{"id":14500,"date":"2026-05-15T11:07:25","date_gmt":"2026-05-15T16:07:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.augsburg.edu\/now\/?p=14500"},"modified":"2026-05-15T11:07:25","modified_gmt":"2026-05-15T16:07:25","slug":"commencement-2026-finding-our-way-in-this-peculiar-era","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.augsburg.edu\/now\/2026\/05\/15\/commencement-2026-finding-our-way-in-this-peculiar-era\/","title":{"rendered":"Commencement 2026: \u2018Finding our way in this peculiar era\u2019"},"content":{"rendered":"

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]海角社区 celebrated the class of 2026 at a vibrant commencement ceremony at U.S. Bank Stadium on Thursday, May 7.<\/p>\n

This year\u2019s dynamic and diverse group of 544 undergraduate and 228 graduate students represents 24 countries, 16 states, and eight tribal nations at the undergraduate level, and 15 countries, 13 states, and three tribal nations among graduate students. Top undergraduate majors include biology, psychology, finance, and computer science, alongside strong representation in nursing, business, and the social sciences. Graduate students span a wide array of advanced programs, with the largest cohorts in social work, business administration, and physician assistant studies.<\/p>\n

President Paul Pribbenow<\/strong> welcomed the graduates to the Minneapolis event, acknowledging the difficulties faced by the community during the past year. And although commencement tends to mark the academic accomplishments of the outgoing class, he said that courage, resilience, and care are also cause for celebration.<\/p>\n

\u201cIn a time of stress and grief, you showed up for each other and had each other’s backs,\u201d Pribbenow said. \u201cIn a time of uncertainty and disruption, you pushed forward, even when it may have seemed impossible to finish your education. I am always proud of Augsburg, but I am especially proud of you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Pribbenow then presented awards to members of the class of 2026.<\/p>\n

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With the platform party standing behind her, University Pastor Babette Chatman ’06<\/b> addresses the class of 2026. (Photo by Courtney Perry)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lee\u2019RayVone G\u2019everdloaahn \u201926<\/strong> was named this year\u2019s recipient of the Marina Christensen Justice Award<\/a>, which honors a student exemplifying Augsburg\u2019s motto, \u201cEducation for Service.\u201d An Act Six Scholar and Newman Civic Fellow,<\/a> G\u2019everdloaahn graduated with a double major in psychology and critical race and ethnicity studies, and a minor in entrepreneurial studies. He also served the Augsburg community as founder and president of the poetry and meaningful writing club, a community advisor, and a Bonner community leader.<\/p>\n

The Richard J. Thoni Award was presented to Savannah Mitchell \u201926 MAE<\/strong>, embodying a commitment to community, hospitality, and innovation through her work advancing the Augsburg Family Scholars program<\/a>. Her unwavering dedication to foster youth inspired her nomination by Professor Tim Pippert<\/strong>, executive director of Augsburg Family Scholars.<\/p>\n

\u201cOur students find Savannah relatable and value her insights,\u201d Pippert said in his nomination. \u201cSavannah has been a touchstone whose presence has strengthened the Augsburg Family Scholars community. We know her impact will endure as she continues advocating for foster youth in the future.\u201d<\/p>\n

Seng Xiong \u201917, \u201926 MSW<\/strong> then delivered the commencement address. A deeply introspective reflection, they shared personal challenges of going back to college for an advanced degree\u2014the first in their family to do so\u2014and the importance of maintaining hope and resilience amidst doubts.<\/p>\n

\u201cAll of us leaving this stage today have the opportunity to use the gifts, resources, and knowledge we have been given to continue finding our way in this peculiar era, while also contributing to a future that lets those to come know they have a meaningful place in the world, too,\u201d Xiong said.<\/p>\n

Among the list of their supporters were family, colleagues, educators, and staff.<\/p>\n

\u201cI am so humbled to have been given bountiful demonstrations of what it means to be committed to the care and liberation of learners\u2014every and anywhere.\u201d[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_images_carousel images=”14528,14529,14527,14526,14525,14524,14523,14522,14521,14520,14519,14518,14517,14516,14515,14514,14513,14512,14511,14510,14509,14508,14507,14506,14505″ img_size=”full” onclick=”link_no” autoplay=”yes” hide_pagination_control=”yes”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]More ways to celebrate the class of 2026:<\/strong><\/p>\n