SNU Honors Nearly 500 Graduates at 122nd Commencement
For Immediate Release
[Bethany, OK] – Southern Nazarene University (SNU) celebrated a milestone on Saturday, May 3, 2025, as it conferred degrees upon nearly 500 graduates during its 122nd Commencement ceremonies at the Sawyer Center. The day marked a significant achievement for students across both the College of Undergraduate Studies (CUGS) and the Professional and Graduate Studies (PGS) division, reflecting the university’s continued mission to make Christlike disciples through higher education.
Commencement exercises took place in two services—at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.—with faculty, families, friends, and university leadership gathering to honor the academic accomplishments and personal growth of the Class of 2025.
Dr. Gustavo Crocker, General Superintendent of the Church of the Nazarene, was the keynote speaker for both ceremonies. In his address, Dr. Crocker challenged graduates to use their education as a foundation for life-changing leadership in their communities and professions. Dr. Crocker, a respected global leader and Fulbright Scholar, drew from his experiences in international ministry, nonprofit leadership, and education to encourage graduates to pursue lives marked by service, integrity, and purpose.
The university also presented an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters to SNU alumna Cheryl Chamberlain Crouch. Crouch has dedicated her life to service in global missions and education and was recently appointed Global Director of Nazarene Missions International, effective June 2025. Her award recognizes decades of faithful leadership as a missionary, author of over 35 published works, and longtime advocate for Christian education. She currently serves on the SNU Board of Trustees and was recently named one of the Herzog Foundation’s National “Christian Teachers of the Year.”
The ceremonies reflected the breadth and diversity of SNU’s academic offerings, including associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees across fields such as business, education, science, theology, counseling, leadership, and more. Degrees were conferred by University President Dr. Keith Newman, with academic leadership provided by Dr. Mark Winslow, Senior Vice President and Chief Academic Officer, and Dr. Melissa Lewis, Vice President for Academic Affairs for PGS.
A highlight of the undergraduate ceremony was the recognition of SNU’s “Golden Grads”—members of the Class of 1975—who were honored with medallions and celebrated for their lasting connection to the university community. These alumni represent SNU's enduring legacy and impact across generations.
Faculty Marshal Dr. Tim Taylor and Associate Registrar Krista Cowan helped coordinate the day’s events alongside Academic Affairs. The processional and recessional were accompanied by music from the SNU Brass Quintet, directed by Professors Tim Marek and Will Fairbanks. The traditional Alma Mater, invocation, and benediction added reverence and celebration to the milestone occasion.
Southern Nazarene University continues to be a place where academic excellence, spiritual formation, and a commitment to service come together. The 2025 Commencement stood as a testament to the perseverance of its graduates and the transformative power of Christ-centered education.
