Commencement 2008 - Called Out and Called Together
The Redeemer community celebrated the accomplishments of its graduates on May 24 with the 23rd Convocation for the Conferring of Degrees. With 205 students graduating, this marked the largest graduating class in Redeemer’s history.
Keynote speaker Dr. Edith Humphrey reminded the graduates that this is very much a communal event. Students are surrounded by the family, faculty and friends that have supported them throughout their time at Redeemer. But Dr. Humphrey also noted that this is a con-vocation, a time when they have been called (vocare) together with each other (con). Following the practice of believers in ancient Israel and through the earliest days of the church, Christians are called to join together to a life of service to God, not as individuals, but in community.
Dr. Edith Humphrey, William F. Orr Professor of New Testament at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary |
Class Speaker Kevin Lobert channeled his inner David Letterman by doing his own “Top 10” list of things he learned while at Redeemer |
As Dr. Humphrey acknowledged, this community of graduates included one who had already been called home last summer. Craig Vanderveen, former Student Senate President, died last summer while visiting family in Carman, MB. Craig was posthumously awarded a Bachelor of Arts degree. He was also given the Faculty Award, which is given annually to the graduate “who best exemplifies academic excellence, Christian leadership, and active participation in the life of Redeemer.”
Commencement also marked the end of full-time service to the Redeemer University College community of two faculty members. Dr. Henry Brouwer, Professor of Chemistry, and Dr. Al Wolters, Professor of Religion and Theology and Classical Studies retired from full-time teaching at the end of the academic year.
Craig’s parents, Al and Anita Vanderveen, accept his degree and Faculty Award.
Loreen Deelstra, who graduated with a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Education degree, received the Governor General’s Award.
Following a tradition that dates back to the first graduating class, the Class of 2008 presented a gift to Redeemer, a commemorative art piece created in remembrance and celebration of Craig Vanderveen.
Artists Annie Ling, Emily Darling and Julie Konyndyk - all Redeemer alumni and friends of Craig - stand with his parents Anita and Al at the unveiling of the painting which will hang on the second floor of Redeemer's academic building.
Commencement Photo Album
Click here for a number of pictures taken during the course of the afternoon on Commencement Day. All photos by Dan Banko, Banko Photographic and may be used for personal, non-commercial use.
You can also look back at the 2007 Commencement, 2006 Commencement and the 2005 Commencement exercises.