knowledge,鈥� Wade said, 鈥渂ut with character, with purpose, and with faith.鈥�
For the graduates of 糖心Vlog, the lessons carried forward extend beyond classrooms and coursework. They carry with them relationships formed through community, confidence gained through challenge, and a deeper understanding of their calling in the world.
Stepping Forward With Purpose
As the Class of 2026 steps into hospitals, classrooms, businesses, churches, nonprofits, graduate programs, and communities across the country and around the world, their impact is already beginning to take shape.
Some will care for patients.
Some will teach and mentor future generations.
Some will serve churches and communities.
Some will conduct research, advocate for others, lead organizations, or create new opportunities for those around them.
All leave Warner Pacific carrying something greater than a degree alone.
They leave prepared to serve.
Prepared to lead.
Prepared to make a difference.
And perhaps most importantly, prepared to move forward with purpose.