UNIVERSITY OF
THE ONE HUNDRED EIGHTIETH BACCALAUREATE
FRIDAY, MAY 8, 2026 6:30 P.M.
BACCALAUREATE
Prelude Heather Cooper
Prelude and Fugue in C Major, BWV 547 by J. S. Bach Organist
Processional H. Dean Wagner
Crown Imperial by William Walton
Welcome Mr. James E. Costanzo ’84 Chair of the Board of Trustees
*Opening Hymn
Praise the Source of Faith and Learning by Thomas H. Troeger(Hyfrdol by Rowland H. Prichard)
Praise the source of faith and learning that has sparked and stoked the mind
With a passion for discerning how the world has been designed. Let the sense of wonder flowing from the wonders we survey Keep our faith forever growing and renew our need to pray.
God of wisdom, we acknowledge that our science and our art
And the breadth of human knowledge only partial truth impart. Far beyond our calculation lies a depth we cannot sound Where Your purpose for creation and the pulse of life are found.
May our faith redeem the blunder of believing that our thought Has displaced the grounds for wonder which the ancient prophets taught. May our learning curb the error which unthinking faith can breed Lest we justify some terror with an antiquated creed.
As two currents in a river fight each other’s undertow Till converging they deliver one coherent steady flow, Blend, O God, our faith and learning till they carve a single course, Till they join as one, returning praise and thanks to You, their Source.
Scripture Reading EJ Short ’26 Philippians 1:4-6
Reflection Emily Denney ’26 Becoming, Not Finished
Scripture Reading EJ Short 1 Peter 1:13-17
Reflection Mathias Broyles ’26
Goodbye Construction Zone
Special Music Mount Union Concert Choir Worthy of All the Praise by Kevin B. James
*Audience is invited to stand
Scripture Reading
Job 39:13-18
Rev. Dr. Tim Morrison
Message Rev. Lindsey Funtik
The Ostrich Gospel
The Graduates’ Prayer Gregory L. King ’89
University President
Almighty One, to whom all personality is sacred, and to whom all search for truth is holy, we give you heartfelt thanks in this high hour for the opportunities we have enjoyed and the development we have experienced in this place.
Grant us your Grace that the Holy dreams that we have dreamed during our years here may never die in us and that the serious purposes we have formed here may never die in us and that the serious purposes we have formed here may not lightly be given up.
O most Holy Creator, in Whose sight all beginnings are sacred, bless this beginning. As we go out from this college to our appointed tasks, arm us with all true wisdom, strengthen us for our labors, and grant us ever the guidance of your Spirit, that to do our work in the world, when it is finished, your final approval may be given, and that upon us your promised blessings may fall. Amen.
*Hymn
MayYou Run and Not BeWeary, Prince of Peace
Mount Union Concert Choir
(Sung the first time through by the choir, then twice by the congregation)
Choral Benediction Mount Union Concert Choir
May you run and not be weary, May your heart be filled with song. And may the love of God continue
To give you hope And keep you strong.
Precious Lord arr. Arnold Sevier
Benediction
Recessional
And may you run and not be weary. May your life be filled with joy! And may the road you travel Always lead you home.
(Repeat 1x)
Fifth Symphony in F, Movement V by Charles-Marie Widor
*Audience is invited to stand
Rev. Dr. Tim Morrison
H. Dean Wagner
REV. LINDSEY FUNTIK
Rev. Lindsey Funtik is an ordained elder in the United Methodist Church (UMC). She currently serves as the associate pastor of Strongsville UMC, located in Strongsville, Ohio. She joyfully bears the title of shepherdess, but prides herself even more on bearing the titles of wife to John and mother to Arthur and Lucy. Rev. Funtik’s greatest passions lie in helping all people seize their identity as the beloved of God and encouraging each one to live into freedom and fullness without apology. In her spare time, you can find her nerding out over novels, writing prayerful poetry, and trying to get as many people as possible to visit the Troll Hole Museum.
ORGANIST HEATHER COOPER
Heather Cooper serves as director of music and organist at Christ Presbyterian Church in downtown Canton, Ohio, where she provides music for worship, directing the handbell and children’s choirs, and organizing the robust annual Concert Series. As an organist, the Canton Symphony Orchestra has featured her as a soloist on two Masterworks concerts. She holds certification with the American Guild of Organists (AGO) and recently served as dean of the Canton Chapter of the AGO. As a choir director, Heather is principal conductor with Summit Choral Society (Akron), where she directs the flagship children’s choir. With 20 years of music teaching experience, she has taught learners of all ages, from preschool through college.