Ambrose University Celebrates Class of 2026 at Graduation Ceremony

On Monday, May 11, 2026, graduates, families, faculty, staff, and friends gathered at First Alliance Church to celebrate Ambrose University’s Graduation 2026 ceremony. The afternoon was marked by celebration, reflection, and encouragement as 194 graduates crossed the stage and officially joined the growing community of Ambrose alumni.

A Class to Celebrate

This year's graduating class included 90 Undergraduate students, 58 graduates from the School of Education, and 46 from Ambrose Seminary. Four Deans presented their respective graduates, and Rev. Dr. Bryce Ashlin-Mayo, President of Ambrose University, conferred the degrees — recognizing not only years of academic work, but a deeper formation of character, calling, and purpose.

A Charge to Love and Serve

The Graduation Address was delivered by Rev. R. Riley Coulter, who spoke on the theme "Loving God and Loving Others." He encouraged the graduating class to embrace lives of service by moving beyond just professional achievement to using their gifts and hard-earned degrees in service of the Church and broader society; a charge that resonated throughout the rest of the ceremony.

Three Voices, One Celebration

Three valedictorians represented the graduating class with thoughtful and inspiring reflections on their journeys at Ambrose, and the road that lay ahead.

Undergraduate valedictorian Diana Hruba acknowledged the perseverance it took to reach this moment. She expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Ambrose community; the friendships forged, and the faculty whose mentorship shaped her time at the university.

Representing the School of Education, Sydney Streu anchored her remarks in the weight and worth of the teaching profession. Reflecting on the dedication she had witnessed among her peers, she expressed deep confidence in the teachers now prepared to enter classrooms across the country. "There is hope for future students and children," she said, "because there are men and women here today who have chosen to make personal sacrifices for children whom they haven't even met yet."

Seminary valedictorian Michelle Ko delivered a thoughtful charge to her fellow Seminary graduates, calling them to pastoral ministry marked by empathy and humility. "In many ways, this is just the beginning," she said. "Formation does not stop here, it continues in ways that are often quiet, unexpected and ongoing." She urged her colleagues to remain open, willing to be continually shaped and formed by God long after the ceremony ends.

Honouring Excellence

The convocation also served as an occasion to recognize academic and leadership distinction. Eight students were inducted into the Phi Delta Honours Society, and one student received the Delta Epsilon Chi Honour Society Award.

Within the School of Education, three graduates were singled out for their leadership: Emily Herman received the Academic Leadership Award, Sean Tan the Servant Leadership Award, and Frances Onyeneri the Professional Leadership Award. Kelsey Brown was awarded the Alberta Teachers' Association Gold Medal in Education, one of the most distinguished honours available to graduating Education students in the province.

Michelle Ko earned the additional distinction of the Ambrose Seminary Honours Society award; a recognition that complemented her role as Seminary valedictorian and reflected the qualities she herself called her peers to embody.

A Blessed Send-Off

Closing the ceremony, President Ashlin-Mayo gave a final address and led the tradition for undergraduate students of moving the tassel on their cap from right to left – marking the transition from student to graduate. He then offered a benediction blessing over the graduating Class of 2026, sending them forward with purpose and faith.

Graduation 2026 marked not only the completion of years of dedication and hard work, but also the beginning of new journeys of leadership, service, vocation and ministry. As Ambrose celebrates the Class of 2026, we look forward with confidence at the impact these graduates will make in their communities and around the world.