Well, we pulled it off again – that mix of formality – processions, Academic robes, the European Anthem, formal address – this year from the Revd Tony Peck, General Secretary of the European Baptist Federation, who had done his homework, referring to the time of study of the students, pointing out the wide variety of backgrounds of the students and topics of dissertations and theses and commending the students for the development, both spiritually and intellectually, that he had observed in them over their time of study at IBTS.
Then Parush, our dear Pro Rector and Academic Dean, introduced each of the the Graduating students, who were handed their diplomas by Tony Peck and congratulated by the assembled company. Not all students graduating were able to be present because of travel or visa difficulties but students from fifteen countries were part of the ceremony.
Within the Certificate in Applied Theology programme twelve students were present to receive their relevant certificates. Three students were gowned and hooded Master of Theology coming from Israel, Brazil and Kazakhstan. One student from the Ukraine was gowned and hooded Magister in theology and one student from Poland present to be robed and hooded as Doctor of Philosophy.
Mixed with the ceremonial and the formal were relaxed moments and then immediately after the ceremony the general melee with family, friends, community members taking photographs, offering individual congratulations and all. Eventually, we all repaired to the Dining room for a festal buffet which was shared by the students, Faculty, family members, friends and officials. Thus, our 62nd academic year concludes.
An excellent day for all concerned.
– Keith
One Comment
Vanesska
Congratulations to all! To the graduates and to all involved to make it a truly celebratory and festive event! It’s so nice to see the photos of the old grads and the new!! Greetings from Michigan!