Huntingburg native presented Oakland City Universty’s President’s Award

ByLocal Sources Reading Time: 2 minutes

Isabelle Donihue of Huntingburg was one of five students presented with the President’s Award at Oakland City University’s 131st commencement on Saturday.

Oakland City University proudly celebrated the graduation of 180 exceptional students on Saturday, May 2, 2026, on its Oakland City, Indiana campus. Representing 44 countries, these graduates have demonstrated remarkable dedication, setting a high standard for academic excellence and meaningful community engagement.

Under the leadership of OCU President Dr. Ron Dempsey, the 131st commencement was a momentous occasion. The ceremony, attended by family members, guests, and members of the Board of Trustees, was a testament to the graduates’ hard work and dedication.

In his address, Dr. Dempsey congratulated the graduates, stating, “Everyone gathered not only to celebrate academic achievement but to recognize their journey shaped by faith, purpose, and calling. At OCU, education is never just about knowledge gained or skills acquired—it is about truth discovered, character formed, and lives aligned with the teachings of Jesus Christ.”

Five outstanding students were honored with the prestigious President’s Award. The awards recognize not only the highest academic accomplishment in each school but also the significant contributions the students have made to campus life, reflecting the university’s commitment to holistic development.

  • Abigail Breanna Vaugh from Lawrenceville, Illinois: 4.0 G.P.A.; Education Major; Elementary Education – Special Education; Played on the Women’s Volleyball Team
  • Isabelle Catherine Donihue from Huntingburg, Indiana: 4.0 G.P.A.; English Major; Elementary Education – Special Education
  • Berta Del Hoyo Borrell from Barcelona, Spain: 4.0 G.P.A.; Psychology Major; Played on the Women’s Soccer Team
  • Macy Ana Knight from Grayville, Illinois: 4.0 G.P.A.; English Major – Secondary Education Licensure; Played on the Women’s Volleyball Team
  • Samaribr Sing Sidhu, from Mohali, Punjab, India: 4.0 G.P.A. Double major; Business Administration Major Management in Human Resources Management, Accounting and Operations Management Major in Logistics & Product Distribution; Played on the Men’s Tennis Team; OCU Resident Assistant

The student body voted Ellie Dillow from the School of Arts and Sciences and Dave Wilderman from the
School of Business as “Professors of the Year.”

The entire Livestream of the ceremony is available on the Oakland City University Facebook page.

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