Glen Guyton, executive director of Mennonite Church USA, to speak at 126th Commencement

Glen Guyton

GOSHEN, IND.Glen Guyton, executive director of Mennonite Church USA, will be the speaker for Goshen College’s 126th Commencement on Sunday, April 28, 2024 at 3 p.m. in the Roman Gingerich Recreation-Fitness Center.

Guyton brings nearly 30 years of leadership experience with him to this occasion. He holds the distinction of being the first person of color to serve as executive director of Mennonite Church USA, a testament to his dedication and expertise in fostering diversity and inclusion within religious organizations.

After serving as an officer in the United States Air Force, Guyton found his calling within the Mennonite community, where he was mentored by influential figures such as Bishop L.W. Francisco III and Titus Peachey. Their guidance led him to embrace nonviolence and serve as an advocate for social justice within his faith community.

Guyton has penned several books exploring topics ranging from workplace dynamics to congregational transformation. His publications include “Navigating Microaggressions at Work: A Guide to Understanding and Avoiding Microaggressions in the Workplace” and “Reawakened, Activate Your Congregation to Spark Lasting Change,” which provide insights for fostering inclusive and empowered communities in the workplace and beyond.

In addition to his literary contributions, Guyton has worked with various leaders to cultivate diverse, inclusive and culturally competent organizations. His expertise in executive leadership, relationship-building and volunteer management has earned him acclaim within both religious and secular spheres.

With his wealth of experience and commitment to fostering inclusive communities, Guyton is poised to provide an excellent send-off to all our graduates as they embark on the next chapter of their lives.

Tickets for the commencement ceremony are required and will be distributed to graduates. All other events during Commencement Weekend are open to the public. For those unable to attend in person, the ceremony will be streamed online at goshen.edu/livestream.

For more information about Commencement Weekend, including a full schedule of events, visit goshen.edu/graduation.


Weekend Schedule:

See goshen.edu/graduation for a full schedule of events and other helpful information about Commencement Weekend.

Saturday, April 27, 2024

1-5 p.m. – Department Receptions, Various locations by department
2 p.m. – Nurses’ Pinning Ceremony, Church-Chapel
7:30 p.m. – Baccalaureate Celebration & Reception (livestream), Music Center’s Sauder Concert Hall

Sunday, April 28, 2024

3 p.m. – 126th Annual Commencement Ceremony, with address by Glen Guyton (livestream), Roman Gingerich Recreation-Fitness Center. Admission tickets are required.

Spanish translation headsets and assisted listening devices are available for all who need them. ASL translation is also offered and the space is wheelchair accessible. (For those unable to attend, watch the live-streaming of the ceremony at goshen.edu/livestream.)