Commencement invites us into a sacred pause. It’s a time to look back with gratitude, to stand firmly in the present, and to dare to look ahead with hope. It reminds us that what is not yet… is still possible. This season in the life of our school is marked not only by transition, but also by testimony. It is a time to remember the voices and visions that joined our learning community this year- students, faculty, staff, trustees, and partners- each bringing with them gifts that have deepened and enriched who we are. So today, we pause to give thanks. We celebrate accomplishments, yes - but more than that, we celebrate faithfulness. We celebrate resilience. We celebrate growth. Class of 2026: we are excited for you. We rejoice with you. And we walk with you in spirit as you go forward to serve a world marked by cruelty, genocide, greed, war - with wisdom, with courage, and with love. Today we give thanks for persons who joined our learning community this year: 1) 20 new students this fall and spring, 2) Rev. Dr. Emilio Alvarez, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean; Rev. Dr. J. J. Warren, Assistant Professor of (Queer Theology) and Lead of the Gender, Sexuality, and Racial Justice Program; Mr. Douglas Finch, Chief Financial Officer; Ms. Johnice Hall, Coordinator of Enrollment and Institutional Operations; Mr. Jourdan Hill, Communications Manager; 3) Rev. Dr. Bonita L. Bates and Rev. Dr. Michael Ford, Governing Trustees. I ask you all to join me in thanking the Rev. Dr. Michael Laver and Mr. Peter Abdella as they conclude their service as governing trustees on June 30 . th With a mission to form students in theological and multi-religious studies to serve, care, and advocate for all peoples and the earth, I am grateful that in a time marked increasingly by politicization, polarization, intolerance, and hate our students strive to live the school’s core values of community, compassion, collaboration, flexibility, and respect through their interactions with others. For this, I am thankful! We honor you, graduates and family and friends, with every prayer, scripture, song, and remembrance shared today.
Yours in peace, service, and justice,
Rev. Angela D. Sims, Ph.D. President
OUR CORE VALUES
COMMUNITY
COLLABORATION
COMPASSION
FLEXIBILITY
RESPECT
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