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2022 Commencement

2022 Commencement

563 undergrads, 281 advanced degrees, 1 DPT cohort

Undergraduate Commencement

Messiah University celebrated its 113th Undergraduate Commencement May 7, conferring degrees on 563 graduating seniors in Brubaker Auditorium.

"Though you are stepping into a difficult moment in our nation; when I look out at your faces and remember your stories, your questions, your service, your accomplishments and your positive contributions to the Messiah University community, I am hopeful. May your grace-filled presence in the world—in your homes, churches, communities and workplaces—be a beautiful testament to your Messiah University education, and even more importantly, a witness to the Jesus of the Gospels. May He sustain and guide you now and forevermore."

President Kim S. Phipps

Undergraduate Commencement speaker: Esau McCaulley, Ph.D., assistant professor of New Testament at Wheaton College

Special recognitions

  • Dr. Robert and Marilyn Smith Award for Outstanding Teaching: David Weaver-Zercher, professor of American religious history
  • Dr. Robert and Marilyn Smith Award for Outstanding Teaching: Jason Renn, assistant professor of politics
  • Outstanding Cocurricular Educator Award: Amy Slody, director of the Academic Success Center
  • Donald and Anna Zook Alumni Merit Award: Matt Jenkins ’22, student body president

Senior spotlights

Nathan Ncube ’22

As a business administration major, Nathan Ncube ’22 had no trouble finding a job immediately after graduation. He works as a business development specialist at SEI Investments outside Philadelphia in Oaks, Pennsylvania.

“I love it,” he said. “I live 30 minutes away. It’s a beautiful town.”

Read more about Nathan

Cassidy Hoffman ’22

Nursing major Cassidy Hoffman ’22 grew up around hospitals, because his mom is a nurse. 

“Early on, I knew nursing was what I wanted to do,” he said.

Growing up near Williamsport, he learned about Messiah University by attending summer soccer camps as a child. That led to enrolling as a student.

Read more about Cassidy

Hannah Weller ’22

When your parents are music education majors, you might just become a music education major yourself.

“I wouldn’t have wanted to grow up any other way,” said Hannah Weller ’22. “It’s a filter through which I live my life.”

Winner of the Kuhlman competition and the Presser Award while on campus, she recently began a master’s in clarinet performance at the University of North Texas, a premier music school.

Read more about Hannah

Graduate Commencement

At Brubaker Auditorium, the School of Graduate Studies honored the Class of 2022, where 281 graduates receive their master’s and doctorate degrees May 14. This milestone event included the first cohort to graduate from Messiah’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program.

Graduate Commencement Speaker: Quincy Hilliard, Ph.D., composer in residence and the Heymann Endowed Professor of Music at the University of Louisiana 

Special recognition:

  • Harry and Nancy Preis Outstanding Graduate Teaching Award: Leanne Rutt, assistant professor of occupational therapy

Graduate spotlight

Rachel Jackson, M.M. ’22

When the pandemic hit, Rachel Jackson, M.M. ’22 found hope in a Messiah graduate program.

Beginning a Master of Music only two months after the pandemic began, she says there was a collective depression in the music community. “For me, a side-effect of the pandemic was a real need for refocus on something positive. This master’s program fulfilled that need,” she said.

Read more about Rachel