Hepburn, Sask.
The graduation weekend of Bethany College, Hepburn Sask., April 20-21, included a concert held in the beautiful and historic Knox United Church in downtown Saskatoon. Susan J Schmidt Goerz directed a compilation of musical ensembles and drama called “When I Walk through Those Doors” along with special guest conductor Brent Kruger and Saskatoon’s Teen Challenge Choir.
At Sunday’s commencement service, Bethany College conferred 3 TESOL certificates, 21 diplomas of biblical studies, 13 bachelor of Christian studies degrees, and 13 bachelor of arts degrees. Student council president Tim Peters challenged students that qualification for ministry is based on “our relationship with Jesus and being rooted in Him,” not pedigree or the things we have done like attending Sunday School, youth group, Bible school, or even getting a degree in pastoral ministry. He challenged students to be “rooted in Christ” as Colossians 2:6–7 invites us to do.
Four academic awards were presented as follows: Cherie Bright – first-year academic award for excellence in an exegetical or research paper for her essay for Introduction to Biblical Interpretation, “Joy Through Surrender, Isaiah 55:6-13”; Dynel Weber – second-year academic award for excellence in a creative project for her Genesis & Exodus project, “Noah and the Flood;” Stephanie Chase – second-year academic award for excellence in an exegetical or research paper for her essay for the Genesis & Exodus course, “Becoming One in a World of Two: God’s Intention for Male and Female Relationships as portrayed in Genesis 2:18-24;” and Brittany Suderman – fourth-year academic award for excellence in an Exegetical or Research Paper for her essay for the Biblical Theology course, “The Power of Images, Pride and Greed: The Biblical Theology of Idolatry.”
Additionally two other awards were given, recognizing excellence in academics and leadership: Stephanie Chase – the Governor General’s Bronze Medal, awarded to the diploma graduate with the highest cumulative grade point average; and Kaylee Buhler – Delta Epsilon Chi Award of the Association of Biblical Higher Education for academic excellence, Christian character, and leadership contribution.
—Rick Guenther, director of advancement
Photos courtesy of Cora Lynn Carey, graphic designer