by Mark D. Weinstein, Executive Director of Public Relations
University awards 1,167 degrees while honoring the life and impact of Grace Maxwell
Any time students graduate, families gather to celebrate the accomplishments of their students. Today, Cedarville University conferred 1,167 degrees to graduates from the university’s undergraduate and graduate programs.
During the ceremony, Cedarville presented 980 undergraduate degrees and 187 graduate degrees. Among the graduates, 33 completed an accelerated degree program, earning bachelor’s and graduate degrees simultaneously. The class of 2026 also includes 32 international graduates, 50 honors program recipients and 28 students with a perfect 4.0 GPA.
Cedarville honors Grace Maxwell with posthumous degree at commencement
In addition, Cedarville presented an honorary degree for Grace Maxwell, who died last year in an airplane accident in Washington, D.C. Her parents, Dean and Merav Maxwell, received the diploma from Cedarville President Dr. Thomas White. Grace, a junior at the time of the accident, was studying mechanical and biomedical engineering.
For Dean and Merav Maxwell, it was an important step to be on campus for the commencement ceremony. For them, it marked a time for a sense of closure by experiencing the honor that was given to their daughter.
“It means a lot to know there are people who recognize and affirm Grace’s accomplishments,” said Dean Maxwell. “She worked so hard. Cedarville was a formative and important part of her life, and we know it would have meant a lot to her to be a Cedarville graduate.”
Grace Maxwell remembered for academic excellence, service and love for others
During her time at Cedarville, Grace had a meaningful impact on those around her. In addition to her academic work, she graded for mechanical engineering faculty, was preparing to be a tutor and was slated to participate on a team of students developing a hand-stabilizing device for a young boy with cerebral palsy. She was also a radio personality on the university’s student-led
“The things I remember most about Grace are her academic excellence and her love of others,” said Dr. Tim Dewhurst, Grace’s academic adviser. “She was driven to do well in her classes and vigilant about pursuing her biomechanical engineering minor. She was one of my only students to consistently turn in her assignments a full week ahead of time. But she was more than just smart and capable — she truly loved others and would help anyone in need.”
Cedarville awards honorary degrees to Gordon Ooms and Judy Larson
Cedarville also awarded honorary degrees to Judy Larson and posthumously to the family of Gordon Ooms.
Ooms’ family was presented his honary bachelor’s degree posthumously on the 40th anniversary of his death. He was killed in a car accident April 30, 1986, while traveling with other Cedarville students to Young’s Jersey Dairy in Yellow Springs, Ohio. Remembered for his Cedars cartoons and the lasting impression of his life and faith on the Cedarville community, Ooms is being honored for his legacy and his family’s longtime support of the university.
Larson received an honorary Bachelor of Science degree in education. She left Cedarville in 1972 before completing her degree and has lived a life marked by remarkable resilience as a four-time cancer survivor. She has served others faithfully throughout the years as a piano teacher, published author, speaker, substitute teacher and music teacher. She continues to invest in the lives of those around her by serving as a mentor for women in her church and community.
President’s Trophy recognizes Cedarville graduates for academics, leadership and Christian character
Near the conclusion of each ceremony, White presented two students with the annual President's Trophy.
The President’s Trophy is awarded annually at commencement to four graduating seniors who have demonstrated excellence in academics, leadership, service, and Christian character. This prestigious recognition reflects Cedarville University’s highest undergraduate honor, celebrating students who embody a commitment to Christ-centered living while excelling in their academic disciplines and investing meaningfully in others.
During the 2026 commencement ceremonies, four graduates—two from the 10:00 a.m. service and two from the 2:00 p.m. service—were named recipients of this distinguished award. The awardees are Sydney Noel Diedrich, Matthew David Shiel, Rachel Kaylnne Hartford and Trey Andrew Storr.
Sydney Noel Diedrich, an allied health major with minors in psychology, child & family studies, and Bible, graduated with highest honors. A four-year member of the women’s track and field team, she specialized in long sprints and relays, earning NCCAA All-American honors in the 4x400-meter relay and NCCAA Indoor All-American recognition in both the 4x400 relay and distance medley relay.
Academically, she was named to Division II All-Academic teams and served as a student grader for the School of Biblical & Theological Studies.
Diedrich demonstrated a consistent commitment to spiritual leadership, investing in peers and younger student-athletes while actively encouraging others in their faith through her involvement at Grace Baptist Church in Cedarville. Her leadership combined excellence, humility, and intentional service. She will pursue a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy at Wilmington College beginning in January 2027, continuing her preparation for a career in healthcare.
Matthew David Shiel, a civil engineering major with a concentration in structural engineering and minors in Bible and mathematics, graduated with honors. He served as a discipleship leader, participated on discipleship council, and led the Alpha Chi men’s organization as president. His campus involvement also included a Global Outreach trip to Boston.
Shiel distinguished himself through intentional, Christ-centered leadership and a deep commitment to serving others. He consistently invested in the spiritual growth of those around him, demonstrating humility and steady influence across campus and in his local church. Following graduation, he will begin his career with S+O Structural Engineering in Boston, Massachusetts, and plans to continue ministry involvement through a church plant alongside Cedarville alumni.
Rachel Kaylynne Hartford, a communication major with a concentration in strategic communication and minors in Bible and biblical care & counseling, graduated in three years with highest honors. During her time at Cedarville, she was actively involved in the Students for Life organization, serving as president, and participated in multiple Global Outreach trips to Salt Lake City. She also contributed academically as a teaching assistant, demonstrating
Hartford’s leadership extended beyond the classroom as she guided initiatives that strengthened student engagement and impact, including significantly expanding participation in national pro-life efforts. After graduation, she will serve as an instructional designer for Classical Conversations.
Trey Andrew Storr, who completed the biblical studies accelerated program alongside the accelerated Master of Divinity with a concentration in academic ministry, graduated with highest honors. After graduation, he will pursue a Master of Arts in Applied Linguistics at Dallas International University while serving as a pastoral assistant at Grace Baptist Church in Cedarville, preparing for future work in Bible translation and global ministry.
About Cedarville University
Cedarville University, an evangelical Christian institution in southwest Ohio, offers undergraduate and graduate residential and online programs across arts, sciences and professional fields. With 7,265 students, it is among Ohio's largest private universities and is ranked among the nation’s top five evangelical universities in the Wall Street Journal’s 2026 Best Colleges in the U.S. Cedarville is also known for its vibrant Christian community, challenging academics and high graduation and retention rates. Learn more at cedarville.edu.
