Beyond the Berg: Class of '26 celebrates achievement, tradition and giving back

Welcome to the family of Opportunity Makers, Class of ’26!

With Commencement less than 24 hours away, Heidelberg’s graduating class is only a few steps and one diploma from officially joining the ranks of Heidelberg alumni. To celebrate the milestone, the Alumni Engagement Office hosted Beyond the Berg, the Class of 2026’s first official alumni event.

“You’re about to become part of a lifelong family of proud Heidelberg alumni,” said Ashley Helmstetter. “Across the country and around the world, our grads are making a difference — as leaders, creators, educators, innovators, and entrepreneurs. You’re Opportunity Makers, and that doesn’t stop at graduation.”

One of the evening’s highlights was the presentation of the 2026 Young Alumni Achievement Award. Ken Fruscella and Rob Huntington presented the honor to Hannah Long-Higgins ’15. Hannah, an Emmy Award-winning documentary film editor, earned her first Emmy Award just 10 months ago.

Students also enjoyed one of the night’s most popular traditions — a large raffle featuring prizes generously donated by current and former members of Heidelberg’s Alumni Council, the Office of Alumni Engagement and faculty, staff and the administration.

Beyond the Berg also inspired members of the Class of 2026 to begin giving back to Heidelberg. Graduating senior Drew Miller challenged his classmates to make their first gift to the university by contributing $20.26 in honor of their class year. Drew and several classmates had already made gifts before the event, and by the end of the evening, 19 graduates had joined the effort, contributing nearly $400. To encourage participation, President Huntington pledged to match every Class of 2026 gift made through Commencement weekend.

Pictured: One of the many raffle winners and soon-to-be graduate Navia Smith.