Education (Colleges & Universities)
Here's a look at documents from public, private and community colleges in the U.S.
Featured Stories
Virginia Commonwealth University: Students Can Choose From Three New Interdisciplinary Minors With an Arts Emphasis This Fall
RICHMOND, Virginia, May 14 -- Virginia Commonwealth University issued the following news:
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Students can choose from three new interdisciplinary minors with an arts emphasis this fall
Creative technology instruction, public health and the arts, and screenwriting offer fresh options for students majoring in a variety of disciplines.
By Kim Catley
Virginia Commonwealth University students will have three new interdisciplinary minors to choose from this fall, expanding options for those interested in using innovative media in art education, leveraging creative expression as a powerful tool
... Show Full Article
RICHMOND, Virginia, May 14 -- Virginia Commonwealth University issued the following news:
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Students can choose from three new interdisciplinary minors with an arts emphasis this fall
Creative technology instruction, public health and the arts, and screenwriting offer fresh options for students majoring in a variety of disciplines.
By Kim Catley
Virginia Commonwealth University students will have three new interdisciplinary minors to choose from this fall, expanding options for those interested in using innovative media in art education, leveraging creative expression as a powerful toolto improve community health, and crafting stories for the screen.
Creative technology instruction
In an increasingly digital professional landscape, the ability to develop and teach innovative media skills is essential. However, current teacher training requirements do not sufficiently address the many ways to create digital media or equip K-12 students and informal education spaces with the pedagogical or technical expertise needed to teach digital media production.
The creative technology instruction minor, offered by the Department of Art Education in the School of the Arts, aims to fill that gap by examining critical approaches to teaching digital media making. It was developed in collaboration with departments across VCUarts, as well as VCU programs in the Robertson School of Communication, the College of Engineering and the School of Education, and is designed to be applicable and accessible to students of all majors.
The creative technology instruction minor merges digital/media arts history with practical skills in visual, sonic and interactive media creation. Students complete hands-on projects while critically engaging with pedagogical techniques. This dual focus equips students to teach digital media creation, applying a critical lens to how these tools are instructed and utilized. The minor also provides opportunities for other digital media making and education majors to utilize and expand their skills in educational settings.
"The minor in creative technology instruction meets the growing need for certified educators and the increasing use of different types of technology increases," said James Wiznerowicz, associate dean for academic affairs in the School of the Arts. "This minor could reach any student who engages with technology instruction or someone preparing to be in the classroom with digital instruction support."
Public health and the arts
Offered by the School of Public Health in collaboration with VCUarts, the minor in public health and the arts is designed for students with an interest in careers at the intersection of health, nonprofits, public agencies and creative organizations.
The minor takes a creative approach to confronting real-world challenges and making an impact on community health. Students will build a foundation in the principles that shape community well-being, from history and policy to public health and health promotion. They will also explore how visual art, performance, sound, moving image and design can communicate health information in ways that data and policy alone cannot. The minor also includes hands-on experience working directly in the Richmond community through internships and applied projects with real-world outcomes.
Wiznerowicz said the minor is the result of growing research in public health and the arts led by faculty from different fields at VCU.
"Coursework reveals the complex nature of services and policies around health," Wiznerowicz said. "Students will also have an opportunity to connect their creative practices and develop work related to advocacy, visual elements of health communication, design principles and other means of connection and messaging around wellness and well-being."
Screenwriting
Students from across a range of disciplines have consistently expressed an interest in screenwriting. The minor in screenwriting, offered by the Cinema Program in the School of the Arts, provides students with the knowledge and skills to develop professional-level scripts. It also equips them to become better storytellers and filmmakers.
Courses establish a foundation in writing for cinema, playwriting and the mechanics of screenwriting, while a senior writing portfolio provides a hands-on capstone to the minor.
"The screenwriting minor is the first to focus on visual narration that is used in films, plays, video game design, content creation and many other forms of media-based presentation," Wiznerowicz said.
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Original text here: https://news.vcu.edu/article/students-can-choose-from-three-new-interdisciplinary-minors-with-an-arts-emphasis-this-fall
University of East Anglia: Refugees Reveal Hidden Trauma of Life in the UK
NORWICH, England, May 14 (TNSjou) -- The University of East Anglia issued the following news:
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Refugees reveal hidden trauma of life in the UK
From relentless cycles of intrusive memories to loneliness and physical pain - a new study from the University of East Anglia (UEA) reveals the struggles of refugees who entered the UK as unaccompanied minors.
Researchers interviewed refugees who fled Afghanistan as children and endured family separation, human rights abuses, and violence.
Their stories show years of silent suffering, human resilience, and the need for social connection.
Dr Kenny
... Show Full Article
NORWICH, England, May 14 (TNSjou) -- The University of East Anglia issued the following news:
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Refugees reveal hidden trauma of life in the UK
From relentless cycles of intrusive memories to loneliness and physical pain - a new study from the University of East Anglia (UEA) reveals the struggles of refugees who entered the UK as unaccompanied minors.
Researchers interviewed refugees who fled Afghanistan as children and endured family separation, human rights abuses, and violence.
Their stories show years of silent suffering, human resilience, and the need for social connection.
Dr KennyChiu, clinical lecturer from UEA's Norwich Medical School, said: "Unaccompanied child refugees have lost family, safety and a sense of home, and many have been exposed to traumatic events on their journey.
"Compared to children who arrive with relatives, these young people tend to have gone through more trauma and are more likely to struggle with things like PTSD or depression.
"Until now, there has been very little research on how former unaccompanied child refugees from the same cultural background cope with a new life in the UK.
"We wanted to change that, so we sat down with them, listened to their stories, and let their own words guide the research."
How the research happened
Lead author Dr Rebecca Lane carried out the study while she was a trainee clinical psychologist at UEA's Norwich Medical School.
She interviewed 12 refugees who had arrived in the UK from Afghanistan as unaccompanied children.
They were recruited through a therapeutic community organisation supporting young survivors of exile, and most interviews were conducted with the help of an interpreter.
"We wanted to better understand, in their own words, their resilience and coping strategies, and how these strategies changed over time," said Dr Lane.
Haunted by memories they can't escape
"Their difficulties often overlapped or built on one another. In many cases, one challenge got in the way of coping with another, which made it harder for people to find strategies that really helped. This tended to create difficult cycles that were hard to break.
"For example, mental and physical pain often occurred together. Physical pain would stop people leaving the house, exercising or spending time with friends - which then made their mental health and feelings of isolation worse," she said.
Coping with distress
To cope, most kept busy to distract their minds from the past. A small minority described using alcohol and engaging in self harm - signs, the researchers say, that indicate the depth of distress that many carry.
Social connection emerged as the single most powerful buffer against distress.
Activities like cricket, praying, or having conversations with friends eased the relentless churn of anxiety and distressing thoughts or memories.
However, some described deep loneliness and faced barriers to connecting with others, such as difficulties with trust, hypervigilance, or not having the social skills to develop friendships.
Participants also often described feeling isolated while growing up, recalling early years when parents were consumed with worry about the family's safety, mistrustful of others, or simply preoccupied by caring for a large family.
They also spoke about keeping challenges to themselves, often because emotional vulnerability was discouraged by cultural expectations of boys, alongside feelings of shame and strong values around pride and honour.
The team found that this emotional "shutdown" often continued as they settled down in the UK, leaving young refugees socially isolated at the very time they most needed support.
Therapists step in as substitute families
Dr Lane said: "Services and professionals were often identified as a foundation to coping.
"For example, therapy offered a safe space where young refugees could learn to talk about their feelings and be more open.
"They positioned professionals as pseudo parental figures, who cared for them and taught them key skills to build relationships and navigate life independently, on top of the practical support they received to help them access education, housing and asylum.
"We also found that religion brought comfort to many participants. Their coping strategies reflected the mix of cultural influences around them and the way their sense of identity was developing as they became adults."
Sheila Melzak, former director of the Baobab Centre for Young Survivors in Exile and a consultant child and adolescent psychotherapist, said: "This study shows that young refugees arrived unaccompanied as children all show vulnerabilities and resilience.
"Resilience was most likely to develop and be sustained when opportunities to learn were combined with relationships with adults and peers.
"Alongside this, young refugees needed space to reflect on experiences that were, for psychological and cultural reasons, initially unspeakable. These included grief at the loss of parents, experiences of violence, corruption, and human rights abuses.
"They also faced big differences between their home culture and the culture of exile, including expectations about what it means to be a young person."
This research was led by UEA in collaboration with Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust, The Baobab Centre for Young Survivors in Exile, and Beigi & Chiu Clinical Psychology.
'Coping among Afghan former unaccompanied refugee children in the UK: A qualitative study exploring barriers and influences over time' is published in Transcultural Psychiatry.
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Original text here: https://www.uea.ac.uk/about/news/article/refugees-reveal-hidden-trauma-of-life-in-the-uk
UW Molecular Biologist Wins Prestigious National Institutes of Health Grant
LARAMIE, Wyoming, May 14 -- The University of Wyoming posted the following news:
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UW Molecular Biologist Wins Prestigious National Institutes of Health Grant
Owen Funk, a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Wyoming in the Department of Molecular Biology, recently was awarded a highly competitive National Institutes of Health (NIH) "Pathway to Independence" grant.
The five-year grant from the NIH's National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) began in March.
Funk is the first person at UW to receive a NIH Pathway to Independence grant, which is designed to help promising
... Show Full Article
LARAMIE, Wyoming, May 14 -- The University of Wyoming posted the following news:
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UW Molecular Biologist Wins Prestigious National Institutes of Health Grant
Owen Funk, a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Wyoming in the Department of Molecular Biology, recently was awarded a highly competitive National Institutes of Health (NIH) "Pathway to Independence" grant.
The five-year grant from the NIH's National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) began in March.
Funk is the first person at UW to receive a NIH Pathway to Independence grant, which is designed to help promisingpostdoctoral scientists become tenure-track faculty members by supporting career development and independent scientific research.
Funk was one of the first six recipients selected by NIGMS in 2026, with fellow awardees representing Harvard University, Harvard Medical School, Princeton University, the Salk Institute and Yale University.
"To me, this confirms something many of us at UW have known for a long time -- that Wyoming is a great place for training talented research scientists at all career stages," says David Fay, a professor of molecular biology and one of Funk's mentors. "Owen came to the lab with all the right knowledge and skills, so this has turned out to be a really fun collaboration and a very unique and exciting area for future studies."
For his research, Funk is studying the microscopic roundworm Caenorhabditis elegans to understand cells with multiple nuclei.
Most animal cells have only one nucleus, which is the control center of the cell and contains most of the cell's genetic material. However, sometimes cells fuse together, creating a cell with multiple nuclei.
In humans, cells with multiple nuclei are critical to muscle, bone and placenta formation. In C. elegans, these cells control many epidermal functions, including molting.
"Ultimately, figuring out how these fused cells function and how their internal nuclei communicate in the worm will provide insights into human biology, helping us understand and treat diseases like muscle disorders or aggressive cancers where cell fusion goes wrong," Funk says.
For the first two years of his Pathway to Independence grant, Funk will pursue his research with mentorship from Fay and Professor Dan Levy.
The second stage of the grant will fund his first three years as a tenure-track faculty member. He hopes to secure a faculty position at UW if possible.
"We recently became an R1 research university, and I think this is a sign that UW and (the Department of Molecular Biology) are doing science at a really high level -- and that you don't have to go to Harvard or Yale to conduct amazing research," Funk says.
Funk earned his Ph.D. from the University of Michigan and received his bachelor's degree from Bates College in Lewiston, Maine.
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About the UW College of Agriculture, Life Sciences and Natural Resources
UW's College of Agriculture, Life Sciences and Natural Resources serves students and communities through innovative scholarship, research and outreach. Guided by the land-grant principles of discovery and experiential learning, the college facilitates meaningful educational opportunities in the classroom, laboratory and community. The college offers degrees in the departments of agricultural and applied economics, animal science, botany, ecosystem science and management, family and consumer sciences, molecular biology, plant sciences, veterinary sciences, and zoology and physiology. The college also offers degree programs in agricultural communications, microbiology, and ranch management and agricultural leadership. To learn more, visit www.uwyo.edu/uwag or call (307) 766-4133.
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Original text here: https://www.uwyo.edu/news/2026/05/uw-molecular-biologist-wins-prestigious-national-institutes-of-health-grant.html
Recognized for Leadership in Career-Connected Learning
SOUTH ORANGE, New Jersey, May 14 -- Seton Hall University posted the following news:
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Recognized for Leadership in Career-Connected Learning
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Seton Hall University has been named a recipient of the 2026 EAB Experiential Learning Awards, recognizing its leadership in expanding student access to real-world, career-connected experiences. Presented by education company EAB, the awards honor 50 colleges and universities nationwide that are helping students explore career pathways and develop the in-demand skills needed to succeed in today's workforce.
Winning institutions are recognized
... Show Full Article
SOUTH ORANGE, New Jersey, May 14 -- Seton Hall University posted the following news:
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Recognized for Leadership in Career-Connected Learning
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Seton Hall University has been named a recipient of the 2026 EAB Experiential Learning Awards, recognizing its leadership in expanding student access to real-world, career-connected experiences. Presented by education company EAB, the awards honor 50 colleges and universities nationwide that are helping students explore career pathways and develop the in-demand skills needed to succeed in today's workforce.
Winning institutions are recognizedfor expanding experiential learning opportunities through innovative and scalable models, including virtual job simulations and skills-based training developed in partnership with employers. These experiences complement traditional internships and project-based learning while broadening access for a diverse range of students.
At Seton Hall, career preparation begins during a student's first week on campus through personalized support from career advisors and continues through internships, experiential learning and employer-connected opportunities across disciplines. With more than 17,000 internship opportunities available through the University's extensive employer and alumni network, students gain valuable hands-on experience while building professional connections. These efforts contribute to Seton Hall's strong career outcomes, including a 97% overall employment rate for graduates.
"This recognition reflects Seton Hall's continued focus on preparing students for meaningful careers through hands-on, career-connected learning experiences," said Monica Burnette, vice president of Student Services. "By connecting academic learning with real-world application, we are helping students build confidence, develop professional skills and graduate prepared to succeed in a rapidly evolving workforce."
"Institutions like Seton Hall University are leading the way in giving students a firsthand look at what a typical workday looks like in the jobs they're interested in pursuing," said Scott Schirmeier, EAB president of technology and partner development. "Preparing students to launch successful careers upon graduation is one of the best ways to ensure they see a return on their education investment."
Across academic programs and co-curricular initiatives, the University continues to create opportunities for students to apply classroom knowledge in professional settings, strengthen career readiness and prepare for long-term professional success.
Categories: Education
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Original text here: https://www.shu.edu/student-services/news/recognized-for-leadership-in-career-connected-learning.html
OSU-OKC Partners With The Lifelines Initiative to Connect Students With Career and Financial Literacy Opportunities
OKLAHOMA CITY, Oklahoma, May 14 -- Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City issued the following news:
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OSU-OKC partners with The Lifelines Initiative to connect students with career and financial literacy opportunities
On Monday, Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City partnered with The Lifelines Initiative to host 150 high school students for the inaugural Everything Earned Youth Financial Literacy and Careers Experience.
The event connected students with industry professionals through hands-on activities focused on financial literacy, career exploration and professional development.
The
... Show Full Article
OKLAHOMA CITY, Oklahoma, May 14 -- Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City issued the following news:
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OSU-OKC partners with The Lifelines Initiative to connect students with career and financial literacy opportunities
On Monday, Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City partnered with The Lifelines Initiative to host 150 high school students for the inaugural Everything Earned Youth Financial Literacy and Careers Experience.
The event connected students with industry professionals through hands-on activities focused on financial literacy, career exploration and professional development.
TheLifelines Initiative is an Oklahoma City-based nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering at-risk youth through arts, education and community outreach programs that provide mentorship, meaningful opportunities and personal development experiences.
Rocky Bratton, founder and executive director of The Lifelines Initiative, said the event was created to help students feel more confident about their future by exposing them to career paths, mentors and real-world guidance.
"Becoming an adult can be scary, especially when trying to decide what to do after high school. This event opened students' minds to a wide array of career opportunities by bringing together business and community leaders to share their journeys and knowledge, helping these young men and women understand that success doesn't happen overnight but is earned through hard work and dedication," said Bratton. "Not every child has guidance and support at home, but Everything Earned was designed to change that by connecting teens with mentors and delivering relevant, real-time knowledge that helps them lead, earn, and build their future. We're so grateful to OSU-OKC and our community partners for helping make this empowering event possible."
Students from Millwood, Western Heights and U.S. Grant high schools attended the event and participated in sessions focused on college affordability, career readiness and financial literacy.
Students also heard from industry professionals representing fields including the creative arts, public safety, health and wellness, finance, STEM and skilled trades to learn more about career paths and future opportunities.
Throughout the day, students attended breakout sessions based on their interests and career aspirations, where professionals shared personal experiences, career advice and insight into their industries.
In the creative arts breakout session, students heard from Krystal Yoseph, owner of Konjo Concepts; Nicole Poole, founder of SPARK! Creative Lab; and Cody Cramer, OSU-OKC director of marketing and communications. Panelists shared career advice and answered questions from students about networking, entrepreneurship and personal growth.
"Be kind to people. My network is everything to me. People may not remember what you said to them, but they'll remember how you made them feel," Poole said. "Build your network now so you can create more opportunities later."
Building meaningful relationships was a recurring theme throughout the discussions, with speakers emphasizing the importance of surrounding yourself with positive influences and maintaining strong connections.
"You are the company you keep. Surround yourself with people who will hype you up and hold you accountable," Yoseph said. "Those people will hold you to the same standards you set for yourself. Know your circle and keep it tight."
Donovan Wrice, an incoming senior at Millwood High School, shared that he hopes to become a veterinarian or entrepreneur.
"I wanted to come today because I saw an opportunity to gain knowledge from people who have already gone down the path I want to take to become successful," Wrice said. "I wanted to learn what college is like from professors and people who may have recently graduated. I've learned a lot about scholarships, how to secure them and how to communicate with people when building your business."
Organizers hope the inaugural event will continue to grow in the future and inspire more students to pursue higher education, career opportunities and financial independence. Through partnerships like this, OSU-OKC and The Lifelines Initiative aim to create pathways for students to build confidence, develop professional connections and prepare them for long-term success.
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Original text here: https://news.okstate.edu/articles/osu-okc/2026/osu-okc-partners-with-the-lifelines-initiative-to-connect-students-with-career-and-financial-literacy-opportunities
OSU Wheat Variety Testing Plot Tours Benefit Producers
STILLWATER, Oklahoma, May 14 -- Oklahoma State University issued the following news:
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OSU wheat variety testing plot tours benefit producers
Oklahoma State University is hosting wheat variety testing plot tours across the state as part of the annual wheat variety trials to allow producers to learn about local growing conditions and how different wheat varieties respond to them.
Funded by the Oklahoma Wheat Commission and the Oklahoma Wheat Research Foundation in partnership with OSU Extension and OSU Ag Research, the 2026 plot tours are in 17 locations across the state, starting at the
... Show Full Article
STILLWATER, Oklahoma, May 14 -- Oklahoma State University issued the following news:
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OSU wheat variety testing plot tours benefit producers
Oklahoma State University is hosting wheat variety testing plot tours across the state as part of the annual wheat variety trials to allow producers to learn about local growing conditions and how different wheat varieties respond to them.
Funded by the Oklahoma Wheat Commission and the Oklahoma Wheat Research Foundation in partnership with OSU Extension and OSU Ag Research, the 2026 plot tours are in 17 locations across the state, starting at theend of April and ending in May. The tours include both replicated and demonstration plots to show treatments and management techniques side-by-side at the field scale.
"The wheat plot tours are a great opportunity for producers to see how varieties are performing under real field conditions, especially under the drought and disease pressure we are seeing this year," said Amanda Silva, OSU Extension small grains specialist. "They also get to see the latest research from our programs."
Producers from across Oklahoma and surrounding states use these plot tours to make informed decisions about their own growing operations.
"I see a lot of the same people year after year," said David Gammill, a producer in Cotton County. "It's an effective way to see how different varieties from different institutions stand out badly or stand out well in the area."
During the plot tours, producers can engage with Extension educators and specialists, as well as fellow producers who share similar experiences.
"It is our chance to hear from producers about their challenges and needs," Silva said. "We develop our research program around their interests, so we always look forward to these moments to interact with and learn from them, too."
The plot tours so far have shown a severely drought-stressed crop, which will result in a large reduction in yield and harvested acres in the state, Silva said.
"We are also seeing lots of fields with wheat streak mosaic and barley yellow dwarf virus infestations," she said.
Following the plot tours, OSU will conduct wheat variety trials on these locations across the state to collect data on yield, test weight, protein concentration, disease resistance and key traits such as maturity and lodging or any other characteristic that appears in the season, offering a snapshot of the challenges and conditions faced by Oklahoma wheat producers this season.
Information from these trials will help producers choose the best wheat variety to maximize profit.
More than 70% all wheat acres in Oklahoma are planted with varieties developed at OSU, including 43 varieties commercialized by the OSU Wheat Improvement Team since 2000. This team directly and significantly impacts food security worldwide, with wheat supplying 20% of the energy humans derive from food.
Efforts are underway to modernize the OSU's Agronomy Research Station and create the Agronomy Discovery Center with new and updated facilities to better serve key constituents and lead in comparative advantage areas in the wheat industry.
To learn more about the plot tours and variety trials, visit Wheat Research and Extension online (https://extension.okstate.edu/programs/wheat-research-and-extension).
-- Story By: Baylee Smith, baylee.r.smith@okstate.edu
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Original text here: https://news.okstate.edu/articles/agriculture/2026/osu-wheat-variety-testing-plot-tours-benefit-producers
Hope College 2026 Commencement Address
HOLLAND, Michigan, May 14 -- Hope College issued the following news:
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Hope College 2026 Commencement Address
By Peter Stuursma '93
Peter Stuursma '93 -- associate professor of kinesiology instruction and Hope's head football coach -- addressed Hope's Class of 2026 on Sunday, May 10, 2026, at the Ray and Sue Smith Stadium in Holland, Michigan. It was the 161st commencement for Hope College, which celebrated 815 graduates -- the largest graduating class in Hope's history.
"Your Story is Still Being Written"
Good afternoon, Hope.
First, I would like to recognize one of the greatest "callings"
... Show Full Article
HOLLAND, Michigan, May 14 -- Hope College issued the following news:
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Hope College 2026 Commencement Address
By Peter Stuursma '93
Peter Stuursma '93 -- associate professor of kinesiology instruction and Hope's head football coach -- addressed Hope's Class of 2026 on Sunday, May 10, 2026, at the Ray and Sue Smith Stadium in Holland, Michigan. It was the 161st commencement for Hope College, which celebrated 815 graduates -- the largest graduating class in Hope's history.
"Your Story is Still Being Written"
Good afternoon, Hope.
First, I would like to recognize one of the greatest "callings"in the world and recognize the mothers here today as we celebrate them.
Graduates, wherever your mom may be, she is smiling today.
Class of 2026, esteemed colleagues, the board of trustees, Matt, and the family and friends who are here today to honor this outstanding group of young people: Thank you for this incredible honor to speak to you today.
I was sitting with a current member of the board of trustees a few weeks ago -- someone I truly respect and admire. We had a healthy debate on the topic of self-deprecating humor and/or self-positive talk.
What is my point? I have always marveled at the qualities it takes to be a leader in this world today, to run a business, an organization, a nonprofit or to be the president of a college and yet I wonder why in the world, would a graduating class choose a football coach to be their commencement speaker?
I sat in those chairs as a student, as a member of this faculty, and as a parent of two recent graduates.
Then it dawned on me. I am not nearly as smart or as qualified as Dr. Marcus Fila (Hope professor of management)!
I am, in no way, as qualified to spread the gospel like Rev. Shomari Tate (chaplain of prophetic witness) did a couple of years ago!
And I am nowhere close to being as funny or as witty as President Scogin, though I am much taller!
So, I ask myself again, why would a football coach be standing here today addressing the class of 2026?
As I reflected, it's because I believe in some very simple things, like:
* People matter!
* I believe you win with people and relationships, and interactions with people make a huge impact!
* I believe you are far less broken than you believe you are!
* In fact, I believe you are well-tooled to survive -- and thrive.
* I believe you are continuing to write your story and it is far from complete.
Having been in public education for 22 years, I realized that when students were preparing to graduate from high school and seeking the individual independence they longed for, it was not always this wonderful experience for everyone.
In fact, for many it was a struggle, it was challenging, and it took a lot of work, a little luck, maybe a little grace, and a lot of support to make it happen!
Here at Hope, we "get to" be a support system to bridge the past with the now, while continuing to build on the powerful foundation for which you stand.
Today, I recognize that it may not have been easy to get to this point, yet, I marvel at the sheer number of you, set to graduate from this institution of HOPE. You now have the opportunity to show the world the tangible qualities you have: your incredible zest for life, your energy and excitement, how you choose joy, and the tremendous confidence you have in who you are.
It goes without saying that some will attend graduate school, others will travel, some will take a gap year, and many will enter the workforce.
I am inspired by you and how you arrived at this point today. Yes, you are a bit older and wiser, a bit more prepared, you are more confident, and you are more mature then when you started this journey!
I am also not going to apologize for saying you are incredible people who make us proud. You are ready and you are prepared!
Being blessed with this honor to speak to you today, I did what most of us would have done when brainstorming ideas for an effective commencement address. Unfortunately, not much information came up for a football coach giving a commencement speech! So, I:
* asked mentors and confidants
* asked Chat GPT
* asked Google
* asked family members
* even asked a couple seniors sitting on the concourse in DeVos Fieldhouse
The answers I received:
* Don't quote things. Be quotable!
* You can never be bad if you are short with the length of your speech.
* Don't define the world "out there" for graduates. It is theirs to define.
* Don't try to be someone you are not.
* Speak in reality and provide something new!
Well, I am not as smart as Marcus Fila (Hope professor of management), nor am I as theologically developed as Shomari Tate, nor am I as funny as President Matt Scogin. Yet, I have an uncertified PhD and an expert opinion on the positive impacts of young people - all of you!
I often ask our players "what would the 22-year-old version of you say to the 18-year-old version of you?" The responses are quite obvious!
That is exactly the point. All of you have grown up in so many ways. You don't have it all figured out. None of us do. Yet you have grown through your experiences and your interactions with PEOPLE! That is inspiring.
Last spring, my wife Amy and I were fortunate to attend one of the many SEED trips through Hope Athletics. There were 17 Hope student-athletes, my wife and I and the great Courtney Kust (Hope women's associate head basketball coach) for 10 days in Costa Rica.
Here is what we learned about those wonderful young people. How worried, nervous and anxious they were about: "What comes next in life for me?" "What am I supposed to be doing?" We were mesmerized by our team and their incredible care for others, their ability to teach, to discover, and to develop a bond with the people and the young athletes of Costa Rica! We were in awe as we watched our team walk alongside local communities through the installation of water filter systems that could actually impact and influence our world for change. We were enamored by how pulled together our student-athletes were as we debriefed and provided testimonials each night, and they delivered their love of sport and the gospel to others around them.
We were also inspired by their leadership, their grit and toughness, their ability to adapt, and laugh, and have fun. This allowed me to surmise the following:
* They are way further along than they think.
* YOU are way further along than you think. (Not that we have a vehicle to actually measure this)!
* Yet, it is my opinion that this is only the beginning for all of you!
I have a picture that hangs in my office that one of our sons gave me a few years ago and it reminds me of what we saw in Costa Rica and what I see in all of you, the graduates, sitting here today. The picture reads in part: "Dad: If I could give you one gift in life, it would be for you to see yourself through my eyes."
If I could give you, the class of 2026, one gift in life, it would be for you to see yourselves through our eyes, the eyes of this institution and all who represent it, through the eyes of your friends and classmates, and through the eyes of your parents, grandparents and loved ones.
Then, you will realize what we get to see:
* The incredible spirit, energy and inspiration you bring to this campus every day!
* Your incredible will to compete on the field, on the court and in the classroom!
* The way you open a door and say to a prospective student and their family: "Welcome to Hope!"
* The way you show up for people around you and share your hearts with others.
* You would also hear the question I ask our guys all of the time: How do you take down a giant tree in the forest of redwoods? You just keep chopping. You keep swinging without care or concern or a thought of quitting.
You are so close to finding it, to seeing it, and to discovering something special. You are so close......Just keep swinging, keep chopping, and just keep going. And when you get that tree to fall, just move on to the next one.
You are writing your story and it is far from complete. You are just getting started. Keep writing, keep swinging and keep chopping.
It was once stated by my dear friend Stu Fritz that he is writing a book (and one that no one will read)! Well, I would argue that you are writing your book and your story as we speak! Just keep writing, keep swinging and keep chopping! You are so close! I believe that your story and your book is one that everyone would be crazy not to read.
Tell your story. It's a good one. Ask someone about their story. It's amazing what you will learn. Ask me about my story, and I will gladly share:
* Though I do it with a visor and a whistle on this very field in this stadium!
* I love to share with anyone willing to listen.
* That "I get to do this"
* I get to be around some of the finest young people in the world!
* I am hopeful that all families of these incredible students will trust the words of a football coach when I say, "your kids are incredible human beings to be around and we are honored to be a small part of their story."
I also believe that the ultimate story is already written. You are just waiting for it to be revealed!
So, I ask one more time: "Why in the world would a football coach be here today addressing this graduating class?" Maybe it is because the plan has already been written, you just have to find it. Or perhaps the real reason is to leave you with a few things that I think still matter today:
* Live where your feet are!
* You are so close, just keep moving one moment at a time and one day at a time.
* Write a handwritten note to someone who has made a difference in your life.
* OR Leave a Starbucks or other gift card for someone... just because!
* Chase significance and not success.
* Think big. Dream big. You all are pretty good at what you do!
Please take a moment today and:
* Say hello and open a door for somebody.
* Don't cut across the grass.
* Say "I hope you have an amazing day."
* How about saying "see you later" instead of goodbye.
* Show up for those around you!
Say "thank you" to your parents and grandparents if you are fortunate to have them around, because they are so proud of you.
Keep showing up! Keep swinging and keep chopping! Say, "I love you" and mean it!
You are way further along than you think. Attack every day as if you have no idea what is on the other side. Keep sharing and writing your story, because you are far from finishing your book!
Class of 2026 ... We are so excited to hear about your story and we can't wait to see you again soon!
Best of luck. Love to you all. God bless you... and Go Hope!!
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Original text here: https://hope.edu/news/2026/campus-life/hope-college-2026-commencement-address.html?_gl=1*1uxqv56*_gcl_au*OTk0ODMwMjUwLjE3NzU5MTAzNDI.*_ga*MTk2OTcxNjE3OC4xNzY4MDQ3MTc5*_ga_RF3LGY13Y9*czE3Nzg3NTcxNjckbzM5JGcwJHQxNzc4NzU3MTY3JGo2MCRsMCRoMA..
