Betsy DeVos, Former U.S. Secretary of Education and Advocate for Educational Freedom, to Deliver Keynote Address at 2026 Commencement Ceremony

Posted on December 08, 2025

Betsy DeVos, Former U.S. Secretary of Education and Advocate for Educational Freedom, to Deliver Keynote Address at 2026 Commencement Ceremony

Colorado Christian University (CCU) will host its 2026 Commencement ceremonies on Friday, May 8, 2026, at the Blue Arena in Loveland, Colo. The University is pleased to announce that Betsy DeVos, former U.S. Secretary of Education and long-time champion of parental choice in education, will deliver the keynote address.

DeVos served as the 11th U.S. Secretary of Education from 2017 to 2021 and has been a national leader in expanding educational opportunity for families across the country. A graduate of Calvin College, she has spent more than three decades advocating for policies rooted in local control, educational freedom, and faith-shaped civic engagement. Her leadership in public life reflects a deeply held commitment to empowering parents, strengthening communities, and advancing values consistent with a biblically informed worldview.

"Colorado Christian University is honored to welcome Secretary Betsy DeVos as our 2026 Commencement keynote speaker. She has stood in the arena - unapologetically championing educational freedom with conviction, courage, and unwavering Christian faith. Secretary DeVos exemplifies what it means to hold fast to grace and truth in a world desperate for both. Her message will charge our graduates to go forth boldly and glorify God in every sphere of influence He entrusts to them." - Eric Hogue, President, Colorado Christian University

CCU will hold two Commencement ceremonies at the Blue Arena:

• 9:00 a.m. College of Adult and Graduate Studies (CAGS)
• 3:30 p.m. College of Undergraduate Studies (CUS) and CCU Academy

Located in Loveland, the Blue Arena provides a spacious and welcoming venue for graduates, families, and the broader CCU community to celebrate this academic milestone. The decision to host Commencement at this venue continues the University's commitment to providing an exceptional experience for students and their guests.

For additional details about Commencement, visit ccu.edu/commencement.