Olivet University Commencement Ceremony 2022 was held on Friday, June 24th afternoon at Riverside main campus. Faculty, students, and their families across the United States and around the world gathered at the University Chapel to offer up a sacrifice of praise to God for His loving guidance and amazing work throughout this academic year.
Professor Dr. Joseph Lee from the Olivet Theological College and Seminary served as the master of ceremonies. To set the tone of the event, he reminded the audience that the commencement meant more than a celebration of individuals' academic achievement but it was actually a worship of honor to our almighty God.
Following the procession of faculty and the graduates, Jubilee College of Music Dean Dr. Merril Smoak led the congregation to sing the opening song "Great is Thy Faithfulness." Dr. Jasmine Park, Dean of the Olivet School of Language and Education, offered an invocation prayer based on Philippians 4:13: "I can do all things in Christ which strengthen me."
Dr. Mattthias Gebhardt, University President, gave his greetings and remarks. He welcomed and congratulated all those who accomplished their roles as scholars. He reflected upon the history of Olivet University, which began very small but had grown rapidly through those who faithfully responded to our Lord Jesus Christ's calling to preach the Gospel to the ends of the earth.
Dr. Gebhardt also introduced this year's commencement speaker Dr. William Wagner, Director of Olivet Institute for Global Strategic Studies. As one of the longest-serving faculty of Olivet University, Dr. Wagner exalted the graduating class that the natural occurrence of change will be poured out upon those who succeeded through their academic pursuit. However, there are things that do not change which reflect upon Olivet University and God's calling graciously poured out to each individual. In his final remarks, Dr. Wagner emphasized the virtue of 'never giving up' by quoting Winston Churchill.
Graduates who attended the commencement in-person were called on stage one by one to receive their diplomas. Graduates who also attended online, were also recognized in the ceremony via a video presentation.
Master of Divinity graduate Livy Disla represented the class of 2022 as this year's student speaker. She described how she was once lost, but eventually found her way to walk the path of Jesus and receive the Great Commission after meeting a campus evangelist. She was then inspired to study theology so that she can teach the word of God to many people. She is grateful for the education that she received at Olivet. Moving forward, she is full of hope that she can also bring many souls to the Lord in this generation.
As the commencement ceremony concluded, the class of 2022 is showered by abundant blessings from above.