Graduation Ceremony

Here are a few pictures from the graduation ceremony. This is my 9th graduation ceremony as the president of PIU. This is the 3rd ceremony we have held outside at the PIU campus. This year we had 17 graduates. It is not the largest graduating class we have ever had, but this year's ceremony may have been the most colorful with the banners and flags and with the faculty in full regalia. The graduation planning committee did a great job and I think the ceremony honored God, the school and the graduates.

The graduates walk in with nervous smiles

The graduates are obviously enjoying the speeches. 

Lieutenant Governor Tenorio talked about the importance of faith based institutions for building character and providing another option for higher education. 

He then posed with our valedictorians Xuefen Mei and Grateful Nokar.

As is our tradition the faculty and staff sang a hymn chosen by the graduates. This year's hymn was "Holy, Holy, Holy."

Board member, Mary Johnson and I handed out the diplomas. 

Our first Master of Arts in Religion graduate, Peng Li Johnson was hooded by Seminary Dean Eric Sorenson. We first met Peng Li on a ministry trip to Harbin China back in 2004. 

Faculty member Iotaka Choram closed the ceremony with prayer. Ladies and Gentlemen the graduating class of 2011!