Honoring Excellence: Celebrating Our 2025 Alumni, Faculty and Christian Influencers
Cornerstone University’s 2025 Commencement was more than a celebration of academic achievement — it was a vibrant reminder of the ways our community is living out the mission to be bold influencers for Christ. This year, we were proud to honor three remarkable individuals who have shaped their fields and their communities through faithful service and Christ-centered leadership.
Christian Influencer Award: Edward Graham
To celebrate Cornerstone’s 84-year legacy of training Christ-centered influencers, we were honored to introduce a new award this year: the Christian Influencer Award. This recognition is given to a leader whose life and ministry inspire bold gospel witness, sacrificial service, and unwavering faithfulness to God.
Our inaugural recipient, Edward Graham, embodies all these traits. As Chief Operating Officer of Samaritan’s Purse — and grandson of Billy Graham — he has led disaster response and relief efforts across more than 100 countries. From war zones to natural disasters, Edward has carried the light of Christ to the world’s most vulnerable.
A graduate of the United States Military Academy and former U.S. Army officer with 16 years of service — including roles in the Special Operations Community — Edward brings courage and conviction to every endeavor. Most recently, he led Samaritan’s Purse efforts in Ukraine, Turkey, and across the U.S. following Hurricane Helene. He and Samaritan’s Purse played a leading role in the rapid response ministry and aid to sites devastated by the hurricane in Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, and western North Carolina.
Faculty Hall of Honor: Professor Matt Wallace
Beloved by students and respected by colleagues, Professor Matt Wallace has been a dynamic force on Cornerstone’s campus since 2017. As a faculty member in education and assistant women’s basketball coach, he has poured energy, passion, excellence, and spiritual mentorship into every facet of student life.
His vision extended far beyond the classroom. As executive director of Friendship Sports International (FSI), Professor Wallace quickly integrated its mission into the CU community through leadership and discipleship trips that have equipped student-athletes to lead with courage and conviction. He also launched Pack the House, a now-signature campus ministry event that unites the CU family around the mission to combat hunger while fostering community and school spirit.
Whether in class, on the court, or in conversation, Professor Wallace models Christlike leadership and a deep investment in student transformation. We are proud to honor him as our 2025 Faculty Hall of Honor inductee.
Alumnus of the Year: Dr. Mark Campbell
Each year, we recognize one graduate who reflects the very best of Cornerstone. Honored for achievement in their profession, influence reflected through community investment and academic excellence, and reputation of godly character and Christ-centered thinking in all aspects of life, this 2025’s Alumnus of the Year is Dr. Mark Campbell.
Dr. Mark Campbell, a 2009 graduate of Cornerstone Theological Seminary, exemplifies these qualities and more. As a leading cancer specialist and founding member of the Cancer & Hematology Centers of Western Michigan, Dr. Campbell has brought healing and hope to thousands. His leadership has helped shape the region’s health care system, expanding access and improving patient care.
Dr. Campbell also holds degrees from Michigan State University, Wayne State University, and the University of Colorado — and his service extends beyond medicine. He is a business investor, art enthusiast, and committed trustee at Cornerstone, where he currently chairs the Mission Stewardship Committee. For nearly 30 years, he has faithfully supported our mission, and we are deeply grateful to honor Dr. Campbell.
As our newest graduates crossed the stage and stepped into their callings, we are reminded that the Cornerstone story is still being written — by faculty who lead with vision, alumni who serve with excellence, and leaders who boldly carry Christ into the world.
