“Our graduates’ stories remind us why LPU exists. They leave not only with a degree, but with deeper faith, meaningful mentorship, a stronger sense of identity, and a clearer understanding of their God-given purpose.”
Celebrating the Class of 2026 and a New Generation of Leaders Sent Into the World
Life Pacific University celebrated its 2026 Commencement season with a powerful series of events that reflected the heart of the university’s mission: forming and launching leaders into their God given calling. From the meaningful graduate hooding ceremony, Baccalaureate Service, and sacred commissioning moments to the joyful Commencement ceremony, the weekend served as both a celebration and a sending.
This spring, LPU celebrated 180 graduates across its programs, including 77 graduate students, 42 online undergraduate students, 52 traditional undergraduate students from the San Dimas campus, and 9 traditional undergraduate students from the Virginia campus. Among this year’s milestones was the graduation of LPU’s very first Master of Arts in Counseling cohort, marking an important step forward in the university’s commitment to preparing Christ centered counselors to serve individuals, families, churches, and communities.
Through undergraduate, graduate, seminary, online, Spanish-language, and church-based pathways, students are prepared to serve God in the Church, the workplace, and the world.
Festivities kicked off with the Graduate Hooding Ceremony. Graduate students were individually hooded by faculty members in a meaningful academic tradition that symbolizes academic achievement and entry into advanced leadership. The ceremony honored the dedication, sacrifice, and perseverance of students who completed rigorous graduate and seminary studies while balancing ministry, careers, family life, and service.
One of the most meaningful moments of the weekend was the commissioning of our graduates. The standing-room-only Baccalaureate Service created a sacred space for reflection, worship, and prayer. Graduating student speakers Emma Caudle and Lori Barrow encouraged their peers and shared meaningful moments of their time at LPU, and Dr. Ted Vail delivered a compelling commissioning address. Faculty, families, pastors, and friends gathered to pray over our students and celebrate the work God has done in their lives at LPU. Throughout the service, graduates were reminded that commencement is not simply the completion of a degree, but the continuation of a call.
“Our graduates’ stories remind us why LPU exists,” said Dr. Angie Richey, President of Life Pacific University. “They leave not only with a degree, but with deeper faith, meaningful mentorship, a stronger sense of identity, and a clearer understanding of their God-given purpose.”
Commencement 2026 at Patria Church was a powerful celebration of calling perseverance, and Kingdom impact. We were honored to welcome Rev. Dr. Samuel Rodriguez as our commencement speaker and to present him with the Distinguished Award for Extraordinary Kingdom Leadership & Cultural Impact. His message was both timely and deeply inspiring for our graduates to be the light as they are sent to serve God in the church, the workplace, and the world. We were also privileged to confer honorary doctorates upon Rick Rekedal and Rev. Misael Argeñal, whose lives, leadership, and faithful Kingdom influence continue to inspire our university community.
“What an incredible time we had, we continue to celebrate the Class of 2026!” said Dr. Daniel Ruarte, Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs at Life Pacific University. “These graduates represent far more than academic accomplishment, they are men and women who have been spiritually formed, rigorously equipped, and boldly commissioned to lead with Christ-centered excellence in the Church, the workplace and in the world. One of the best commencements I have experienced, thank you to our staff, faculty, students, friends, and families.”
The outcomes from the Class of 2026 tell a powerful story: whatever their degree, LPU graduates are already serving, leading, and giving back. Across the School of Theology and Ministry and the School of Arts and Sciences, more than 87% of graduates are actively engaged in ministry or service in or beyond vocational employment, volunteer ministry and bi-vocational leadership in businesses, schools, organizations, missions, the arts, chaplaincy, counseling centers, nonprofit work, and church leadership. This is the heart of LPU’s mission: students being formed and sent to serve God in the church, the workplace, and the world
The data also demonstrates LPU’s strong connection to the Church. Nearly two thirds of respondents are Foursquare aligned through ordination, licensure, credentialing pathways, or service within church ministry contexts. In addition, 42% of graduates are ordained, licensed, or pursuing licensure, showing a clear leadership pipeline while others are engaged in interdenominational churches or movements like Victory Outreach International.
The Class of 2026 represents more than academic achievement. They represent leaders being formed, equipped, and sent to strengthen the Church and extend the Kingdom around the world.
