Northwest Nazarene University Celebrates 110th Commencement, Honors Class of 2026 in Nampa
Nampa, Idaho — Northwest Nazarene University marked a milestone Saturday as it held its 110th Commencement ceremony on the Nampa campus, recognizing 390 graduates who completed undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs as part of the Class of 2026.
A Historic Ceremony for NNU
The celebration carried added significance this year as it represented the first commencement presided over by NNU’s 14th president, Dr. Mark DeMichael. Speaking to the significance of the occasion, DeMichael described the event as among the most meaningful in university life.
“We are proud of our graduates, and it is a tremendous joy to celebrate all they have accomplished,” DeMichael said, adding that NNU’s mission centers on forming graduates who are “grounded in faith, character and purpose.” He expressed hope that the Class of 2026 would go forward as “Christ-centered leaders who make a meaningful difference in the world.”
Honorary Degree Recognizes Decades of Ministry Leadership
Among the highlights of Saturday’s ceremonies was the presentation of an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters to Reverend J. Scott Shaw. The honor recognized Shaw’s 42-year career in the Church of the Nazarene, which included a decade of service as District Superintendent for the Intermountain District — a role that placed him in a position of broad pastoral and organizational leadership across churches and clergy throughout the region.
Shaw is himself an NNU alumnus, having graduated from what was then Northwest Nazarene College before going on to Nazarene Theological Seminary. University officials noted his lifelong dedication to ministry, his family, and the broader Church as hallmarks of a life of faithful service.
Impact on Canyon County and the Treasure Valley
NNU’s annual commencement is one of the most significant academic events on Nampa’s civic calendar, drawing families and community members from across Canyon County and the wider Treasure Valley. The university has long served as a cornerstone institution for faith-based higher education in southwest Idaho, and each graduating class contributes to the region’s workforce across fields including education, healthcare, business, and ministry.
With 390 graduates crossing the stage this year, the Class of 2026 represents a new cohort of degree holders ready to enter professions and communities throughout Idaho and beyond. For many local families, Saturday’s ceremony marked the culmination of years of academic and personal investment.
As Canyon County continues to grow, institutions like NNU play a central role in developing an educated, values-driven workforce. For broader coverage of education and workforce policy across Idaho, visit Idaho News.
What Comes Next
With commencement behind them, NNU’s Class of 2026 graduates move into careers, graduate programs, and vocational callings across a wide range of fields. Under Dr. DeMichael’s leadership, the university continues its mission of Christ-centered education rooted in academic rigor and character formation. NNU has not announced specific upcoming enrollment or academic calendar details at this time, but university officials are expected to look ahead to the fall 2026 semester in the coming weeks.
Families and community members interested in NNU’s programs or upcoming events can visit the university’s official website for more information.