On May 5, 2019, Southwestern Adventist University welcomed thousands of proud parents, friends, and family to campus for the Commencement Ceremony where degrees were conferred to 141 graduates. Pastor Mark Tamaleaa, a 2005 graduate of Southwestern Adventist University and pastor in Overland Park, Kansas, presented the Commencement Address. He charged the Class of 2019 to follow God’s leading through life. “Don’t let your degree or your title limit you in what God can do through you!”

Officiating over the graduation ceremony, President Ken Shaw shared, “Graduates, you have constructed knowledge through your classes and interaction with faculty and staff, you have grown in your faith through your personal devotions and a variety of spiritual programming on our campus, and you have reached out to fellow students and the community with your service and acts of kindness. Knowledge, Faith, Service; that is who we are. I am proud of each one of you!”

Just before the awarding of the diplomas, Dr. Amy Rosenthal, Vice President for Academic Administration, presented some interesting facts about the graduating class.  Thirty-four percent of the class are the first in their family to graduate and every graduate participated in service projects during college.  About a third of our graduates are planning to pursue a graduate degree while the remainder of the class will be launching their careers.  Graduating were 10 international students representing Angola, Bermuda, Canada, Haiti, Mexico, Peru, South Korea and Venezuela.

Reflecting on graduation day and on their Southwestern Adventist University experience, graduates recalled the impact that the university had on each of them. Veronica Carvajal, a business administrationgraduate, shared, “My experience helped me realize that whether it be at home, work, or school, I should always act with high character and be a shining example for His glory.” 

Matthew Hanson, a communication graduate, added, “Southwestern Adventist University prepared me for a life of service by giving me opportunities to learn through hands-on experience. I was able to gain many practical skills to bring to the next stage of service.”

Emily Hernandez, a biological science graduate, noted, “Southwestern Adventist University’s caring faculty and staff paired with excellent curriculum and small class sizes allowed me to explore my passion and prepare for my future spiritually, personally, and professionally.”

At the conclusion of the ceremony, Vonda Seals, Director of Alumni Relations, welcomed graduates into the Southwestern Adventist University Alumni Association. Alumni are represented in every state and territory in the U.S. and in more than 100 different countries worldwide.

Visit www.Flickr.com/SouthwesternAdventistfor photos from Graduation Weekend.