On Sunday 14 June, Newbold College of Higher Education welcomed guests from far and near to witness the academic success of 30 students at its 2015 Awards Ceremony. Other guests included the Deputy Mayor and a Councillor from Bracknell Forest Council, alumni, staff, family and friends of the graduands, and the Newbold community. The ceremony also involved the awarding of the rank of Principal Lecturer Emeritus to four retired lecturers.
Newbold’s diversity was reflected through the graduands, who represented seventeen countries. These students have successfully completed their studies in Theology, Religious Studies, Business Studies, and Liberal Arts. Graduating Business student Saskia Heibutzki, said, ‘What I appreciated the most about my time here at Newbold is the joy of being around people from all parts of the globe, learning about the different mentalities and cultures, and making friendships that transcend any cultural differences. I really think this experience will be a bonus in the Business world.’
The guest speaker was Pastor Raafat Kamal, President of the Trans-European Division (TED) of the General Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, and Chair of Newbold’s Board of Governors. Pastor Kamal began by reminding the graduating students of the precious friendships that they have developed with fellow students, with whom they will forever be linked through the mantra of ‘learning to think for yourself’. Pastor Kamal said, ‘I want you to take a good look at these wonderful people who will support your passions, be your network of contacts, and, if need be, catch you when you fall.’
On behalf of the graduating students, Saskia Heibutzki responded to the charge made by TED Director of Education Dr Daniel Duda ‘to live the life of the kingdom of God in this present world, to love God and your neighbour as the Lord commanded, to respond to the needs of others with all the skills, dedication and commitment that your alma mater represents’.
At the end of the day which was overflowing with happy sentiments, Theology graduate Sebastian Matula, beaming with delight, said ‘during the last three years at Newbold, I have understood what it means to be human: to be a follower of Jesus Christ, to let His love shine through my life and to prepare people for the imminent return of Jesus’.
Dr Baildam said that it was a pleasure and privilege to have been involved in the 2015 Awards Ceremony. ‘To see the joy of accomplishment and achievement on the faces of all our graduating students, their families, and supporters, made all the preparations so worthwhile. I know that some visitors looked on with envy – but just a quick contact with our Admissions Office might ensure that one day they too can be part of a future ceremony’, he added.
Learn more about Newbold at www.newbold.ac.uk, and view photos from the 2015 Awards Ceremony on the Newbold College of Higher Education Facebook Page.
Text by tedNEWS. Photos by Asun Olivan and Roland Dan.