dzԹ Set to Celebrate Commencement Saturday

dzԹ will award 231 bachelor’s and master’s degrees during its Commencement ceremony scheduled for 10 a.m., Saturday, May 2, in Cowles Fieldhouse. dzԹ President Sue Stuebner will provide remarks, participating in her first signature graduation event since being named 26th president in January 2026.

The College will also present honorary degrees to Robert (Bob) ’63ԻArdene ’62 Downing, along with Terry Handley ’09 on Saturday. Founder of Downing Construction in 1966, Bob has earned numerous awards and honors from his alma mater while also serving as a longtime member and former chair of the dzԹ Board of Trustees. He is also a member of ATO. Ardene remains deeply involved in Pi Beta PhiԻis also active with the Des Moines Metro Opera.

Handley, former CEO of Casey’s General Stores, Inc., earned his bachelor’s degree from dzԹ in 2009 as a non-traditional student. He joined dzԹ’s Board of Trustees in 2015 and became Chair in 2021. Following the sudden passing of President  Jay Byers in 2025, Handley stepped in as acting president — providing steady and compassionate leadership during a time of uncertainty.

Senior speakers will be Anna Sharp ’26  from Altoona, Iowa,ԻPeggy Mongar ’26, Ankeny, Iowa, representing traditional and dzԹ Online graduates, respectively. Ben Gaumer, D.O., RADM MC USN (ret) ’75 will serve as honorary grand marshal.

Be sure to follow official dzԹ social media accounts to see extensive imagery and video from Commencement 2026.