A Cedarville Commencement Legacy: Seven Siblings, One Alma Mater
With diplomas in hand and futures on the horizon, 905 graduates crossed the stage at Cedarville University’s 129th commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 3, celebrating years of academic achievement, spiritual growth and personal transformation.
With diplomas in hand and futures on the horizon, 905 graduates crossed the stage at Cedarville University’s 129th commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 3, celebrating years of academic achievement, spiritual growth and personal transformation.
The ceremony honored 758 undergraduate students, 147 graduate students and 21 who completed an accelerated dual-degree program. Among them were 26 international students, 48 honors scholars, and 21 graduates who earned a perfect 4.0 GPA. Dr. Thomas White, president, delivered the commencement address at both ceremonies.
But for many, including computer science and cyber operations major Anna Kauffman, commencement was more than a ceremony — it marked the start of a meaningful career. Kauffman will soon join Lockheed Martin’s cyber research and development division. Her classmate, David Reid, also graduating with dual degrees in computer science and cyber operations, will begin his career with the U.S. Department of Defense in Washington, D.C.
Kauffman’s graduation carries special significance within her family. She is the seventh sibling to earn a degree from Cedarville since 2010, continuing a legacy established by her parents, James and Debora Kauffman. Though they did not attend Cedarville themselves, their children—Matthew (2010), Aaron (2013), Steven (2016), Philip (2017), David (2021), Rachel (2024), and now Anna (2025) — represent nearly every academic department at the university. Steven’s wife, Cassie, also joined the Cedarville legacy, earning degrees in Spanish and chemistry in 2016.
The commencement ceremony also featured the presentation of the prestigious President’s Trophy to four standout seniors for excellence in academics, leadership, service and Christian character. The recipients were Blythe Anderson, Christian Eppich, Abigail Shepherd, and William Galkin.
President’s Trophy Recipients
Blythe Anderson of Greenville, Wisconsin, earned a degree in nursing with a minor in Bible. Anderson left a remarkable impression on the Cedarville campus through her service as a discipleship leader and council member, her academic contributions as a student grader for anatomy and physiology courses, and her involvement in a Global Outreach trip to Arizona.
She was awarded the School of Nursing’s Clinical Practice Award, which is presented to only one student each year, recognizing her exceptional skill and compassion in the field.
“Blythe is incredibly gifted in a wide variety of ways,” said Aaron Cook, director of discipleship ministries. “She is a constant optimist and selfless servant … those who spend significant time with her end up looking more like the Lord Jesus.”
Following graduation, Anderson will begin her professional career as a labor and delivery nurse at ThedaCare Regional Medical Center in Neenah, Wisconsin.
Christian Eppich, a computer science major with a specialization in video game engineering, demonstrated exemplary leadership by serving as president of the Alpha Chi men’s service organization, playing on the junior varsity men’s basketball team, and teaching Sunday school at his church. He also participated in a spring break Global Outreach trip to Boston and served as the School of Engineering and Computer Science representative in the Entrepreneurship Club.
Originally from Ijamsville, Maryland, Eppich is known for the collaborative spirit and deep faith that he consistently used to uplift those around him. Whether leading a memorial initiative for a late classmate or bringing classmates with him to academic advising meetings, his empathy and initiative have left a mark.
“Christian has shown great strength of character and a heart after the Lord,” said Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Loren Reno, special advisor to the president and Eppich’s mentor. “He received difficult feedback with meekness and led with compassion.”
After graduation, Eppich will begin his career as an associate consultant in IBM Consulting’s Project Management service line in Washington, D.C.
Abigail Shepherd graduates with a major in molecular biology and minors in Bible, pre-seminary, and honors. A Cedarville, Ohio, native, Shepherd has been deeply engaged in both academic and spiritual life on campus.
Shepherd served as a resident assistant in Willetts Hall, graded for biology classes, and participated in several Global Outreach trips. In 2024, she was selected for the prestigious Mount Desert Island Biological Laboratory REU Fellowship, where she studied aging and regenerative biology in Bar Harbor, Maine.
Beyond the lab and classroom, she is recognized for her humility, gospel-centered life, and meaningful investment in others.
“Abbi is exceptionally intelligent with a scientific curiosity for the world and analyzes from a deeper level than most people,” said Dr. Tracy Collins, associate professor of biology. “What impresses me most about Abbi, however, is her humility. She is genuinely thankful to those who have contributed to her life and ultimately gives God the credit for her success.”
After graduation, Shepherd plans to remain in the Dayton region for work before applying to graduate school in 2026, where she hopes to continue bridging scientific inquiry with biblical truth.
Will Galkin graduated with a major in history and minors in public policy, Bible, pre-MDiv, and honors. From Murray, Utah, Will has had a wide-reaching influence across campus as a writing center tutor, member of the forensics team, and discipleship council leader. He played a key role in Synergy Connect, a ministry initiative mobilizing students to serve in gospel-needy areas, and he participated in a Global Outreach trip to Arizona.
“Will has consistently modeled the highest values of Cedarville, pursuing academic excellence in submission to biblical teaching,” said Dr. Robert Clark, associate professor of history. “He seeks to know Christ and communicate that truth across cultural boundaries.”
Will’s vision for kingdom impact is matched by a servant’s heart and a gift for leadership. Known for his strong convictions and gentle humility, he is deeply respected by peers and faculty alike.
This summer, William will serve at Immanuel Mission on the Navajo Reservation and work as a paralegal. In the fall, he will return to Cedarville to pursue his Master of Divinity and continue his involvement with Synergy Connect.
Cedarville University, an evangelical Christian institution in southwest Ohio, offers undergraduate and gradu