University of Evansville Celebrates 168th Commencement Ceremony on May 9

Evansville, Ind. (05/09/2026) — The University of Evansville (UE) awarded 480 degrees to 465 graduates of the Class of 2026 during its 168th Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 9, at the Ford Center in downtown Evansville. President Christopher M. Pietruszkiewicz presided over the ceremony, which recognized not only academic achievement, but also the personal and community impact of UE graduates.

The ceremony included remarks from President Pietruszkiewicz, Student Government Association President Vivian Slaton, and Senior Keynote Speaker Alison Gansman. Several prestigious awards were presented, along with the conferral of two honorary degrees.

2026 Mabel Dillingham Nenneker and Guthrie May Outstanding Senior Award

Antonio Cortes Roman was named the recipient of the Mabel Dillingham Nenneker and Guthrie May Outstanding Senior Service Award, the University's highest honor for a graduating senior. A member of the Honors Program, Cortes Roman earned a 3.89 GPA while serving as an Orientation Leader and Resident Assistant, directing theatrical productions, and contributing extensively to campus and community initiatives. His work spanned Student Media, international student support, and community-based theatre partnerships, leaving a lasting impact across campus.

inaugural Lee and Ann Cooper Outstanding Teacher Award

Dr. William Miller, Assistant Professor of Health Sciences, received the inaugural Lee and Ann Cooper Outstanding Teacher Award. Recognized for his student-centered teaching, hands-on learning approach, and commitment to mentorship, Miller creates dynamic classroom experiences and expands opportunities for students through real-world application and professional development.

Eykamp Prize

Dr. Julie Merkle, Associate Professor of Biology and Co-Director of the Eykamp Center for Teaching Excellence, was awarded the 2026 Eykamp Prize. A dedicated educator and active researcher, Merkle engages students in discovery-based learning and has authored multiple peer-reviewed publications while fostering meaningful undergraduate research experiences.

Honorary Degrees

The University conferred honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degrees upon two distinguished leaders:

Dr. R. Kenneth Spear Jr., a physician and public health leader, was recognized for decades of service to Southwestern Indiana, including his leadership as Vanderburgh County Health Officer and his steady guidance through the COVID-19 pandemic.

Reverend Larry A. Rascoe Sr., pastor, educator, and longtime University trustee, was honored for his lifelong commitment to ministry, education, and community advancement, including founding educational institutions and championing equity and opportunity.

The University of Evansville is a private, comprehensive university with a solid foundation in the arts and sciences and professional schools in business, engineering, education, and health sciences. Established in 1854, UE is recognized across the globe for its rich tradition of innovative, academic excellence and dynamic campus community of #Changemakers.

Home of the Purple Aces, UE is located in the southwestern region of Indiana and offers over 75 majors, 17 Division I sports, and a unique study abroad experience at Harlaxton, the University's very own Victorian manor located in the countryside of England. For more information, please visit evansville.edu.

MEDIA CONTACT

Noah Alatza, Chief Communications Officer

na122@evansville.edu

812-893-5319