by Venus Popplewell
COLUMBIA, KY (04/28/2026) Lindsey Wilson University will award a total of 499 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees at its 123rd commencement, which will be held in three ceremonies May 1-2, 2026, in Biggers Sports Center, 360 Spickard Drive, Columbia, Kentucky.
Lindsey Wilson College became Lindsey Wilson University on July 1, 2026, making the combined winter and spring 2025-26 class the first group of graduates to earn a Lindsey Wilson University diploma.
The 6 p.m. CT, ceremony on Friday, May 1, will honor graduates of Lindsey Wilson’s extended and online programs; the 10 a.m. CT, ceremony on Saturday, May 2, will honor graduates of the university’s A.P. White Campus in Columbia; and the 2 p.m. CT, ceremony on Saturday, May 2, will honor graduates of Lindsey Wilson’s hybrid graduate program.
Graduates have been allotted tickets for guests in attendance.
Combined with 945 degrees awarded at last December’s winter commencement, Lindsey Wilson will award 1,444 degrees to the Class of 2025-26, making it the second-largest class in school history. Three members of the Class of 2026 will
give addresses at the spring ceremonies.
Shawn L. Gardner of Louisville, will speak at the May 1 ceremony. Gardner will graduate with a master of education degree in counseling. Gardner is the founder and president of 2not1: Fatherhood & Families, Inc., a nonprofit organization whose mission is to promote the safety and well-being of children by implementing strategies to keep fathers involved and families together.
At the 10 a.m. ceremony on May 2, Zachariah Lawson of Williamsburg, Kentucky, will give the student address. Lawson, who will graduate with a bachelor of arts in English, has served two terms as the Lindsey Wilson student body president. Lawson is a consistent and reliable presence on campus, providing support to administrative offices and playing a key role in the coordination and execution of events. Beyond campus, he has represented Lindsey Wilson on the Kentucky Board of Student Body Presidents.
Sanket Sahoo of Kay, Texas, will give the student address at the 2 p.m. CT ceremony on May 2. A native of India, Sahoo will earn a master of science in cybersecurity management. Sahoo has an interest in cybersecurity education and research. He has hosted events for students as part of an initiative promoting cybersecurity awareness among STEM learners. He has also presented posters and contributed to collaborative study on cyber risks and cybersecurity readiness in small businesses.
Spring commencement ceremonies will livestream via the Lindsey Wilson YouTube channel, youtube.com/lwcpublicrelations. For more information, contact the LWU registrar’s office by email, registrar@lindsey.edu or call 270-384-8025.
View Online: http://lindseywilson.meritpages.com/news/lwu-to-hold-three-commencement-ceremonies-may-1-2/59433
(Venus Popplewell – Lindsey Wilson University)