Elmhurst University held its 155th Commencement exercises on Friday, May 22, for the Class of 2026.
More than 1,050 undergraduate and graduate students walked across the stage of the Rosemont Theatre to accept their diplomas, out of 1,213 Elmhurst students who earned degrees. Among the graduates were Elmhurst’s first class of doctoral students, who received the Doctor of Nursing Practice degree.
President Troy D. VanAken congratulated the graduates on committing themselves to their academic success, recognizing the challenges many of them had overcome to get to the big day.
More than half of our undergraduate students are the first in their families to graduate from college. Most of our graduate students, and a fair number of our undergraduate students, have had to manage their academic workload while juggling other significant responsibilities, like full-time jobs, full-time families and other major commitments,” he said. “That you are sitting here today shows you have accomplished great things, and have the potential to do even more as you begin to make your impact in your communities, your professions and the wider world.”
He urged the graduates to carry with them the culture of engagement and belonging they had helped to create at Elmhurst.
“To lead in an increasingly complex and interconnected global world, we must meet it with compassion, mutual respect and an appreciation for where other people are coming from and what they bring to the table,” he said.
During the first of two commencement ceremonies, an honorary doctorate of humane letters was awarded posthumously to Henry Holzkamper, an alumnus from the Class of 1963; and his wife, Jan Moore Holzkamper, for their achievements as business entrepreneurs, and for their generosity. Moore Holzkamper accepted the degree on behalf of them both, and delivered the commencement address.
In her remarks to the graduates, Moore Holzkamper described the couple’s long marriage as “full of adventure, risk, loss, resilience, faith and a whole lot of laughter.” During one life-changing moment early in their relationship, the Holzkampers were sitting in their boat on Lake Michigan when a storm suddenly began to form. As other boats scrambled toward the shore for safety, the Holzkampers headed for the open water to help less experienced boaters.
“As we headed out, Henry yelled at the top of his lungs, ‘Head for the lightning!’” Moore Holzkamper said. “That became our motto. Whenever life got stormy, we headed toward the lightning—toward the people who needed us. Toward the challenges that would shape us. Toward the unknown that would ultimately define our lives.”
“When I look at you today, I see the same strength, resilience and optimism that carried us through every storm,” she said. “You are the future leaders shaped by your Elmhurst University experience. You are ready. You are capable. And you are needed. May God bless you and guide you. And remember—head for the lightning!”