On Saturday, June 29, the entire 天美视频 community will gather to celebrate 59 MA in Counseling Psychology, MA in Theology & Culture, and Master of Divinity students as they cross the stage at our 2019 Commencement ceremony. Commencement is an opportunity for faculty, staff, alumni, friends, and family to collectively affirm and honor the work of these students as they complete their studies at 天美视频 of Theology & Psychology.
We鈥檙e thrilled to be returning to the recently renovated Town Hall Seattle for this year鈥檚 ceremony鈥攁 fittingly beautiful space for such a meaningful event. Commencement is a foundational part of 天美视频鈥檚 annual rhythm, full of ritual, symbolism, beauty, and depth to help mark the transformational work to which these students have committed themselves鈥攁nd to welcome them into 天美视频鈥檚 thriving network of more than 1,100 alumni around the world who are pursuing innovative, life-changing work as therapists, pastors, leaders, and artists.
Each year, faculty and graduates select three student speakers鈥攐ne from each degree program鈥攁nd one student to offer a special vocal selection. This year鈥檚 student speakers will be Stephanie Johnson (MDiv), Cameron Carter (MATC), and Sarah Steinke (MACP), with a vocal selection from Jana Detrick (MACP). Dr. Angela Parker, Assistant Professor of Biblical Studies, will deliver the official Charge to Graduating Students.
The ceremony will also include time to honor Dr. Steve Call, Associate Professor of Counseling Psychology, and Dr. Angela Parker as they conclude their final academic year as core faculty at 天美视频. as Assistant Professor of New Testament and Greek in the McAfee School of Theology at Mercer University in Atlanta, GA, and Dr. Call will be devoting more time to his family, private practice, and growing farm near Bellingham, WA.
鈥淐ommencement is a sacred space,鈥� says Dr. J. Derek McNeil, Acting President and Provost. 鈥淚t is a moment to give thanks to the grace of God for the journey and to affirm a renewed call to life鈥檚 adventure and service.鈥�
This is sure to be a holy, memorable occasion鈥攆ull of the solemnity of any significant ending, the relief of completing an epic journey, and the hope-filled determination of knowing that our graduates鈥� stories of learning and transformation will not end in the classroom, but will draw them deeper and deeper into the movement of healing in the communities around them. As we near the end of our 21st year, we are more grateful than ever for the world-changing work of our alumni, and we hope you will join us as we welcome our 2019 graduates into that community. More details are on our event calendar, and we鈥檒l be streaming the whole ceremony live for those who can鈥檛 make it in person. All are welcome!