Western Seminary

Commencement Ceremony

The Western Seminary Portland 2016 Commencement was held at Village Baptist Church in Beaverton, OR on April 30^th. The ceremony began promptly at 11AM with the processional of the faculty and students. Approximately 70 students participated in the graduation ceremony this year. John Johnson, Associate Professor of Pastoral Theology and Senior Pastor of Village Baptist Church, welcomed the graduates and guests and gave the invocation. The commencement address was given by Dr. Thomas Schreiner, Professor of New Testament Interpretation at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. The title was “Shepherding God’s Flock.” The degrees were then conferred upon the students. Additionally, at this time awards were presented in various categories for students based on their work at Western. These awards were nominated by the faculty. A list of awards and recipients can be seen below. After the ceremony, students, family, and guests gathered in the foyer and outside for a reception.

Listen to the Commencement Address:

Dr. Tom Schreiner

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Commencement Banquet

The Western Seminary Portland Campus Commencement Banquet was held on Friday April 29^th from 6:30-9:00PM. About 400 graduates, their families and invited guests, faculty, staff and friends of the Seminary were in attendance. The night focused on the celebration of the graduate’s completion of their ministry training. We had the pleasure of being led through the night by first-time MC Ryan Lister, Assoc. Professor of Theology. Ron Marrs, Associate Professor of Pastoral/Youth Ministry, led worship and some closing remarks were given by Western Seminary President Randy Roberts. The featured speakers were a representative group of graduates themselves. These were seven students nominated by faculty to share about their transformative experiences at Western Seminary and how this shapes their next direction. Two of the students gave a unique perspective as father and daughter graduating together from the Master of Arts in Counseling program! The students were Shawn Hart, Diploma in Ministry and Leadership; Mary Ann Noack, M.A. (Biblical and Theological Studies); Kristin Gorton, M.A. in Counseling; Bob Carlson, Doctor of Ministry; Katie Roberts, M.A. (Biblical and Theological Studies); Amy Hearst and Blake Frey (daughter and father), M.A. in Counseling.