Huntingburg student earns President’s Award at Oakland City University commencement

Isabella Catherine Donihue of Huntingburg was one of the names singled out as Oakland City University marked its 131st commencement ceremony at the Johnson Center in Oakland City. Donihue earned a 4.0 GPA and graduated as an English major in elementary education and special education, placing the Dubois County student among the university’s most distinguished seniors.

Oakland City University describes the President’s Award as its top honor for one graduating baccalaureate senior who has shown exceptional academic achievement and outstanding university engagement. This year, the university recognized five students with the award, a broader honor roll that underscored just how competitive the celebration was for the Class of 2026. Along with Donihue, the recipients were Abigail Breanna Vaugh of Lawrenceville, Illinois; Berta Del Hoyo Borrell of Barcelona, Spain; Macy Ana Knight of Grayville, Illinois; and Samaribr Sing Sidhu of Mohali, Punjab, India.

The May 2 ceremony honored 180 graduates representing 44 countries, a reminder that Oakland City’s campus draws students from far beyond southwest Indiana. University President Ron Dempsey addressed graduates as families, guests and Board of Trustees members looked on, and the day centered on academic achievement and the larger sense of purpose the university says defines its Christian faith-based mission. OCU says it is focused on intellectual, spiritual, physical and social development for positive leadership, a theme that framed the ceremony from start to finish.

The degree conferrals showed the breadth of the university’s academic programs. Dr. Ron Mercer conferred a degree for one student in the School of Religious Studies and Chapman Seminary. Justin Murphy conferred degrees and certificates to 23 students in the School of Arts and Sciences. Dr. Cami Davis conferred degrees and certificates to 61 students in the School of Education, and Dr. Jervaise McDaniel conferred degrees and certificates to 95 students in the School of Business.

For Dubois County, Donihue’s award adds a local name to a regional milestone that reaches well beyond one graduation stage. Her success at Oakland City shows how a Huntingburg student can rise to the top of a diverse university class while preparing for work in elementary education and special education, fields that remain closely tied to the future of local schools and communities.