At the Convocation ceremony held on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, McMaster Divinity College proudly conferred degrees and certificates upon 44 graduates.
MDC was pleased to host over 300 faculty, staff, and guests, including distinguished guests: Dr. Claude Cox, Adjunct Professor at MDC; Dr. Janet Clark, a former faculty member of MDC; Rev. Leanne Friesen, Executive Minister of CBOQ; and Dr. Marjory Kerr, President and Vice Chancellor of Tyndale University.
President Dr. Stanley E. Porter commenced the Convocation with a warm welcome, followed by a prayer from Associate Professor of Counselling and Spiritual Care, Dr. Kelvin Mutter. The music was led by Professor of Music and Worship, Dr. Wendy Porter, and MDiv student, Ashley St. Pierre. Vice President Academic, Dr. James Dvorak, introduced each graduate and their respective degree as graduands walked the stage.
MTS grad, Olufunke Olajumoke Dinneh, and PhD grad, Jung Hoon Lee, shared about their experiences as our graduate speakers of the evening. The President’s Gold Medal Award of Excellence was presented to Natasha Crozier, as the professional degree recipient, and then to Dr. Hojoon Ahn, as the research degree recipient.
MDC was honoured to recognize the retirement of Dr. Michael P. Knowles, Professor of Preaching, after 27 years of service. Dr. Knowles will be granted Emeritus status at the Senate and Board of Trustees meeting this June.
The service concluded with a commissioning by Dr. Cynthia Westfall, Associate Professor of New Testament, followed by a commissioning prayer by Dr. Michael P. Knowles. Following the ceremony, attendees gathered for a reception at Cullen Hall to celebrate together.
McMaster Divinity College encourages everyone to keep these graduates in their prayers as they embark on a new chapter, following God’s guidance for their lives. Many will serve as pastors within local communities, while others pursue careers in counselling or teaching roles.
