ASHLAND, Ohio – Members of Ashland University’s Class of 2026 are uniquely equipped to thrive in a rapidly changing world due to their adaptability and resilience, The Honorable Mary Anne Carter told graduates Saturday inside the Niss Athletic Center.

Carter, the current chair of the National Endowment for the Arts, addressed nearly 1,000 graduates—568 bachelor’s degrees, 208 associate degrees, 200 master’s degrees and eight doctorate degrees were conferred—and 3,500 of their family members and supporters.

“You are so much more prepared than you may realize for the future, and frankly, I am so envious of you,” said Carter, who was awarded a Doctor of Laws honorary degree from AU. “You are a generation defined not by stability, but by motion. Not by certainty, but by change. And because of that, you are so uniquely prepared for the world you're entering.”

Carter explained that every graduating class feels some form of uncertainty, but Generation Z is more prepared than those in the past. Whereas innovations and new technologies used to take years to adjust to, she said today there is “a rapid, continuous flow you have not only witnessed, but you have learned to move within effortlessly.”

Members of the Class of 2026 have developed skills that will benefit them throughout their lives. Whether it was navigating historical moments such as the pandemic or experiencing constant adjustments to the digital world, “you’ve developed a kind of mental flexibility that allows you to pivot quickly,” Carter noted.

That valuable skill will pay off in the future, as will “human compassion, imagination, leadership and resilience.” Those attributes will serve one well in any profession, according to Carter.

“The arts and humanities teach us to think deeply, to embrace, rather than avoid, complexity, and to see the world through the experiences of others … no machine can teach that,” said Carter. “Whether or not the arts become your profession, let their lessons guide you. Stay curious, stay compassionate and never lose your ability to see a better world.”

Also touching on the theme of overcoming uncertainty was AU President Jon Parrish Peede. During his opening comments, he expressed confidence in each graduate’s preparation for their life calling, whatever that may be.

“We do not know the higher purpose that awaits you in your life journey, but we do know this. You are worthy,” he said. “You came to Ashland because … you wanted to be challenged intellectually and supported spiritually. Every one of you came to find excellence in yourself, and you did and you have.”

Jim Hess, chair of the AU Board of Trustees, offered his congratulations and some words of wisdom as well. Inspired by Abraham Lincoln, he explained the “hard path of duty.”

“Lincoln said ‘It is much for the young to know that treading the hard path of duty will be noticed and will lead to high places.’ It meant not only working hard, but working hard for the right things. It meant working hard to help others, to love and support your family, to live a life of integrity,” said Hess. “The hard path of duty meant to be responsible and do what you do, not just what you felt like. I pray that is a principle that you integrate into your life each and every day.”

Five students were recognized individually during the commencement ceremony: Emma Arnold, Emily Pate, Mason Smith, Ashley Veldheer and Seth Witt. The valedictorian of the Spring 2026 graduates was Veldheer, a marketing and sport management double major from Hudsonville, Mich., and the salutatorian was Witt, an actuarial studies and mathematics double major from Martin, Ohio. Arnold, a nursing major from Wooster, Ohio, and Smith, an Ashland native who majored in art education, were co-valedictorians of the Fall 2025 graduates, while Pate, an accounting major from West Chester, Ohio, was the salutatorian.

Veldheer spoke on behalf of the Class of 2026, focusing her remarks on the unique experiences that have shaped each graduate.

“We are all here today in a different spot. Some may have everything in place and lined up, while some might not be knowing what comes next,” said Veldheer. “We all have unique gifts that move us forward. As each of you step out into this new stage of life, don’t forget the memories and lessons you have learned here at Ashland, but also don’t forget to look forward to what God has in store for you through using the gifts that He has blessed you uniquely with.”