On May 14, we celebrated alongside our 50 graduates and their family and friends as they officially received their degrees and diplomas, marking their transition from students to alumni. It was a joyful time of worship, reflection, and gratitude for all God has done in and through their time at MDC.
President Dr. Stanley E. Porter opened the ceremony with a warm welcome, followed by a prayer from Dr. Kelvin F. Mutter, Associate Professor of Counselling and Spiritual Care. Worship was led by Dr. Wendy Porter, Professor of Music and Worship, alongside MDiv graduate Ashley St. Pierre; MATM student Doyin Oyenuga; PhD students Krystle Marriott and Corey Parosh; MACS graduate Isaac Gama; and Director of External Relations John Steadman. Dr. James Dvorak, Vice President Academic, introduced each graduate as they walked across the stage to receive their degree.
During the ceremony, we presented an honorary doctorate to Dr. Marg Derrah in recognition of her lifelong commitment to Christian education, ministry leadership, and faithful service to the Church. We also recognized Dr. Kelvin Mutter’s transition to Emeritus Professor of Counselling and Spiritual Care and celebrated the dedicated service of our departing faculty members, Dr. Jim Payton and Dr. Jim Dvorak. Together, these three individuals have faithfully invested in the academic and spiritual formation of MDC students over many years. We are deeply grateful for the lasting impact they have made on our community.
MDiv graduate Jonathan Germain and PhD graduate Jihyung Kim shared reflections on their experiences as the evening’s graduate speakers. The President’s Gold Medal Awards of Excellence were presented to Ashley St. Pierre, Jesse Hill, and Nathan Nadeau.
The ceremony concluded with the commissioning of the graduates and a closing prayer by Dr. J. Gregory Davidson, Assistant Professor of Old Testament. Guests then gathered in Cullen Hall for a celebratory reception.
Please join us in praying for our graduates as they step into this next season of ministry and vocation, following God’s leading in their lives. Many will be serving as pastors in local churches, while others are pursuing work in counselling, teaching, and other forms of ministry across Canada and around the world. We look forward to seeing how God will continue to use them in the years to come.
Watch the Convocation Livestream Replay
