Northwest Nazarene University (NNU) honored the Class of 2026 on Saturday, May 9, during its 110th Commencement ceremonies held on the NNU campus Quad. Surrounded by faculty, staff, family and friends, approximately 390 graduates were recognized for completing undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees.
The Graduate and Professional Studies ceremony took place at noon, followed by the Traditional Undergraduate ceremony at 4:00 p.m. A Baccalaureate service was also held on Friday evening in the Brandt Center to celebrate and commission the undergraduate class.
This year’s ceremonies marked the first commencement celebrations led by NNU’s 14th president, Dr. Mark DeMichael.
“Commencement is one of the most meaningful moments in the life of a university,” DeMichael said. “We are proud of our graduates, and it is a tremendous joy to celebrate all they have accomplished during their time at NNU. Throughout their journey, they have been shaped by an education centered on Jesus Christ that seeks the transformation of the whole person. As they step into what is next, they do so not only equipped for their vocational calling, but grounded in faith, character and purpose. Our prayer is that they will go forward humble in heart, bold in mission and committed to serving as Christ-centered leaders who make a meaningful difference in the world.”
During the ceremonies, NNU awarded an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters to Reverend J. Scott Shaw in recognition of his lifelong commitment to ministry, leadership and faithful service.
Reverend Shaw is widely known as a devoted servant of Christ, whose life reflects a deep love for God, his family and the Church. A graduate of Northwest Nazarene College and Nazarene Theological Seminary, he dedicated 42 years to ministry in the Church of the Nazarene, including his final decade as District Superintendent for the Intermountain District. In this role, he provided steady leadership, pastoral care and vision for churches and ministers across the region.
Now retired, Shaw remains actively engaged in his local church and continues to invest in the lives of others. He and his wife, Vicki, enjoy spending time with their children, their spouses and their grandchildren, often traveling to be together. Known for his thoughtful perspective, he can often be found reflecting on the intersections of faith, culture and everyday life, always with a desire to grow in Christlikeness. His life is marked by a consistent pursuit of faithfulness and love.
Northwest Nazarene University is honored to recognize Reverend Shaw’s enduring impact on the Church, the University and the many lives he has shaped through his ministry.
To learn more about NNU’s Commencement Ceremonies or to watch a recording of the livestream, visit nnu.edu/commencement.
