On May 25, 205 graduates walked across the stage to receive their official diploma marking a transition to the next stage of their journey. Guest speaker Rev. Rita Klein-Geltink ’04 noted that it took her 17 years to finish her Redeemer degree, from earning her first course credit to crossing the stage. And she was really busy during those 17 years. In addition to being a student, she was a staff member, working for Dr. Justin Cooper and in the Development office. She was a parent of students at the same time — her four sons are alumni too. Amy Brouwer, here with Dr. John Van Rys, received the Faculty AwardKlein-Geltink knows what it’s like to finish an undergrad degree and then to ask oneself, “Now what…what is it you want?” Her address referenced Nehemiah 2:4 in which we find Nehemiah distraught because Jerusalem lies in ruins. He prays to God for direction and heads off to launch the rebuilding effort. The working conditions are not great. The people are building with one hand and holding a weapon with the other. Perhaps graduates can relate somewhat to that metaphor – juggling multiple tasks. Now it’s time to move on. Some grads know exactly what they want to do and some are making decisions. Dr. Doug Needham, Provost and Vice President Academic and Dr. Hubert Krygsman, Redeemer’s President, present the Governor General’s Silver Medal for highest academic standing at the undergraduate level to Nicole TalsmaKlein-Geltink’s message for the Class of 2013 is this: there are lots of opportunities in life but it’s about making the right choices because you can’t do it all. But God is going to change the world through you. He invites you to partner with him on this journey of life. May God bless you wherever he sends you.