Leland Seminary Congratulates its Class of 2026
Forty-two students and many of their loved ones attended Leland Seminary’s 2026 commencement ceremony at Culpeper Baptist Church on June 6th, according to Leland Seminary president, Dr. Kenneth R. Pruitt.
“We couldn’t be prouder of all of the dedicated and hardworking students who graduated today,” said Pruitt. “This is truly a testament to God’s glory, and we’re excited to see what He has in store for each one of them.”
The class included the following graduates and their field of study:
Practical Leadership in Church Ministry Certificate
Gina Arcenas
D’Janapha Fortune
Ursulá T. Garcia-Mayes
Catherine Harding
Michele Husfelt
Mary Beth Inman
Janet A. Jackson
Doris M. Lama
Karen Armstead Miller
Robin Moutray
Anna Poff
Brenda M. Richards
Helen Richardson
Karenna Rowenhorst
Paige Turner
Diane Welburn
Eugenia Welburn
Gracie Branton Wiersma
Children and Youth Ministry Leadership Certificate
Lily Caroline Gray
Brittany Veith Mullinex
Diploma in Theology
Merlyn Alvarez
Edwin Antero Cordova Soto
Geremias de Souza
Adriana Gomez
Maira Grapain Antonio
Joshua Lee Hogan
Robert (Chino) Kearney
Guillermo Martinez-Sanchez
Juan Mendez
José Alfredo Meza Ruano
María Gaudencia Moreno Moreno
Bania Ochoa
Carolyn Elaine Odom
Maria del C. Ramos Rivera
Norma Varela
Graduate Certificate in Worship Arts
Jerome Banks
Brandess D’Cora Holmes
Graduate Certificate in Biblical Justice Formation
Kellie M. Boyle
Graduate Certificate in Theological Studies
Emma Rafferty Ruebke
Master of Christian Leadership
Kyle Roy Dobyns
Tracy Longerbeam Kearney
Kimberly Campbell Yonce
The Practical Leadership for Church Ministry Certificate program was conducted in partnership with NorthStar Church Network’s women’s ministry.
The graduation ceremony featured an inspiring speech by keynote speaker, Rev. Dr. Aqueelah Ligonde, a minister, coach and consultant with Ministry Architects.
“The commencement was truly a heartwarming celebration, filled with joy, excitement and probably more than a little relief at the conclusion of multi-year commitments by our students,” said Pruitt. “Our thanks go to them, to our faculty, and to the friends and supporters of Leland who made it possible for us to provide an exceptional theological education to our graduates.”