Baccalaureate | May 7, 2026

Preliminaries

Peter Wright’s rousing prelude established a festive tone for Maranatha’s 2026 Baccalaureate service. As he modulated into “All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name” and guests respectfully rose, graduate candidates began their victorious processional into the gymnasium. The music echoed Edward Perronet’s compelling lyrics, bidding all to “Crown Him Lord of all!”

Led by the faculty member Dr. Douglas Bachorik, the congregation united in singing Charles Wesley’s lively self-exhortation, “Arise, My Soul, Arise.” Grounded in assurance of Christ’s finished sacrifice, the hymn urges us to confidently “draw nigh” to the Father.

As the music ended, President Dr. David Anderson opened with prayer, expressing gratitude to God for salvation and His Spirit who indwells and empowers believers and who enabled the student accomplishments being celebrated. He prayed that the Lord would be honored even as the graduates were recognized, and that He would help students to go on to serve faithfully with awareness of their future accountability.

In rich harmony, the Praisemen—seniors Andrew Centifanto, Daniel Earnest, and Kenny Kartman, alongside fellow students Bryce Felber and Jonathan Herbster—sang “God of Light and Love,” maintaining the theme: “All praise and glory to the King!”

CEO Dr. Matthew Davis welcomed attendees to this celebration of God’s work, declaring, “[Graduates] are our life’s work.” He recognized grandparents first, inviting them to stand and thanking them for their loving support and investment in their grandchildren’s education. Likewise, he acknowledged parents, spouses, and pastors for their encouragement and influence. Dr. Davis then expressed personal appreciation to the Board of Trustees and Board of Resource for their faithful service to the university.

He noted that Maranatha is somewhat unique among colleges and universities in continuing the tradition of Baccalaureate, a service dedicated to praising God for His work in students’ lives.

Addressing the rising cost of higher education, Dr. Davis shared that Maranatha students receive more than $4 million in scholarships each year, and he thanked those whose generosity make those scholarships possible. He then introduced the Commencement Offering which will support the renovation of Alumni Hall. Although the overall project will exceed $100,000, the offering goal is $8,000-10,000.

During the offering, graduating seniors Emma Bateman and Alyssa McLeod delighted listeners with their vibrant piano duet, “Praise Him! Praise Him!”

Outstanding Student Award Presentations

Dr. Thomas Graham, Vice President for Academic Affairs, announced students who achieved the highest level of excellence in scholarship: Felicia Harmon, Peter Hecker, Karissa Markle, Alyssa McLeod, Jacquelyn Penticuff, and Joseph Stein.

Outstanding Student Awards were presented by program coordinators, deans, or chairs of each college, school, or department who explained the core focus of their respective programs and announced winners. Award recipients were:

  • Outstanding MBBI Graduate — Abigail Sweet

  • Outstanding CBCM, Male Graduate — Andrew Centifanto

  • Outstanding CBCM, Female Graduate — Alyssa McLeod

  • Outstanding Applied Science Graduate — Brayden Launder

  • Outstanding Humanities Graduate — Anna Morken

  • Outstanding Interdisciplinary Studies Graduate — Crystal Berry

  • Outstanding Senior Musician — Gabriella Moore

  • School of Business Student Achievement Award — Robert Lemon

  • Outstanding Future Teacher — Benjamin Price

  • Florence Nightingale Best Bedside Nurse (awarded at Nurses Pinning) — Erica Kaminski

  • Online and Distance Learning Outstanding Student Graduate — Akina Hall

  • Outstanding Master of Arts Graduate, Maranatha Baptist Seminary — Joseph Stein

Scripture Reading & Special Music

Assistant to the President Dr. Milton Jones led the Scripture Reading from Proverbs 4:5-13. The text stresses a lifelong pursuit of wisdom that requires commitment to gain, apply, and retain it, while assuring that those who embrace wisdom will be preserved and rewarded.

“Gospel truth delivers me from strongholds of anxiety,” sang seniors Daniel Earnest, Leah Phillips, and Megan Prigge, accompanied by Jack Bovay, in a moving rendition of “All Things Through Christ.” The lyrics affirm the comforting reality that “though tomorrow may bring change, in Him [our] future stays the same.”

Baccalaureate Message

In his characteristic unassuming manner, faculty member Dr. Steve Love delivered a message titled “What to Do with Those ‘Oops’ Moments of Life,” based on Psalm 56:9. The setting of the Psalm—David’s reckless choice to escape to enemy territory—offers perspective and hope, despite inevitable lapses in judgement.

The Psalm teaches us what to do during such times. Verse one admonishes us to seek mercy. When fear rises, we should rehearse what it means to trust the Lord (v. 3) and recall what God has said (v. 4). As we humbly acknowledge Him in these ways, David testifies, the Lord grants victory. “This I know,” he confidently affirmed, “for God is for me” (v.9). This assurance extends to every aspect of life (v. 13).

Turning to a broader perspective, Dr. Love drew attention to the word “soul” (v. 13), describing it as the inner faculty that governs our choices. Probing deeply, he asked, “How is your soul?” He concluded by expressing hope that each person present would recognize the vital need of salvation from the debt of sin by Christ’s substitutionary death and, thus, seek mercy and receive divine grace.

Conclusion & Benediction

Directed once more by Dr. Bachorik, the congregation stood to sing the recessional hymn, “Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah.” As the class of 2026 retraced their steps, the lyrics conveyed a fitting prayer: “Lead me all my journey through.”

Veteran faculty member Dr. Larry Oats concluded the service, thanking the Lord for graduates and their families, confidently anticipating Commencement, even with its uncertainties regarding the future, and trusting the One Who began a good work to continue it. Then, he quoted the oft-repeated blessing—”The Lord make His face to shine upon you, and be gracious …”

View the ceremony here.

View photos here.