Columbia Southern University celebrated more than 1,300 graduates and their loved ones during a three-day series of events Oct. 22-24, marking a milestone for the Baldwin County university as its alumni population surpassed 100,000 since its founding in 1993.

The university held its annual commencement ceremonies Friday, Oct. 23, and Saturday, Oct. 24, at the Foley Event Center at OWA in Foley. Graduates and their families also gathered Thursday, Oct. 22, at the CSU campus for the university’s annual Grad Bash.

The ceremonies recognized graduates from around the world and celebrated the university’s mission of providing higher education opportunities for adults balancing education with work, family and other responsibilities.

CSU President Ken Styron, DBA, addressed graduates during commencement, reflecting on the university’s founding vision and the determination required to earn a degree while managing other commitments.

“When CSU was founded in 1993, the vision was simple but extraordinary: build a university for adults who couldn't pause their lives to pursue a traditional education,” said Styron. “For many people, college is simply the next step after high school. For you, it was a decision, and a bold one. You chose to invest in yourself while building a career, meeting your daily responsibilities, and showing up for the people who count on you.”

Among the graduates were John and Cassandra McEuen of Fort Worth, Texas, a married couple who became first-generation college graduates together. Their four children attended as the couple received their diplomas.

John McEuen earned a bachelor’s degree in occupational safety and health with a concentration in construction. Cassandra McEuen earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing leadership and administration of healthcare systems.

John McEuen said watching his wife succeed academically helped inspire him to pursue his own degree and challenged his long-held perception of himself as someone who did not belong in school.

“Seeing her, seeing how proud she’d get when she got on the dean’s list or the president’s list… I was like ‘You know what, I can do that,’” said John McEuen. “I never thought in a million years I’d like being a student. I’ve always had that mindset, ‘I’m not a school guy.’ It’s helped me with my confidence.”

The Class of 2026 also included 17 CSU employees, adding to the university community represented among this year’s graduates.

Founded in 1993, Columbia Southern University marked its milestone of more than 100,000 alumni during this year’s commencement celebrations, underscoring the institution’s growth over more than three decades.

For more information about Columbia Southern University, visit www.ColumbiaSouthern.edu.