“I am a Trinity Western University Graduate! Class of 2011! Four years went by WAY TOO FAST,” tweeted one graduate after TWU’s 49th Annual Commencement ceremony.
Parents played a big role in the April 30, 2011 celebrations. Multi-generational families came out to support their graduates as they walked across the stage and had their black tassels switched from the right side to the left. Some parents participated in the ceremony by reading scripture. One delighted father took to Twitter, saying, “So proud of my oldest daughter today. She's graduating from Trinity Western University, and has worked so hard to get to this day.”
TWU President, Jonathan S. Raymond, Ph.D., welcomed the graduands and guests. “At Trinity Western University, we believe the essence of true leadership is found in the idea of a servant. Like many of God’s truths, this is a profound paradox: to lead is to serve,” he said. He referenced Matthew 5:14-16, encouraging graduates to let their lights shine as they move forward into leadership and impact the world as godly servant leaders.
Several of the graduates were honoured for their outstanding achievements over the past four years. Britney Vanessa Broadhead, who received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, and Justin Baerg, who earned his Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Biology, were awarded this year’s TWU Citizenship Awards.
Valedictorian Corinne L. Mayer, who graduated with her Bachelor of Arts in Intercultural Religious Studies addressed graduates from the School of Education, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences and General Studies. Fellow Valedictorian, Matthew David Ness, who graduated with his Bachelor of Science in Biology, addressed graduates at the 2:30 p.m. service.
In the morning service, TWU conferred an honorary doctorate degree, Doctor of Divinity, honoris causa, on Robert N. Botsford, D.Min. Senior Pastor of Horizon Christian Fellowship in San Diego, CA, Dr. Botsford also serves with Harvest Crusades, the Billy Graham Schools of Evangelism, and the Billy Graham telephone centers. Over his 16 years at Horizon Christian Fellowship, Dr. Botsford led the establishment of Horizon Prep, a college preparatory school.
At the afternoon ceremony, Emeritus Professor of Chemistry, Jack Van Dyke, Ph.D., gave the commencement address. In 1976, Van Dyke was asked to help develop the four-year program at then-Trinity Western College—soon to be come Trinity Western University—where he served as Chair of Natural Science and later Dean of Sciences. Van Dyke, who retired last year, was a mentor to students and faculty over his 32 years as a chemistry professor.
Another significant milestone, the School of Education celebrated its largest ever cohort of Bachelor of Education graduates—37 this year, with 15 in the secondary stream. Several students were already offered jobs in advance of their graduation and others returning for the ceremony spent the last semester teaching. Fall 2011 marks the School of Education’s 10th anniversary.