College of Professional Studies

Thursday, May 21, 2026 @ 7:00pm

Academic Processional

“Processional of Joy”

Invocation

The Rev. Jen Rude, University Pastor

Greetings

Joanna Gregson, Provost, Professor of Sociology
Allan Belton, President

Faculty Retirements

Cameron Bennett, Dean of the College of Professional Studies, Professor of Music, presenting

Faculty Retiree:
Ron Byrnes, Associate Professor of Education

Reflections

Abigail Marie Brown, Student Speaker
Sarah Lindsay Rushing, Student Speaker

Dean’s Awards For Excellence

Cameron Bennett, Dean of the College of Professional Studies, Professor of Music

Commencement Address

Aaron Finley ’09, Broadway Actor/Singer

Conferral of Degrees

Allan Belton, President

Closing Comments

Allan Belton, President

Prayer and Benediction

The Rev. Jen Rude, University Pastor

Recessional

“Processional of Joy”

Born and raised in Bozeman, Montana, Aaron C. Finley’s career has spanned from coast to coast as a professional actor and singer. Educated at Pacific Lutheran University, he started his career in the Pacific Northwest, appearing in productions at The 5th Avenue Theatre, Village Theatre, ACT, Taproot Theatre, and many others. In 2013, he moved to NYC and began his pursuit of professional theatre at the highest level. He made his Broadway debut that same year as Drew Boley, the leading role in the musical Rock of Ages. His other Broadway credits include It Shoulda Been You, directed by David Hyde Pierce (Original Company). Kinky Boots, directed by Jerry Mitchell and Moulin Rouge the Musical, directed by Alex Timbers (Original Company).

You can also find Aaron performing pops symphonies celebrating the music of the 1980s and Phil Collins across North America, including the Seattle Symphony in 2018, as well as singing on feature films: Apple TV’s Spirited, Disney’s Snow White, Lyle The Crocodile, and most recent Oscar and Grammy-winning hit, K-Pop Demon Hunters. He currently resides in Montclair, NJ with his family.

Abigail Marie Brown

Abigail Brown is a candidate for the Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree. An Olympia native, she chose PLU because of its reputation for community. From the moment she stepped on campus, she felt welcomed and at home, knowing it was a place where she could grow, learn, and build meaningful connections. Her fondest memory of her PLU experience is dancing to the music at OMM with her fellow baristas, noting that they always had a blast together. Following graduation, Abigail has accepted a position as an Equal Opportunity Specialist in hiring at the University of Idaho.

Sarah Lindsay Rushing

Sarah Rushing is a candidate for degrees in Elementary Education, with an Endorsement in Reading (BAE), and in Communication, with a Concentration in Film and Media Studies (BAC). A proud PLU student, she chose the university for its small class sizes and generous financial aid, which allowed her to build direct, meaningful relationships with her professors and classmates. Her fondest memories at PLU include the chaotic yet cherished print nights spent with the staff at The Mast, where she forged some of her closest friendships and found a true sense of community. Following graduation, Sarah plans to pursue a career in teaching or communication while continuing her passions for writing and dance.