29 June 2025 | Bracknell, UK [David Neal]
“Be affirmed in the conviction that God has called you for such a time as this – to make Him known in a world too often torn by misinformation, hate, and selfishness. Your voice, your witness and your presence matter,” said Dr Dan Serb, newly appointed Principal of Newbold College of Higher Education (NCHE), in his message to graduates and guests attending the Awards Ceremony on Sunday, 29 June.
With family and friends gathered to recognise the achievement of 60 graduates (a record number in recent times), former Principal, Dr Stephen Currow noted in his Principal’s Remarks that enrollment over the past academic year had seen a 20% increase in full-time equivalent students. In addition, new programmes were under development in partnership with other Adventist universities, particularly Andrews University and Washington Adventist University.
He also recognised that Newbold staff contributed to the life of the church throughout the Trans-European Division (TED), and in particular, the British Union Conference —a sign of Newbold’s service beyond its own campus.
Reflecting on his own imminent return to Australia, Currow said, “it was a privilege to serve again (post Covid-19 and reorganisation) at Newbold for the past 4 years, a total of 13 in all.” His positivity about Newbold’s future and growth was palpable.
Dr Daniel Duda, TED President and NCHE Board Chair, extended heartfelt gratitude for his willingness to respond to serve at Newbold. “When we issued the ‘Macedonian call’ (‘Come over and help us’), Stephen was willing to drop everything and help us.”
Duda added, “From April 2022 until the end of May this academic year, during a time marked by change and challenge, you have served with grace, persistence and unwavering commitment to the mission and values of Newbold College.”
“Thank you for the sacrifices made”, concluded Duda, “the long hours given, and the heart you poured into our Newbold College and promoting it in the BUC, TED and well beyond! We pray God’s richest blessings over you and Narisa – may He continue to guide and use you both in every step ahead.”
Guest Speaker
Dr Boubakar Sanou, Chair of the Department of World Mission at the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary, Andrews University, and an alumnus of NCHE in the 1990s, served as Guest Speaker for this year’s Awards Ceremony. Drawing on his expertise in the impact of culture on leadership behaviour and its implications for Christian witness, he addressed the graduating students by focusing on the values of the the NCHE motif, Life Changing / Faith Affirming. Recognising how Newbold influenced his life, he said, “I knew one thing – that I had been changed forever – because Newbold changed me.” He continued, “Not only did it expand my thinking, but it also reinforced my faith – and I thank you, Newbold, for that.”
Referring to many NCHE staff past and present, Sanou shared how so many had supported him in word and deed, “They affirmed our humanity, and they became a part of our story. Through their example”, he continued, “Ministry is not just what we do, but who we are in Christ … sermons without words.”
Looking to the present and the future, Sanou emphasised, “Today is more than a celebration of the past, but a sacred moment of recommitment. This gathering is also a reminder of our calling in the present. Together, we are Newbold’s legacy. We are a living testament to the values that shaped this institution. In whatever role you serve, I invite you to be voices of hope and healing, modelling humility, generosity and grace.”
The Graduate Response
In response, Alexandre Oriheula Ghiorzi, addressing his fellow graduates, recognised that the importance of marking milestones , “Only we know what we walked through to be here today.” Challenging his fellow graduates, he added, “Resist the temptation to close your notebook for good, because they have a life to live, because this is not the end of our studies, but the beginning of our own explorations. We can now pursue truth, freely, deeply and fully.”
“We are very grateful to the professors and staff”, Ghiorzi continued, “You deeply gave of yourselves, and we have appreciated your insight. We are also immensely thankful for our families for honouring their investment in us.” Using an ingenous wordplay, Ghiorzi concluded expressing hope that their future journey would be ‘new’ and ‘bold’!
Following Ghiorzi’s response, attention turned to the ceremony’s highlight — the presentation of the graduating students, led by Serb, Duda, Santona, and Dr Lazlo Gallusz.
The awards were validated by the University of Wales Trinity Saint David to 60 students (1 posthumous).
Certificate of Higher Education
Chali Mumba (2024)
Diploma of Higher Education
Randolph Reyes
Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Biblical and Pastoral Studies
Don Chihwayi
João Guilherme Ferreira Herculano
Yui Hanada
John-Michael David Ventus Lucas
William Alexander Middleditch
Mia-Mercedes Orgla (1st)
Mikael Jonathan Takamaa
André Vieira da Silva
Graduate Diploma in Biblical and Pastoral Studies
Karli Alyn Fredrickson (2024)
Rico Gauzon (2024)
Rohail John (2024)
Anderson Prince Edison
Mylene Eilander
Joe Martti Ketton (Merit)
Maris Kraulins (Merit)
Marvellous Anywhere Muchada
Karolina Mabinty Poland (Distinction)
Heavenest St Cyr (Merit)
Master of Arts in Theology
Wilson Lagos (2024)
Ashriah Akakpo (Merit)
Martynas Baltiejus
Samuel Betasone
Edward Boampong
Baraka Butoke
Rodrigo Cerencovich
Nathaniel Frimpong-Manso
Camilla Maria Gustafsson (Distinction)
Manami Inada (Distinction)
Piniel Karuma
Gerrit Willem Laarman
Marco Jonas Diagmel Lapuz (Merit)
James McMahon (Distinction)
Ethan Mpozempizi
Sophia Nicholls (Merit)
Ronnie Oddane (Distinction)
Alexandre Oriheula Ghiorzi (Merit)
Hellen Pinela Diaz (Merit)
Daniel Quiles dos Santos
Ioannis Samaras (Distinction)
Tiago Santos Pereira
Andrija Stanojević (Merit)
Postgraduate Certificate in Mission
Ashriah Akakpo (Merit)
Steven George (Merit)
Camilla Maria Gustafsson (Distinction)
Saw Hsathoolei Hser Hsertawbu
Manami Inada
Piniel Karuma (Merit)
Ethan Mpozempizi (Merit)
Sophia Nicholls
Alexandre Oriheula Ghiorzi (Distinction)
Hellen Pinela Diaz
Daniel Quiles dos Santos
Andrija Stanojević
Stanley Teixeira (Merit)
Postgraduate Certificate in Theology
Oleg Khomiak
Postgraduate Diploma in Theology
Forrest Douglas (Merit)
Posthumous Award
Marica Mirilov (Merit)
The ceremony concluded with the ancient Irish hymn Be Thou My Vision,¹ a shared prayer in which students, faculty, family, and friends asked Christ to be their vision, wisdom, and truth — the very heart of the pastoral calling. It is a call to see the world through God’s eyes, to surrender fully to His guidance, to depend on His strength, and to walk closely with Him, both living and sharing the truth of His character.
With the graduates moving on into further academic study, or beginning their career journey, the prayer continues—that whatever lies ahead, they will live out the hymn’s enduring value: “Heart of my own heart, whatever befall, still be my vision, O Ruler of all.”
[Photos: David Neal, photo of Marica Mirilov: Asun Olivan]
¹Author: Anonymous — traditionally attributed to St Dallán Forgaill, a 6th‑century Irish poet, though linguistic scholars now date the poem to the 10th–11th century
