(KLZA)--Peru State College—Nebraska’s first institution of higher education—will hold its 2026 commencement ceremony Saturday, May 9th, beginning at 10:00 a.m. at the Al Wheeler Activity Center on campus.

More than 300 students will receive degrees during the ceremony, including both master’s and undergraduate candidates, along with Winter 2025 graduates.

College President Dr. Robert Mock, Jr. will open the ceremony. Greetings from the Nebraska State College System Board of Trustees will be delivered by Connie Edmond of Lincoln, a 1987 Peru State graduate.

The college will present its Distinguished Service Award to Joyce Douglas of Lincoln, recognizing her long-standing collaboration with the institution. Cassandra Tangen, a math instructor, will be honored with the Teaching Excellence Award.

Ted L. Harshbarger, a 1977 graduate and Director of Alumni Relations for the Peru State College Foundation, will welcome graduates into the alumni association.

The presentation of graduates will be led by Dr. Regina Toman and Dr. Paul Hinrichs, with degrees officially conferred by President Mock.

Following the ceremony, attendees are invited to a celebration reception in the campus courtyard, featuring a picnic meal and live music.

Founded in 1867, Peru State College now serves nearly 1,300 students annually with a wide range of academic programs.

For those unable to attend in person, the ceremony will be streamed live online at peru.edu/commencement.