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.
![Bachelor of Christian Studies](https://mbherald.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/BC-BachelorOfChristianStudies_2013_3rdYr-300x239.jpg)
Bachelor of Christian Studies
![Bachelor of arts](https://mbherald.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/BC-BachelorOfArts_2013-300x240.jpg)
Bachelor of arts
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.
![Bethany president Howie Wall congratulates Cherie Bright, winner of the 1st-year academic award](https://mbherald.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/BC-Cherie_Bright_FirstYrAcademicAward.web_-300x300.jpg)
Bethany president Howie Wall congratulates Cherie Bright, winner of the 1st-year academic award
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.”
![Bethany president Howie Wall congratulates Dynel Weber, winner of the 2nd-year academic award (for excellence in a creative project)](https://mbherald.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/BC-Dynel_Weber_SecondYrCreativeProjectAward.web_-300x300.jpg)
Bethany president Howie Wall congratulates Dynel Weber, winner of the 2nd-year academic award (for excellence in a creative project)
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.
![Bethany president Howie Wall congratulates Stephanie Chase, winner of the 2nd-year academic award (for excellence in an exegetical or research paper ) and the Governor General's bronze medal](https://mbherald.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/BC-Stephanie_Chase_GovGenBronzeMedalSecondYrAcademicAward.web_-300x300.jpg)
Bethany president Howie Wall congratulates Stephanie Chase, winner of the 2nd-year academic award (for excellence in an exegetical or research paper ) and the Governor General’s bronze medal
![Bethany president Howie Wall congratulates Kaylee Buhler, winner of the Delta Epsilon Chi award](https://mbherald.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/BC-Kaylee_Buhler_DeltaEpsilonChiAward.web_-300x300.jpg)
Bethany president Howie Wall congratulates Kaylee Buhler, winner of the Delta Epsilon Chi award
![Bethany president Howie Wall congratulates Brittany Suderman, winner of the 4th-year academic award](https://mbherald.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/BC-Brittany_Suderman_FourthYrAcademicAward.web_-300x300.jpg)
Bethany president Howie Wall congratulates Brittany Suderman, winner of the 4th-year academic award
—Rick Guenther, director of advancement
Photos courtesy of Cora Lynn Carey, graphic designer