McPherson College conferred Bachelor of Arts, and Bachelor of Science degrees on 154 students at the 138th Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at McPherson Stadium.
Michaela Valli Groeblacher, professor of art at McPherson College, was the commencement speaker. Professor Valli Groeblacher was a member of the art department faculty for 14 years and retired at the end of the 2025-26 academic year. She received the 2026 Faculty of the Year Award at the college’s recent awards convocation. Known for her figurative ceramic sculptures, her work has been exhibited nationally and internationally and has received many awards. Her work is included in private and public collections in the United States and Europe and has been featured on ceramics magazines and art books.
In her speech, Valli Groeblacher shared everyday lessons she has learned from making art and from working with clay.
“When sitting at the potter’s wheel,” she said. “Clay tells me to live in the moment. Honor the present moment and unhappiness and struggle will dissolve.”
Kenya McCain, the senior class representative, also addressed the students, sharing advice from her grandfather to ‘’give it your all’ in everything you do.
The commencement ceremony concluded with Aaron Meis, executive vice president of McPherson College, reminding graduates to remember the lessons they’ve learned during their time at McPherson College to become the whole persons the college’s mission calls them to be.
“Graduates, now more than ever we need you to participate and serve in your communities and in our society,” he said. “Begin each day with a sense of wonder. Remember the importance of staying humble and leaning on your faith in both the good times and challenging times.”
Names of the graduating class of 2026 and the commencement video can be found at www.mcpherson.edu/graduation.