On a beautiful autumn day on Saturday, Nov. 7, Trinity Western University celebrated the achievements of the class of 2026 during two graduation ceremonies held in the David E. Enarson Gymnasium on the Langley campus. Families, friends, faculty, and staff gathered throughout the day to recognize graduates whose academic journeys have prepared them to serve faithfully in their professions, communities, and callings.
Held in morning and afternoon ceremonies, the celebrations reflected the University's vision that every graduate is equipped to think truthfully, act justly, and live faithfully for the good of the world and the glory of God.
Called with Purpose
Commencement speaker Dr. Jennifer Adkins, Vice President for Inclusive Excellence at Trinity Western University, encouraged graduates to view their future not simply as a career path, but as a response to God's calling. Introduced by Todd F. Martin, TWU's president, Dr. Adkins reflected on her own journey of discovering how faith and vocation are inseparable.
Recalling her years as a university student and graduate, Dr. Adkins spoke candidly about the uncertainty she felt as she looked toward the future. Like many graduates, she was searching for purpose and direction. At the time, she viewed work primarily as a means of financial security, personal achievement, and recognition, separating her faith from her career ambitions.
She shared how God gradually revealed a different path. Passions she once dismissed as impractical for a career, particularly her desire to see people treated with dignity and given the opportunity to flourish, ultimately became central to her vocation and life's work. Looking back, she now sees God's hand guiding her toward the very calling she once resisted.
Dr. Adkins challenged graduates to take note of the burdens, passions, and convictions God has placed on their hearts.
"Pay attention to those things. God often plants clues of our calling deep within our hearts long before we recognize them."
Dr. Adkins described these passions as a "divine dissatisfaction," the deep conviction that draws people toward serving others, addressing injustice, and participating in God's work of restoration in the world. She encouraged graduates to trust God's leading and to see their education as preparation for joining His greater work of renewal and redemption.
"May you resist the temptation to measure your worth by your salary, your title, or the applause of others," she told graduates. "The adventure is only beginning."
A community that shapes & supports
A recurring theme throughout the day was the role of community in helping students reach this milestone. Dr. Adkins reminded graduates that their accomplishments were made possible through the encouragement and support of family members, friends, professors, mentors, and classmates who journeyed alongside them.
Representing students, Terrance Mansaray-Nyirongo, president of the TWU Graduate Student Association (TWUGSA), read the University's theme scripture for the year from Galatians 6: 10, encouraging graduates to continue serving others wherever God leads them.
“Success is not only measured by how far you go in life but even more so by how many lives you positively impact along the way,” he said.
Honouring a legacy of service
The ceremonies also featured the conferral of an honorary Doctor of Laws, honoris causa, upon Aare Emmanuel Afe Babalola, founder and chancellor of Afe Babalola University in Nigeria. At age 97, Babalola is recognized internationally for his contributions to law and education. Shaped by a deep Christian faith and a conviction that God's gifts are meant to be used in service to others, he has spent more than six decades investing in future generations through legal practice, educational leadership, and philanthropy.
Sent out for the good of the world
Cheered on by family and friends, graduates crossed the stage and joined a worldwide community of more than 36,000 alumni. With an evening windstorm approaching, attendees were grateful for the beautiful fall weather that held throughout the day’s celebrations.
TWU congratulates this fall’s graduating class, and we eagerly anticipate the stories of their impact on individuals, communities, and nations in the years to come.
About Trinity Western University
Founded in 1962, Trinity Western University is a global Christian liberal arts university dedicated to equipping students for life. Uniting faith and reason through Christian teaching and scholarship, TWU is a research institution offering undergraduate and graduate degrees in the humanities and sciences as well as in several professional schools. TWU has its main campus in Langley, B.C. and campus sites in Richmond, B.C. and Ottawa, Ont.
Learn more at twu.ca or follow @TrinityWestern on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube. For media inquiries, please contact media@twu.ca.