Commencement 2025
Congratulations to the Class of 2025!
Commencement 2025
Waynesburg University held its Commencement Exercises Sunday, May 4, on the Lawn of Miller Hall, honoring nearly 300 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral students.
Toby Z. Rice, President and Chief Executive Officer of EQT Corporation, addressed the Class of 2025 as the Commencement speaker, and Jeffrey E. Arnold, Executive Director of the Association of Presbyterian Colleges & Universities (APCU), served as the Baccalaureate speaker.
Commencement Speakers
2025 Valedictorian
Hailey Mark, an English (professional writing) major from Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, was named Waynesburg University’s valedictorian for the Class of 2025.
The theme of Mark’s valedictory to her fellow graduates focused on the act of doing difficult things and overcoming life’s challenges, not only for personal growth but for the betterment of others and the world.
“You can do difficult things. You can do them without being perfect, sometimes without even being ‘ready.’ And life will demand that you rise to the challenge when you’re not ready, especially when you’re not ready,” she said.
Douglas G. and Kathryn D. Lee Servant Leadership Award
Ross Owens, a children and youth ministries major from Sewickley, was awarded the 2025 Douglas G. and Kathryn D. Lee Servant Leadership Award.
This award was established by the Waynesburg University Board of Trustees to honor the leadership and commitment of Douglas and Kathryn Lee to the University. It is awarded each year to one graduating student who has demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities over the course of their time at Waynesburg University in the mission focus areas of faith, learning and serving.