Northwestern videos
2026 Commencement Weekend
Blessings to you, class of 2026, as you step forward to pursue Christ’s redeeming work in the world. Congratulations, Raiders!
Stand Out Stories: Ty
SMART + STRONG. Meet Ty Hulshof, a biology-health professions major from Sioux Center, Iowa. Accepted into the University of Iowa College of Dentistry, Ty has been equipped through Northwestern’s academics, mentorship and faith-centered community to pursue his calling and make an impact. #RaidersStandOut
Stand Out Stories: Meredith
COURAGEOUS + FAITHFUL. Meet Meredith Sundberg, an elementary education and music education major from Kearney, Nebraska. From the classroom to the concert hall, Meredith is living out her faith and she’s giving all the glory to God. #RaidersStandOut
Stand Out Stories: Van Sickle Brothers
COURAGEOUS + FAITHFUL. Meet Payton, Brady and Carson Van Sickle, brothers from Ogden, Iowa, who found more than a team at Northwestern. They found a community that challenges them and walks alongside them in faith.
From running together on the track and cross country teams to growing in community, they are learning what it means to lead, disciple and pursue Christ together. #RaidersStandOut
Stand Out Stories: Tatum
LEAD + SERVE. Meet Tatum Schmalbeck, an elementary education major from Sioux Center, Iowa. Through hands-on classroom experience, Raider softball, and Summer of Service mission trips, she’s discovering what it means to lead with integrity and serve with humility—wherever God calls her. #RaidersStandOut
Stand Out Stories: Diego
COMMUNITY + BELONGING. Meet Diego Quintero, a civil engineering major from Chicago, Illinois. Moving far from home wasn’t easy, but with the support of teammates, faculty and a host family, Northwestern became more than a campus—it became a place where he knows he belongs. #RaidersStandOut
Stand Out Stories: Hayden
SMART + STRONG. Meet Hayden Groos, a triple major in biology, chemistry and math from Sioux Falls, South Dakota. At Northwestern, he’s discovering that true strength isn’t just physical—it’s discipline and faith in action. #RaidersStandOut
Stand Out Stories: Nathania
COMMUNITY + BELONGING. Meet Nathania Smith, a business administration-marketing major from Cañon City, Colorado. From her first campus visit, she knew Northwestern was different—a place full of opportunities to say “yes” and a place that enabled her to find a true sense of belonging within a vibrant, Christ-centered community. #RaidersStandOut
Stand Out Stories: Liv
SMART + STRONG. Meet Liv Reitsma, a sport management-leadership major from Papillion, Nebraska. From the volleyball court to the classroom, she’s learning what it means to use both heart and mind—to grow in faith, serve others and lead by example. #RaidersStandOut
Raiders Stand Out
We’re Raider Nation. We’re smart and strong. Courageous and faithful. We achieve—not for ourselves, but because excellence honors God and serves others. Our promise: You’ll stand out here—and be empowered to lead a life of significance.
