Trinity Western is delighted to join with faculty, staff, families, and friends to honour the achievements of over 1,000 graduands who complete their undergraduate and graduate studies this spring.
A series of celebrations over graduation weekend on April 26 and 27 saw TWU graduands honoured at a baccalaureate service at the Langley campus on Friday evening, as well as graduate and undergraduate ceremonies at the Langley Events Centre on Saturday.
Watch the recap video:
Graduate Spring Graduation Ceremony
On the morning of April 27, graduating candidates for TWU's masters degrees gathered to celebrate with their families and friends. TWU student Teah Schneidereit led in the singing of Canada's national anthem. On behalf of the TWU Board of Governors, Matthew St. John, chairman, provided remarks, following which TWU Graduate Student Association President (TWUGSA) Anjali Kukreja read the University's theme Scripture for the year, Romans 12:1-2.
“As you step into the world, armed with all that you’ve learned here, remember that you have been equipped, not just to do well, but to do good.
...Each of you is called to a higher purpose.”
Equipped to do good
“Your energy, passion, skill, knowledge, faith, hope and love are deeply needed in the world,” President Mark Husbands addressed graduates during the weekend ceremonies, “We’ve been privileged to be part of your journey, as we sought not just to give you an education but a compelling plot and story for your life. We’ve invited you to play your part in God’s redemptive work in the world.”
“As you step into the world, armed with all that you’ve learned here, remember that you have been equipped, not just to do well, but to do good,” he continued, “Not just to gain security, but to risk investing your gifts in the lives of others. Each of you is called to a higher purpose.”
“Indeed, you’ve been equipped to think truthfully, act justly, and live faithfully for the good of the world and the glory of God,” he said, recalling TWU's vision.
Honorary doctorate degree recipient
TWU was privileged to welcome Bishop Dr. David Zac Niringiye at this year’s graduation as the commencement speaker and recipient of an honorary doctorate degree. Born in Uganda, Niringiye has dedicated his life to serving God and people in a variety of key roles, including serving as assistant bishop in the Church of Uganda for the Diocese of Kampala. Along with his service in the Church, Bishop Niringiye is a scholar-practitioner theologian of national and international repute, a peace and social activist, and an organizational development consultant.
Dr. David Zac Niringiye exhorted graduands towards learning, pursuing, and growing into the nature and character of God, and to spend their lives seeking, discerning, and living out God’s peace, love, and justice.
Faith in action
Bishop Niringiye was one of the foremost HIV/AIDS faith-based prevention and care advocates in Uganda in the late 1980s through the 1990s. His work impacted HIV/AIDS prevention initiatives across Africa.
Over the last two decades, his passion and commitment to the gospel have spurred him to champion the cause of social justice and good governance. Bishop Niringiye’s dedication and service has won him numerous awards, including the National Platform for Peace Building and Conflict Prevention’s Peace Award from the Office of the Prime Minister of Uganda.
Upon receiving his honorary doctorate, Bishop Niringiye delivered remarks to TWU graduands at both ceremonies. His speech, “The Cutting Edge,” focused on pursing a life of true significance, with reflections on the Lord’s Prayer. He exhorted graduands towards learning, pursuing, and growing into the nature and character of God, and to spend their lives seeking, discerning, and living out God’s shalom (peace), love, and justice.
Undergraduate Spring Graduation Ceremony
In the afternoon of April 27, TWU celebrated its undergraduate class of 2024. TWU Student Association (TWUSA) President Jeremy Joosten read this year's theme verses Romans 12:1-2, and the Trinity Western University Chamber Choir provided a special musical performance.
"Class of 2024, go on, and let the kingdom of heaven burst forth from your lives, courageously, as you pursue Christ and his hope.”
This year’s undergraduate valedictorian is Lael Louw. Born in South Africa, Louw later immigrated to B.C.’s South Okanagan region. At TWU, she pursued a bachelor of arts major in psychology with human services, where, through her program's practicum experiences, she worked with First Nations Health Authority and Canadian Mental Health Association. She has also served with TWU’s campus ministries as a discipleship group leader and coordinator.
In her valedictorian address, Louw credits the help and support of a “beautiful community” of peers and faculty mentors. “Courage begets hope and hope begets freedom,” she encouraged fellow graduands, “Choose the way of courage."
"Class of 2024, go on, and let the kingdom of heaven burst forth from your lives, courageously, as you pursue Christ and his hope,” she said.
Teaching awards
Teaching awards were also presented at the graduation ceremonies. The Provost Innovation Award recognizes and encourages experimentation and innovation in teaching and honours faculty members who are researching and adapting new methods to improve student learning. This year’s recipient is Assistant Professor of Theatre Rebecca Martin. A TWU alumna, Martin has directed many theatre plays and performances, including the fall production of Blue Stockings. She co-led a 2023 travel study to New York that deepened students’ understanding of how a Christian worldview can inform their awareness of beauty and provide new perspectives on artistic creations in the fields of visual art, theatre, and music.
The Davis Distinguished Teaching Award recognizes faculty who have achieved a high level of excellent teaching, who contributes to the pedagogical lift of the University, and who models Christian living and integration with their students. This year’s Davis Distinguished Teaching Award goes to Sessional Associate Professor of World Languages and Culture Dr. Sean Allison.
Trinity Western is grateful to everyone who participated in this spring's graduation ceremonies. We extend a warm congratulations to TWU's class of 2024.
About Trinity Western University
Founded in 1962, Trinity Western University is a global Christian liberal arts university. We are dedicated to equipping students to discover meaningful connections between career, life, and the needs of the world. Drawing upon the riches of the Christian tradition, seeking to unite faith and reason through teaching and scholarship, Trinity Western University is a degree-granting research institution offering liberal arts and sciences as well as professional schools in business, nursing, education, human kinetics, graduate studies, and arts, media, and culture. It has campuses in Canada in Langley, Richmond, and Ottawa. Learn more at www.twu.ca or follow us on Instagram @trinitywestern, Twitter @TrinityWestern, on Facebook and LinkedIn. For media inquiries, please contact: media@twu.ca.