The last weekend of April brought to a climax the 2007-2008 academic year at William and Catherine Booth College in Winnipeg. A total sixty-five certificates and degrees were awarded in the 26th Graduation Exercises, making this the largest graduating class in the history of the College! The weekend included a range of events that both honoured the graduating class and anticipated the coming years at Booth.
In its deliberations during the weekend, the College’s Board of Trustees received an update on the implementation of the plan to transform Booth College into a “Christian university college of choice.†The strategic plan also was presented to a gathering of alumni on Saturday afternoon, followed by a question and answer time. The plans for the growth and transformation of the College continue to create excitement both on campus and among those who have an interest in the College.
The Graduation Banquet provided an opportunity for graduating students to celebrate their achievements with family, friends, faculty and staff. The graduates entered the banquet room to the music of bagpipes and were each introduced to the assembled crowd. In his remarks to the gathering, Dr. Donald Burke, President of Booth College, encouraged the graduating students to reflect upon the observation that God calls us to faithfulness rather than to success.
Sunday morning brought the College community together for a time of worship and dedication. A special feature of the Baccalaureate Service was the installation of Dr. David Neale as the Vice President and Academic Dean of Booth College. Dr. Neale joined Booth College earlier this year, having served as both a professor and Academic Dean at Nazarene University College for 16 years. Commissioner William Francis, the Chancellor of the College, delivered the Baccalaureate sermon, encouraging the graduating class to look for signs that will guide them through the next stage of their journey. The graduates then gathered at the front of the chapel where they participated in a confession of faith and a litany that encouraged them to centre their lives around service to others in Christ’s name. The graduates also were invited to take a flower and to give it to someone who has had a significant impact upon them during their years of study.
The Graduation ceremony itself commenced with a colourful processional as the faculty and staff, Board of Trustees, distinguished guests and graduates all entered Knox United Church in full academic regalia. Greetings from the Province of Manitoba were delivered by the Honourable Erna Braun, MLA for the constituency of Rossmere. In her remarks, Ms. Braun commented upon the quality of education that students at Booth College receive and commended the graduating students for their achievements. Valedictorian Andrea Brown of Victoria, BC, reflected upon her years as a student at Booth College. She spoke eloquently of the passion that students discover in their studies, of the impact that faculty have upon their students, and of the desire the graduating students have to make a positive difference in the world.
The Graduation Address was delivered by Dr. EmÅ'ke Szathmáry, the President and Vice Chancellor of the University of Manitoba. In her address, Dr. Szathmáry spoke highly of the quality of education that the students had received at Booth College. She noted especially the centre around which that education is built-Christian faith and a commitment to learning. Dr. Szathmáry encouraged the students to move from their College experience into areas of life that will see them take the education they have received and to use it to make the world a better place, where poverty and injustice are less prevalent.
A moving moment in the graduation ceremony came with the posthumous awarding of a Certificate in Chaplaincy/Spiritual Care to Major Hector Elliott. Major Elliott was nearing the completion of the requirements for the Certificate at the time of his Promotion to Glory. The certificate was presented to Major Melva Elliott who herself also received the Certificate in Chaplaincy/Spiritual Care.
As each degree graduate was presented, Commissioner Francis-as Chancellor of Booth College--placed the academic hood over the shoulders of the graduate signifying their admission to either the degree of Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Social Work.
Two special awards were announced near the end of the ceremony. The Chancellor’s Medal was presented to Cheryl Penner for outstanding achievement in her degree program on the Winnipeg campus. The General’s Medal, established by General Shaw Clifton after his visit to Booth College last year, was awarded to Major Patsy Rowe. This Medal acknowledges the outstanding achievement of an extended learning degree graduate who has demonstrated leadership potential.
The closing song at graduation always marks the resolve of the graduates to “go in the strength of the Lord.†As the College flag left the church after the benediction, followed by the academic procession, there was a collective sense that this had been a weekend to remember. For graduates it will always be remembered as a celebration of their achievements and as a time of transition to the next stage of life. For faculty and staff, the weekend marked another year in the life of the College and a time when they saw the fruit of their labours. For the College, the weekend marked the achievement of our mission in the lives of students from across Canada and around the world.
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