MBBS graduates 24

A new award and the renaming of a scholarship became part of the 2003 commencement exercises at MB Biblical Seminary on April 27. There were nine Master of Divinity degrees, seven Master of Ministry degrees, six Masters of Arts degrees and two Diplomas in Christian Studies awarded at the ceremony. Of these 17 came from the US, three from Canada, two from Ethiopia and two from Kenya. The commencement address was given by Sharon Stanley, executive director of FIRM (Fresno Interdenominational Refugee Ministries). Based on John 20:19–31, it was entitled “Out the Door Breath”. Stanley was also awarded the first Community Service award by MBBS for exemplary leadership in building relationships among the more than 90 cultural groups in Fresno. MBBS Vice-chair Bill Loewen also announced that the “Multi-Cultural Leadership Scholarship” has been renamed the “Henry J. Schmidt Multi-Cultural Leadership Scholarship” to recognize Schmidt’s many years of service to the Seminary.

The Associated Canadian Theological Schools in Langley, B.C. graduated 11 students who were affiliated with MBBS. This commencement, on April 21, had two students receiving Master of Divinity degrees. Others graduated with Master of Arts, Master of Counselling or Master of Applied Linguistics and Exegesis degrees, and one received a diploma in Christian Studies.

Graduates italicized (Back l–r) Jon Isaak, Ray Bystrom, David Buller, Rick Cox, Randy Ataide, Bruce O’Brien, Joe Lavagnino, Horacio Renteria, Jim Westgate, Jim Holm (3rd Row) Kevin Reimer, James Miser Sr., Matt Ayers, Stephen Mairori, Trevor Stearns, Bill Yaccino, Wally Nickel, Henry Schmidt, Jim Pankratz (2nd Row) Valerie Rempel, Hugh Froese, Tracie Dunn, Karin Enns, Michele Racusin, Elias Loera, Woudineh Endayelalu, Shewaye Yalew, Linda Bowman, Nzash Lumeya (Front Row) Delores Friesen, Audra Warkentin, Roselyne Mairori, Jaime Mayfield, Erik Richard, Glen Quiring, Mark Baker

—MBBS news release