At Westminster, many joke that the phrase “spring into action” actually refers to the fast-paced weeks leading up to the College’s traditional commencement activities.
From Alumni Weekend and the Undergraduate Scholars Forum to awards ceremonies and graduation, the 2026 spring semester sprinted full speed ahead before joyfully coming to a halt at the Columns Ceremony, where we said farewell to the Class of 2026, congratulating them on a job immensely well-done.
Here is a quick recap of just a few of this year’s springtime signature events.
Alumni Weekend, April 10-12, Brought 100 Alumni Back to Campus
Approximately 100 alumni returned to their beloved alma mater April 10-12 for Alumni Weekend festivities. This year’s event centered on the 50th anniversary of the Class of 1976. The College’s annual Alumni Honors Convocation, A Conversation with the President and Cabinet Members, Party on the Plaza and a variety of fraternity and sorority gatherings gave alumni plenty of opportunities to celebrate their shared Westminster experience.
The Brauer Lecture Welcomed Whole Foods Co-Founder and Visionary John Mackey
On April 13, John Mackey, formerly of Whole Foods and now CEO of Love.Life, participated in a lively discussion moderated by Dr. Stephanie Wells, Vice President of Institutional Marketing, Strategic Communications and Community Relations.
The Q&A in the Church of St. Mary the Virgin, Aldermanbury, primarily focused on the evolution of Whole Foods from a small, local business in Austin, Texas, to 540 stores throughout the United States, United Kingdom and Canada.
The Undergraduate Scholars Forum Featured Alumna Elizabeth Ehrhardt, MD
On April 16, Westminster proudly welcomed alumna Elizabeth Ehrhardt, MD, Class of 2016, back to campus to deliver the keynote presentation for the 19th Annual Undergraduate Scholars Forum. Ehrhardt encouraged students to keep going during times of uncertainty, using perceived failure as a springboard for perseverance rather than discouragement. Numerous scholarly awards were announced at the event that preceded dozens of student presentations showcasing original research and creative scholarship.
Our Blue Jays Celebrated Fond Memories and New Beginnings During Commencement
Westminster’s senior class officially joined the Westminster alumni family following commencement activities on May 9.
Before the Class of 2026 passed victoriously through the Columns and out into the world, Missouri Sen. Travis Fitzwater encouraged them to find job satisfaction in serving others rather than focusing on chasing titles and monetary achievement.
“Who you are is the most important thing you will ever figure out,” Fitzwater emphasized during his commencement address.
He ended his speech with the following words: “Find a need. Fill it. Servants are remembered. Titles are not. Now go build a life that matters.”
Congratulations to the Class of 2026 and all students, faculty and staff for making Westminster College what it is: a place that matters in the lives of so many Blue Jays!
Sarah Rummel Backer is the Director of Media Relations and Senior Writer at Westminster College in Fulton, Missouri. A proud Westminster graduate, Sarah has more than 20 years of experience in marketing and strategic communications in the areas of higher education, medicine, agriculture, and the private business sector.
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