On Tuesday, May 18, 2021, MDC hosted its first-ever virtual Convocation Ceremony, conferring and recognizing the degrees, certificates, and diplomas of 78 graduates from 2020 and 2021.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, MDC was forced to cancel the planned in-person gathering for May 2020. With a continuing rise in numbers approaching this Spring, the decision was made to create a virtual Convocation experience, including a live chat for all attendees to interact throughout the ceremony. We were pleased to host over 200 people live at the premiere event.
President Dr. Stanley Porter opened the ceremony, followed by music by Dr. Wendy Porter and PhD student, Hojoon Ahn, and prayer from Dr. Michael Knowles. Vice President Academic Dr. Phil Zylla introduced each degree and recipient, and graduands Diane McBeth and Dr. Zachary Dawson reflected on their experiences at MDC. MDC was pleased to confer the Doctor of Divinity honoris causa on Rev. Dr. Lionel Pye, for his many dedicated years of service to McMaster Divinity College on the Board of Trustees and his commitment to Christian ministry. The service ended with the Lord’s Prayer, read by graduates altogether in a multitude of languages and a commissioning message and prayer by Dr. Mark Boda.
To rewatch the ceremony, visit our Convocation page.