Oikos University held its 2026 commencement ceremony at Mount Hermon, California, graduating a record-breaking 112 students. A flood of in-depth doctoral dissertations spanning theology, philosophy, and the arts were presented. Along with the election of Dr. Jennifer Lee as Chair of the Board of Directors, plans for educational expansion into the Eastern United States were announced.
The 112 graduates, the largest number in the university's history, have taken their first steps toward becoming global leaders. Along with educational innovations that break down the boundaries between culture, art, and theology, new leadership has been established to drive the school's stable growth.
Oikos University’s 2026 Graduation Week and Degree Conferment Ceremony was held from May 11 to 15 at the Mount Hermon Camp and Conference Center in California. Graduates received their degrees at the main ceremony, which took place at Youth Memorial Hall at 7 p.m. on the 14th. Dr. Jennifer (Jae-hee) Lee was elected as the Chairperson of the Board of Directors, laying the foundation for creating a global educational environment.
This degree conferment ceremony garnered attention from the academic community as research achievements spanning the boundaries of anthropology, philosophy, and theology poured forth. Dr. Ji-Hyun Ahn (D.Min), who has synthesized the school's development process over 17 years of academic study, received a standing ovation from the entire congregation.
Five Ph.D. (Doctor of Philosophy) recipients were produced who have raised new topics of discussion in the global academic community. Dr. Tak Shin-chul (Ph.D. in Intercultural Studies) researched the interaction between the Zeitgeist and Christian theology, focusing on philosophical turning points from the Patristic era to the modern age.
Dr. Ham Chul-hoon attempted a fusion of theology and philosophy by analyzing Kant's philosophy of limits and the function of images appearing in the structure of the Camera Obscura. Dr. Hwang Seok-cheon conducted a comprehensive study on the historical foundations and denominational development of Eastern Christianity.
Dr. Kim Jeong-gil addressed issues of ministry and welfare for the elderly in Korean immigrant churches in New York. Based on the theology of Paul Hiebert and Donald McGavran, he presented integrated ministry models and case studies applicable to the field, earning a Ph.D. in Philosophy from Oikos University following his Doctor of Ministry. Dr. Lee Jeong-tae researched the social participation and missional transformation of Dalit Christians under the Hindutva and Pancharati Raj systems.
The awards ceremony was emceed by Dr. Choi Kyu-hwan and attended by President Kim Jong-in and Vice President Lee Dong-jin. During Graduation Week, Dr. Kim Jong-guk delivered a special lecture on "Christian Leadership." The school produced its first Master of Arts in Photography, and professional golfer Jeon Gwi-nam also earned a Master of Arts degree. A performance commemorating the Doctor of Music degree earned by Professor Lee Seung-hwan of the College of Music adorned the night at Mount Hermon with melodies.
President Kim Jong-in took the podium to deliver a clear message to the graduates. President Kim stated, "I am proud of the graduates who have persevered for a long time to reap the rewards of today," adding, "I hope you will become true leaders who heal and transform the world in a post-secular society, based on your spirituality and professionalism."
Oikos University is a formally accredited institution of higher education in the State of California. It has obtained formal accreditation from TRACS, a national and regional accreditation body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council on Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). This means that all degree courses and educational programs offered by the school have passed rigorous evaluation standards.
The school is expanding its educational reach into the Eastern United States. Dr. Han-Na Nam, the Director of the Eastern Region, has expressed a vision to cultivate leaders who will serve churches and communities around the world using the knowledge and expertise acquired through Oikos University. Currently, applications are being accepted for the M.Div., D.Min., and Ph.D. programs. Consultations for the Eastern region are handled by Dr. Jong-Kook Kim (M.Div. program, 201-694-2855) and Dr. Han-Na Nam (D.Min. program, 201-952-0688).