On April 23–25, Trinity Western University gathered with graduands, families, friends, faculty, and staff to celebrate the class of 2026. Across the Baccalaureate Worship Service and four graduation ceremonies held from Thursday through Saturday, the TWU community marked a significant milestone shaped by perseverance, learning, and spiritual formation.
Worship at the heart of the weekend
Graduation weekend began on Thursday evening with the Baccalaureate Worship Service, the final chapel experience for graduating students. Held in the David E. Enarson Gymnasium, the service brought graduands together from across all programs for a shared time of worship, reflection, and encouragement.
Distinct from commencement, baccalaureate offered space for graduands to reflect on how God has sustained and equipped them during their time at TWU while looking ahead with hope toward what lies beyond graduation. The service included Scripture readings in multiple languages, student reflections, and a charge inviting graduands to live out what they have learned.
“Education that is not lived remains unfinished,” TWU President Todd F. Martin reminded graduands during the baccalaureate charge. “You are not meant to merely complete an education. You are meant to live it.”
The service concluded with faculty and staff gathering to pray over the graduating class, commissioning them with a blessing for lives of integrity, humility, courage, and service. A reception hosted by the Trinity Western University Student Association followed, allowing graduands and their guests to celebrate together in community.
A university gathered in gratitude
Graduation ceremonies on Friday and Saturday continued the tone of thanksgiving and celebration. Matthew St. John, Chair of the Board of Governors, welcomed graduands and families by reflecting on the moment as both an ending and a beginning. Speaking on behalf of the board and the wider community, he affirmed the University’s shared joy and pride in the graduating class. “Please know, I speak for the Board of Governors and our entire community,” he assured, “telling you we are exceedingly proud of you, and we rejoice with you and all that this day represents.” He expressed gratitude for the faculty and staff who have walked closely with students along the way.
President Martin echoed that sentiment throughout the weekend, reminding graduands that they go forward surrounded by prayer and support. He encouraged them to carry the values formed during their time at Trinity Western into every calling ahead. “As you go forward,” he said, “may you lead with humility, serve with compassion, seek justice, and walk faithfully in the vocation to which God has called you.”
Friday: The courage of a discerning yes
Friday’s ceremonies featured commencement speaker Shirley V. Hoogstra, JD, President Emerita of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities. Drawing from decades of leadership in law and Christian higher education, Hoogstra encouraged graduands to approach their future with discernment and courage.
“May you become known not just for your accomplishments,” she told the class, “but for the courage of your yes.” She reminded graduands that faithfulness often requires stepping into uncertainty, trusting God’s leading rather than seeking ease or control.
Saturday: Faithfulness as the calling
Saturday’s ceremonies welcomed Dr. W. Robert Wood, Dean of the Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences and former provost, as commencement speaker. Dr. Wood reflected on vocation, identity, and the formation that prepares for a life of service.
“You may not feel ready,” he said. “Readiness was never the requirement. Faithfulness is.”
He encouraged graduands to root their identity not in titles or achievements, but in being children of God, carrying that foundation into every workplace, community, and calling they enter.
Sent & supported for what’s next
Across all ceremonies, graduands were welcomed into TWU’s alumni community of more than 36,000 alumni worldwide. They were reminded that graduation does not mark an ending to their relationship with the University, but the beginning of a lifelong one.
Filled with prayer and gratitude, the weekend reflected the University’s Christ-centred commitment to educating the whole person. As graduands worshipped together and crossed the stage, thus officially becoming graduates, they were celebrated for their academic achievements and sent forward with purpose to serve faithfully in the world.
Trinity Western University congratulates the class of 2026. As they are sent from this place, may they continue to think truthfully, act justly, and live faithfully for the good of the world and the glory of God.
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.