United States Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin was the guest speaker for Missouri Valley College’s 137th Commencement Ceremony, held Saturday at Gregg-Mitchell Field on the MVC Campus.

Mullin addressed 291 graduates during the ceremony and was also presented with an Honorary Doctorate of Law by MVC President Dr. Joseph Parisi. Prior to serving in President Donald Trump’s cabinet, Mullin spent 13 years in congress, representing Oklahoma in the United States Senate and House of Representatives. Mullin spoke to the Class of 2026 about overcoming personal limitations.

 

Audio courtesy of Missouri Valley College and the Viking Sports Network.

Mullin attended Missouri Valley on a wrestling scholarship before leaving the college in 1998 to take over his family’s business after his father fell ill. Mullin then expanded the business, and founded other successful companies before being elected to the House of Representatives in 2012. Mullin stressed the importance of time and hard work when overcoming life’s challenges.

 

MVC also presented the Charles L. Bacon Distinguished Service Awards to Julius Kruger and Isabela Harp-Gonzalez. The awards are given annually to a senior man and woman and are voted on by the senior class. A livestream of the ceremony from the Viking Sports Network is linked here.