Prelude
Mars der Medici, Johan Wichers
Processional
Sine Nomine, Ralph Vaughan Williams, arr. Alfred Reed
Welcome
Noah Toly, PhD, provost
Greg Elzinga, MBA, president
Opening Prayer
Mary Hulst, PhD, university pastor
*Opening Song
Rejoice in All Your Works, Wendell Kimbrough, arr. Greg Scheer
Verse 1
Every mouth that cries for food,
Every lung that yearns for breath,
Every eye that searches through the dark for light,
All creation looks to You,
For its breath and for its food;
From the goodness of Your hand they're satisfied
Refrain
Oh rejoice in all Your works,
King of Heaven, King of Earth!
Every creature You have made declares Your praise.
We rejoice in all You've made,
God of all-sustaining grace;
With the mountain, sky, and sea, we sing Your praise.
Verse 2
Every tree that thirsts for rain,
Every bird that seeks its nest,
Every heart that waits in hope to be made glad,
All creation looks to You,
For its breath and for its food;
From the goodness of Your hand they're satisfied.
Refrain
Verse 3
May the pond'rings of my heart
And the song upon my lips
With the chorus of creation join in praise
To the God who made all things,
To the Spirit who sustains,
To the Son who over all creation reigns!
Refrain
Introduction of Student Speakers
Sarah Visser, PhD, executive vice president for student experience and strategy
Student Senate President Remarks
“Well Done, Good and Faithful Servant”
Alyssa Pokharel, BS ’26, student body president
Scripture for Commencement
Isaiah 42:1-9
Aaron Jahn, BA ’26
Jaei Lee, BSN ’26
Introduction of Speaker
Nate Glasper Jr., MA, resource development specialist and campus worship associate, Calvin Institute of Christian Worship; director, Calvin University Gospel Choir
Commencement Address
“Servant Song”
John Witvliet, PhD, chief officer for university missional initiatives; professor of theology, worship, and the arts, Belmont University
Conferral of Degrees
Perrin Rynders, JD, chair of board of trustees
Noah Toly, PhD, provost
Presentation of Diplomas
Charge to the Graduates
Greg Elzinga, MBA, president
*Closing Song
Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;
praise him, all creatures here below;
praise him above, ye heavenly host;
praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost
Recessional
Calvinite March, Dale Grotenhuis
The Calvinite March offers an energetic musical flourish that culminates with the melody of Calvin’s Alma Mater, evoking its concluding affirmation, “Calvin, Calvin, God has been thy guide. Dear alma mater, thy strength He shall provide. Be loyal, ever, to the faith of old; God’s name and honor we ever shall uphold.”
The audience is requested to remain seated during the recessional until trustees, faculty, and graduates have exited.
* Please rise in body or spirit.