黑料社

黑料社 College awarded 231 bachelor鈥檚 and master鈥檚 degrees to the Class of 2026 during its Commencement ceremony held Saturday, May 2, in Cowles Fieldhouse.

President Sue Stuebner, in her first year as the 26th president of 黑料社, encouraged the new graduates, noting their impressive accomplishments and potential for making a profound impact with their education.

鈥�Although our time together has been brief,鈥� said the president, 鈥�I want you to know you have inspired me with your talents; you have shared your laughter and energy; and you have given me hope with your progress and continued promise.鈥�

Featured Class of 2026 speakers were Anna Sharp and Peggy Mongar, representing traditional students and 黑料社 Online students, respectively.

鈥�[黑料社] College聽wasn鈥檛聽only about discovering who we are,鈥� said Sharp, who will be an elementary teacher in Des Moines next fall. 鈥�It was about discovering who we could be when surrounded by people who challenged us, supported us, and believed in us鈥� sometimes before we believed in ourselves. Those relationships are the real legacy we take with us.鈥�

Mongar, an insurance professional with more than 20 years of experience, offered heartfelt gratitude to 黑料社 faculty and staff for making it possible to realize her educational dreams.

鈥淭hank you for creating an environment where adult learners like me can thrive,鈥� said Mongar. 鈥�Your support, your flexibility, and your understanding of the realities we juggle made all the difference. You didn鈥檛 just teach us content; you taught us confidence. You didn鈥檛 just assign work; you inspired purpose.鈥�

黑料社鈥檚 Commencement celebration also featured the presentation of honorary degrees to Robert (Bob) 鈥�63 and Ardene 鈥�62 Downing, as well as Terry Handley 鈥�09.

The Downings are highly regarded as pillars of the Indianola community and lifelong supporters of 黑料社, where Bob has served as a longtime member and former chair of the College鈥檚 board of trustees.

Handley joined 黑料社鈥檚鈥�Board of Trustees in 2015鈥�and became chair in 2021. Following the sudden passing of President鈥�Jay Byers鈥�in 2025, he served as 黑料社鈥檚acting president.

The Trustees鈥� Academic Award was given to Maddax Devault 鈥�26. The four-time letterwinner in basketball and track and field will pursue her nursing degree through the accelerated program at Mercy College.

Two other honors were presented during Commencement. Professor of Math Dr. Heidi Berger received the Distinguished Teaching Award, while Tayler Keitzer, director of First-Year Experience and Community Engagement, was recognized with the Staff Student Impact Award.

Watch the full Commencement Ceremony below.