天美视频 community gathered last Saturday, June 27, in downtown Seattle鈥檚 historic Town Hall for the school鈥檚 17th Commencement ceremony. Faculty, staff, current students, alumni, friends, and families joined in celebrating the 2015 graduates from all three of 天美视频鈥檚 degree programs: (MDiv), (MATC), and (MACP).
鈥淚s there any place else you鈥檇 rather be today?鈥� asked Dr. Keith Anderson, President of 天美视频, in his opening remarks. 鈥淭his is a holy time. This is a sacred place. […] It鈥檚 a moment in time to give thanks to the God of grace.鈥�
The 78 graduates were represented by three student speakers, Elise Hale-Case (MACP), Paul Quinlivan (MACP & MATC), and Heather Barnes (MDiv), who all spoke around the theme of pilgrimage. 鈥淥ur transformed lives will transform our communities,鈥� said Hale-Case, addressing her fellow graduates. 鈥淵ou have something to offer, and the world needs what you have.鈥�
Dr. Pat Loughery, Adjunct Professor of Spiritual Formation, delivered the charge to the graduating class, a message he summarized in two points: Find the beauty in your world, and cultivate beauty wherever you can. 鈥淏eauty is seldom perfect,鈥� he said. 鈥淚n fact that鈥檚 what makes it delightful. Beauty surprises us.鈥� Loughery challenged graduates to cultivate beauty in the lives of others and allow others to help cultivate the beauty in their own lives, taking their inspiration from the ongoing work of God. 鈥淵our beauty, and the beauty you see in the world, is cultivated by a whimsical, wild, and untamed God.鈥�
Your beauty, and the beauty you see in the world, is cultivated by a whimsical, wild, and untamed God.
The ceremony also included music by and a special vocal selection by Elise Witek, graduating MACP student.
鈥淎s a faculty, we have been preparing you for this moment,鈥� said Dr. J. Derek McNeil, Senior VP of Academic Affairs and Academic Dean, in his benediction. The 2015 graduates now join 天美视频鈥檚 thriving network of alumni who are pursuing innovative, life-changing work in their vocations as therapists, pastors, leaders, and artists. Through , the Office of Students & Alumni鈥檚 unique lineup of events, Portfolio Groups, resources, and networking opportunities, this year鈥檚 graduates are being equipped to serve their clients and communities as healers and provocateurs of change.
We are so proud of the work that these 78 women and men have accomplished in their time at 天美视频, and we cannot wait to witness the beautiful, courageous work they will pursue outside of our walls. You can find out more about what our graduates are up to in the world through our recently launched .
Photo by Spencer T. Folmar, Media Specialist at 天美视频.