Tabor College celebrated its 116th Commencement with two ceremonies and nearly 170 graduates on May 2, recognizing strong retention and enrollment in its undergraduate classes and rapidly growing master’s programs.
Students of the Class of 2026, including 109 undergraduate and 60 graduate and online students, were honored as part of the ceremonies. Fifty-five in the undergraduate class finished with academic honors, including 25 students at summa cum laude (3.85-4.00 GPA), 13 at magna cum laude (3.70-3.84), and 17 at cum laude (3.50-3.69). Individuals from 26 states and 10 countries represented the graduating classes.
The Rev. Frank Johnson, Tabor College administrator emeritus, provided both keynote addresses. He challenged the morning’s students to “press on,” highlighting Philippians 3:12-14 and the lifelong pursuit of a relationship with Christ instead of immediate excellence. In the afternoon, Johnson noted that roughly 10% of American adults possess a master’s degree, celebrating that “an abundant life is even better” in pursuit of lifelong learning and making the world more of what Jesus intended.
Reese Hefley, senior class president, gave the undergraduate class response. She shared that one of the biggest takeaways from her time at Tabor is the growth in the “in-between moments.”
“There are moments where we’ve asked questions and our beliefs were stretched and what matters most to us in our faith,” Hefley says. “Through those moments, our faith has become more personal, grounded and a part of who we are. This experience wasn’t just about getting to today; it was about who we became along the way.”
The Tabor College concert choir performed “And Can it Be?” by Dan Forrest during the morning ceremony.
Kassidy Beam spoke to the MBA and Master of Education graduates, noting her path to obtaining two degrees and competing in Tabor athletics.
“In my faith, I’ve learned it’s become less about having everything figured out, and more about trusting the process even when it’s unclear,” she says. “I’ve learned that growth doesn’t happen in the easy moments, but often in the times where we feel stretched and uncertain.”
Honor cords were awarded before commencement, while Tabor College President David Janzen awarded diplomas in both ceremonies.
Graduate student hoodings were performed by Melinda Rangel, MBA program director; Marvin Sellberg, professor of Business Administration & Entrepreneurship; Amy Ratzlaff, MBA program director and associate professor of Health and Human Performance; and David Stevens, Master of Education program director.
Find a full list of graduates or rewatch the ceremonies at tabor.edu/2026commencement.
Tabor College is the Mennonite Brethren college located in Hillsboro, Kansas. The mission of Tabor College, founded in 1908, is to prepare people for a life of learning, work and service for Christ and his kingdom.
