Cornerstone University Celebrates Class of 2026 in Historic CU85 and America 250 Milestone Year
Celebrating a defining moment in a historic year — its 85th anniversary alongside America’s 250th — Cornerstone University honored the Class of 2026 on May 9, on Cornerstone’s campus in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The commencement ceremony brought together graduates from undergraduate, graduate, online, SOAR™, Cornerstone Theological Seminary, and Asia Biblical Theological Seminary surrounded by families, friends and faculty, including the first SOAR™ mobile platform graduates crossing the stage. Graduates now step forward prepared to lead in their chosen fields and influence the world for Jesus Christ across the marketplace, ministry, and communities, all anticipating a future of bold, influential purpose.
A Coach’s Charge: Game-Changers for the Kingdom of God
Kim Elders, award-winning head coach of the Golden Eagles Men’s Basketball program and a highly respected leader among Cornerstone athletics and across West Michigan athletics, delivered the commencement address. With three decades of experience developing students and sustained success through humility and Christ-focused leadership, Elders has built a program that has consistently competes at a level comparable with nationally recognized peers, but his message to graduates reached beyond athletics.
He told the Class of 2026 that their “pre-season training” was over and that it was “Game Time” — a moment to represent Cornerstone and, more importantly, “represent our LORD in a world that desperately needs Christ.” From there, he challenged them to be “game-changers for the Kingdom of God,” with Scripture as their daily “rule book” and “road map.” He urged graduates to seek first the Kingdom of God, give God their best, build a “second to none work ethic,” control what they can control, trust God’s timing, and run their race well.
His charge defined a singular mission to embody Jesus Christ: “As you walk out those doors today, this is more than a game. It’s life. Be life-changers.”
Christian Influencer Award: Kim Elders
During the ceremony, Cornerstone University recognized Kim Elders with the Christian Influencer Award, honoring a life that reflects bold gospel witness, sacrificial service, and unwavering faithfulness to God.
For more than three decades, Elders has invested in students through steady, consistent leadership. Since joining Cornerstone in 1990, he has guided the Golden Eagles Men’s Basketball program to three national championships, multiple Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference (WHAC) regular-season and tournament titles, and more than 800 career wins. In 2019, he was inducted into the NAIA Hall of Fame — recognition of a career marked by sustained excellence and long-standing respect across collegiate athletics.
A lifelong West Michigan resident, Elders’ calling was shaped early through athletics and a profound spiritual transformation. He spent 13 years teaching elementary school — an experience that continues to inform his approach to mentorship, patience and long-term investment in others.
Elders has mentored more than 300 student-athletes, guiding them not only in competition but in life. He has also participated in international service trips, using basketball as a platform to share the gospel and serve communities around the world. His influence is seen in former players, across campus and throughout the broader community — an enduring impact grounded in faith, discipline and integrity.
Elders married his wife, Holly, in 2004 and is part of a growing family that includes four stepchildren — Nic, Zac, Cam, and Missy — and 11 grandchildren.
Alumnus of the Year: Richard Garnaat (B.S. ’09)
Also honored was Richard Garnaat (B.S. ’09) — named the 2026 Alumnus of the Year — for demonstrating professional achievement, meaningful community impact, godly character and Christ-centered thinking across all aspects of life.
A graduate of Cornerstone’s Business Management and Ministry Leadership program, Garnaat combines entrepreneurial leadership with a clear mission — reclaiming the arts for Christ by engaging audiences across cultures and communities.
Each year, Garnaat reaches audiences through sold-out musical theatre productions. A stage performer, director, writer, executive producer and creative visionary, his work’s sole focus is to bring glory to God and His Kingdom.
He serves as president and co-founder of Arise Collective Theatre, a nonprofit he launched in 2019 as a family ministry with his wife, Mindi, and their children. Through original musicals, films and artistic productions, Arise Collective brings Scripture to life with artistic excellence, touring nationally and globally serving in countries such as Thailand and Pakistan.
Faculty Hall of Honor: Dr. West Loveland
Congratulations to Dr. West Loveland, our 2026 Faculty Hall of Honor honoree, recognized for his extraordinary leadership, faithfulness, and care for students. Since joining Cornerstone University in 2020, Dr. West Loveland has helped lead the remarkable growth of the Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program through innovative approaches, compassionate mentorship, and an industry-aligned foundation that prepares counselors for licensure and professional practice. Under his leadership, the program stands out for its integration of Biblical principles applied to healing and has grown into the second largest degree at Cornerstone.
Loveland serves as assistant professor of clinical mental health counseling, assistant dean for the School of Education & Human Services, and program director of clinical mental health counseling. A Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), and approved supervisor for licensure candidates, he also maintains a clinical marriage and family therapy practice.
Known across campus for his joyful spirit and encouragement, Loveland consistently reflects a deep, lived-out commitment to Christ, the gospel and the Christian worldview while seeking the best for students and the university community. His passion for healing and reconciliation continues to influence both his counseling practice and the future counselors he mentors.
In a historic year, the Class of 2026 leaves Cornerstone University ready to take what they have learned into the world — leading in their fields, serving others and advancing the gospel with purpose and bold courage to reflect Jesus Christ in all they think, say and do.
