ORANGE BEACH, Ala. – Columbia Southern University held its annual commencement ceremonies at the Foley Event Center at OWA in Foley on Friday, Oct. 23, and Saturday, Oct. 24.  Graduates and families also gathered at the CSU campus for the annual Grad Bash on Thursday, Oct. 22. The three-day celebration included more than 1,300 graduates and their loved ones from across the globe. This year, the university also reached a milestone of surpassing 100,000 alumni since its founding in 1993.  

The commencement ceremonies included remarks from CSU President Ken Styron, DBA.

“When CSU was founded in 1993, the vision was simple but extraordinary: build a university for adults who couldn't pause their lives to pursue a traditional education,” said Styron. “For many people, college is simply the next step after high school. For you, it was a decision, and a bold one. You chose to invest in yourself while building a career, meeting your daily responsibilities, and showing up for the people who count on you.” 

Among this year’s graduates were husband and wife John and Cassandra McEuen of Fort Worth, Texas. Both John and Cassandra are first-generation college graduates. The couple received their diplomas together with their four children in attendance. John McEuen earned his bachelor’s in occupational safety and health with a concentration in construction. Casandra McEuen earned her bachelor’s in nursing leadership and administration of healthcare systems. 

“Seeing her, seeing how proud she’d get when she got on the dean’s list or the president’s list… I was like ‘You know what, I can do that,’” said John McEuen. “I never thought in a million years I’d like being a student. I’ve always had that mindset, ‘I’m not a school guy.’ It’s helped me with my confidence.”

This year’s graduating class also included 17 CSU employees. Photos included. Media may email CSU-Communications@ColumbiaSouthern.edu for more information. To learn more about Columbia Southern University, visit ColumbiaSouthern.edu. 

About Columbia Southern University

As an innovator in online education, CSU was established in 1993 to provide an alternative to the traditional university experience for today’s adult learner. CSU offers online associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs in business administration, criminal justice, fire administration, occupational safety and health, and more. Visit ColumbiaSouthern.edu or call (877) 347-6050 to learn more. 

Photos link:2026 Columbia Southern University Commencement - Dropbox
CAPTION: Columbia Southern University President Ken Styron poses with employee graduates for the 2026 commencement.