Asbury graduates honored as speakers encourage lives of faith, service, and global impact
Asbury University celebrated the Restored Class of 2026 during Commencement on Saturday, May 2 at the Luce Center in Wilmore, Ky. Asbury undergraduate, graduate, and online students crossed the stage in front of family, friends, faculty, and staff, marking the culmination of their academic journeys and their formation in both intellectual and spiritual life. AU hosted the ceremonies as part of a full weekend of events honoring graduates, including the Baccalaureate service and final campus gatherings.
Watch the 2026 Baccalaureate and Commencement Services
The significance of Commencement extends beyond the ceremony itself, as it marks a pivotal transition for graduates stepping into their vocations while carrying Asbury’s mission of academic excellence and spiritual vitality into the world.
This year’s Commencement featured speakers Dr. Billy Coppedge ’02 and Joanna Neff ’03 Coppedge, missionaries based in Scotland and Asbury alumni. Drawing from their global ministry experience, they encouraged graduates to remain attentive to God’s calling and to engage the world with faithfulness and creativity. Their message resonated with students preparing to enter diverse vocations, reminding them that their education equips them not only for careers but for lives of service and impact.
Asbury University President Dr. Kevin Brown also addressed the graduating class, affirming the significance of their achievements and the character they developed during their time at AU.
I pray that God would bless these Asbury graduates, encourage their hearts, and may they know that the Lord is with them, animated by the Holy Spirit unto God-honoring, neighbor-serving, salt-and-light work.”
AU Athletics celebrated the class of 2026 graduating 31 scholar-athletes from 15 teams and 17 majors. These student-athletes represented commitment to the TeamAU mission to train in the classroom for the glory of God. To be eligible for this honor student-athletes must have maintained an overall GPA of 3.5 or higher during their undergraduate studies at Asbury University.
The ceremonies reflected the breadth of disciplines represented across the Class of 2026, from the arts and sciences to business, education, and communication. Faculty members participated in the formal processions, celebrating alongside students they had mentored and taught. Families filled the venue with applause and emotion as each graduate received their diploma cover and completed this important milestone.
Throughout the day, Asbury emphasized its commitment to forming graduates who lead with purpose, integrity, and faith. The Restored Class of 2026 now joins a global network of alumni, stepping into new opportunities while carrying forward the values shaped during their time on campus.
Explore highlights from Commencement Weekend, access ceremony livestreams, and find resources for graduates and families.