The graduating class of 2018 will matriculate Sunday, April 29, at 10 a.m. in Closson Center on the Lamoni, Iowa, campus. The commencement address will be given by Graceland alumnus Matthew Bolton, PhD, `01, director of the International Disarmament Institute and professor of political science at Pace University in New York City, and his spouse, Emily Welty, PhD, director of Peace and Justice Studies at Pace University, ecumenist and artist. Bolton and Welty are part of the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN), winner of the 2017 Nobel Peace Prize, and will be presented with honorary doctorates during the commencement ceremony.
Another honorary doctorate will be presented to the Honorable Leonard L. Boswell. A Graceland alumnus, Boswell served as a Lieutenant Colonel in the United States military for a number of years, winning multiple awards, then served the country as a Member of Congress. He was instrumental in tax reform, aviation security, agriculture and higher education. His commitment to Graceland University has been consistent, as he served on Graceland’s Board of Trustees for 24 years. Leonard and his wife, Dody, continue to be avid supporters of the Graceland University community, especially the 
agricultural business program.
Join us as we congratulate and celebrate the achievements of Graceland graduates!
The commencement schedule of events are as follows:
Baccalaureate: Saturday, April 28, 6:30 p.m. in the Shaw Family Auditorium, Shaw Center
Commencement: Sunday, April 29, 10 a.m. in the Eugene E. and Julia Travis Closson Physical Education Center
Administration and Staff, Athletics, Press Release
April 14, 2026
A transformative era for Graceland University men’s basketball has reached its natural turning point. After engineering one of the most impactful rebuilds in program history, head coach Todd Lorensen has accepted the head coaching position at Rockhurst University. In response, Athletic Director Brady McKillip has elevated Associate Head Coach Matt Dickman to lead the Yellowjackets forward.
Administration and Staff, Press Release
April 10, 2026
Graceland University and the Community of Christ announce the retirement of Campus Minister Mike Hoffman, and the appointment of Doug Roberts as the university’s next Campus Minister, effective June 2026.
Press Release
April 6, 2026
Graceland University is proud to announce that Stassi Cramm, PhD, Prophet-President of the Community of Christ and a distinguished Graceland alumna, will serve as the keynote speaker for the University’s 2026 Commencement Ceremony. The ceremony will take place on Sunday, April 26, 2026, in the Morden Center
Administration and Staff, Press Release
March 13, 2026
Graceland University is saddened to share the passing of Trustee Dr. Julia “Julie” Snethen, a respected nurse scientist, educator, and member of the university’s Board of Trustees whose life and career were dedicated to improving the health and well-being of children and families.
Administration and Staff, Press Release
March 11, 2026
Graceland University has announced the promotion of longtime team member Steve Edwards to Executive Director of Marketing, recognizing more than three decades of service and leadership that have helped shape the university’s communications and brand.
Press Release
December 10, 2025
Graceland University is proud to announce that Sharon M....
