OAKLAND CITY, Ind. (WEVV) — Oakland City University graduated 180 students representing 44 countries during its 131st commencement ceremony Saturday. The ceremony took place on the university’s Oakland City, Indiana campus.
University President Dr. Ron Dempsey addressed the graduates during the ceremony. Family members, guests and Board of Trustees members attended the event.
“Everyone gathered not only to celebrate academic achievement but to recognize their journey shaped by faith, purpose, and calling,” Dempsey said. “At OCU, education is never just about knowledge gained or skills acquired—it is about truth discovered, character formed, and lives aligned with the teachings of Jesus Christ.”
Four deans presented degrees and certificates to students from their respective schools. Dr. Ron Mercer, Dean of the School of Religious Studies and Chapman Seminary, conferred a degree to one student from the school founded in 1885.
Dr. Justin Murphy, Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences, conferred degrees and certificates to 23 students. Dr. Cami Davis, Interim Dean of the School of Education, conferred degrees and certificates to 61 students from the school founded in 1907.
Dr. Jervaise McDaniel, Dean of the School of Business, conferred degrees and certificates to 95 students from the school founded in 1918. The university honored five students with the President’s Award for academic achievement and campus contributions.
Abigail Breanna Vaugh from Lawrenceville, Illinois earned a 4.0 GPA as an education major in elementary education and special education while playing on the women’s volleyball team. Isabella Catherine Donihue from Huntingburg, Indiana earned a 4.0 GPA as an English major in elementary education and special education.
Berta Del Hoyo Borrell from Barcelona, Spain earned a 4.0 GPA as a psychology major while playing on the women’s soccer team. Macy Ana Knight from Grayville, Illinois earned a 4.0 GPA as an English major with secondary education licensure while playing on the women’s volleyball team.
Samaribr Sing Sidhu from Mohali, Punjab, India earned a 4.0 GPA as a double major in business administration and operations management while playing on the men’s tennis team and serving as a resident assistant. Students voted Ellie Dillow from the School of Arts and Sciences and Dave Wilderman from the School of Business as Professors of the Year.
Oakland City University was chartered by the State of Indiana in 1885. The university provides opportunities for cultural enrichment, intellectual growth and quality education.