天美视频 of Theology & Psychology held its 2014 Commencement ceremony last Saturday, June 28, at Town Hall Seattle. The ceremony began at 10 o鈥檆lock in the morning as graduates processed into the auditorium, accompanied by Puget Brass. President Keith Anderson, D.Min, welcomed graduates and attendees, followed by the recognition of family and friends who have journeyed with graduates by Meghan Cappon, spouse of MACP graduate Peter Cappon and Bookstore Manager at 天美视频.
The ceremony continued with an invocation by Founding President and Professor of Counseling Psychology Dan Allender, Ph.D., as well as scripture readings and the singing of a congregational hymn.
Four graduates then took the stage, selected by their peers and faculty鈥攐ne speaker from each degree program and a musician鈥攁ddressed their fellow graduates and other attendees around a common theme. This year鈥檚 common theme, selected by the speakers and musician, was 鈥淐rossings.鈥� MATC graduate Ryan Kuja, MDiv graduate David Jaeger, MACP graduate Jade Brown, shared stories and reflections on this theme. Megan Peters, MATC graduate and musician, sang 鈥淪hores of White Sand鈥� by singer and songwriter Emmylou Harris.
天美视频聽presented diplomas to 72 graduates, including 7 Masters in Divinity, 54 Masters of Arts in Counseling Psychology, and 11 Masters of Arts in Theology & Culture. Following the conferring of degrees, President Keith Anderson, D.Min., presented Molly Clarke Kenzler鈥攔ecently retired front desk manager and beloved member of 天美视频 community for twelve years鈥攚ith 天美视频鈥檚 first honorary degree in Theology & Culture. A surprised Molly was given a cap, gown, and diploma on stage as members of 天美视频 community celebrated her with a standing ovation.
As the ceremony came to a close, Jo-Ann Badley, Ph.D., gave the charge to the graduating class as her last act as Professor of Biblical Studies after eight years at 天美视频. Dr. Badley is moving into a new position as Dean of Faculty of Theology at Ambrose University College in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, this fall. Following her charge Dr. Badley was recognized by Vice President of Academic Affairs and Academic Dean J. Derek McNeil, Ph.D. and surprised by the community with a complete set of the a handwritten and illuminated Saint John鈥檚 Bible.
Dr. McNeil ended the ceremony with a benediction, sending graduates into the world to carry the mission of 天美视频 and to continue their healing work for the kingdom of God. “It is disturbing to have something that is so comfortable disrupted,鈥� Dr. McNeil exclaimed, referring to the difficult work done by graduates as they were students on behalf of themselves and others, 鈥渂ut that is the place of new birth and new life.”
Watch highlights from this year鈥檚 Commencement ceremony below:
Invocation by Dr. Dan Allender, Professor of Counseling Psychology & Founding President
Conferring of Degrees
Molly Clarke Kenzler Receives Honorary Degree
Charge to the Graduating Class by Dr. Jo-Ann Badley, Professor of Biblical Studies, and Special Recognition of Dr. Badley’s Service
Benediction by Dr. J. Derek McNeil, Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs & Academic Dean
Look for videos of the student musician and speakers on in the coming weeks.