29 June 2026 | Bracknell, UK [Joe Philpott]
Students, church leaders and civic representatives gathered at Newbold College of Higher Education on Sunday, 28 June, to celebrate the achievements of the graduating Class of 2026, marking the conclusion of the College’s 125th anniversary celebrations and challenging graduates to lives of ministry, service and leadership.
The annual Awards Ceremony recognised graduates who had successfully completed programmes offered through the University of Wales Trinity Saint David, alongside two Doctor of Ministry graduates who completed their degrees in partnership with Andrews University. Degrees and awards ranged from the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Biblical and Pastoral Studies to Master’s degrees, postgraduate certificates and doctoral qualifications.
Reflecting on the occasion, Principal Dr Dan Serb described this year’s ceremony as “a truly special moment”, as it formed part of the College’s 125th anniversary celebrations. “I was keen to impress upon our graduates that in receiving their awards, they were joining a fellowship spanning 125 years and stretching across every continent,” he said. “We are immensely proud of each of them, and we pray for the Lord’s guidance and blessing as they carry Newbold’s legacy forward in service to God, the church, and the wider community.”
In his address, Serb celebrated the achievements of the graduating class while outlining Newbold’s vision for the future. He reaffirmed the College’s commitment to “holistic ministerial and theological education that forms not just the mind but the whole person, spiritually grounded, intellectually rigorous and practically equipped for ministry in a complex world.”
Looking ahead, Serb highlighted several developments shaping the College’s future, including Newbold Connect, a new digital platform designed to extend its reach beyond campus. He also pointed to plans for continuing professional development programmes, a broader academic portfolio beyond theological education, and a deepened partnership with the University of Wales Trinity Saint David.
“Above all,” Serb said, “Newbold exists to serve the Adventist Church that gave birth to us, the communities that surround us, and the world that needs us.” He added, “We are founded in faith and forged in purpose, and we’re moving forward together.”
A valued member of the local community
Addressing the congregation, The Worshipful the Mayor of the Borough of Bracknell Forest, Councillor Peter Frewer, spoke warmly of the College’s place within the local community, drawing on his own experience delivering post to the campus for many years. “I actually have a personal connection to the College. I was the postman here for about 15 years, three different times over the last 40 years.”
Frewer said Newbold enjoys widespread respect among local residents. “I can’t tell you how well loved Newbold is in the local community, how well respected the College is. The students are so well-liked and respected, and they’re welcomed everywhere they go. There is an unshakable bond between the College and the community.”
Speaking on behalf of the Borough, he concluded, “We are so proud to have you as partners, as residents and as part of this community. We are all looking forward to working with you for the next 125 years.”
Education that shapes lives
Before introducing keynote speaker Dr Erton Köhler, president of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, Trans-European Division President Dr Daniel Duda reflected on the purpose of Christian education. “We do not gather here only to applaud completed assignments, submitted dissertations, past exams and the fact that you survived deadlines,” he said. “We gather here because education, at its best, is not about receiving information. It’s about formation.”
Duda encouraged graduates to embrace lifelong learning, noting that “the best leaders never stop learning,” remain “curious”, “humble”, and “teachable”, adding that “serious thinking can be an act of worship.” He challenged graduates to see their qualifications not as an ending but “as a sign of a new beginning.”
That emphasis echoed earlier remarks from Newbold Academic Registrar Serena Santona, who told graduates, “You were never the output of this institution. You were and are always its reason.”
“What is that in your hand?”
Drawing from Exodus 4, Köhler centred his address on God’s question to Moses: “What is that in your hand?” He reminded graduates that God works through ordinary people willing to place their gifts in His service.
“I believe that you have a calling in your hands,” Köhler said. “I believe that God placed you here, shaped you here, and now He’s sending you from here.”
He challenged graduates in three practical ways: to use their gifts to build rather than destroy, to serve others and to advance God’s mission. “We live in an age that rewards deconstruction,” he observed. “It is easy to criticise… But tearing down is not wisdom. It is not even courage. Real courage is picking up the stones and building something.”
Turning to service, Köhler reminded graduates that “your degree is not for you alone” and urged them to use their skills “where they are most needed, not only where they are most rewarded.”
He concluded by encouraging graduates to remain focused on the Church’s mission. “God does not need great resources. He needs available hands.”
Gratitude from the graduating class
Responding on behalf of the graduating class, BA (Hons) in Biblical & Pastoral Studies graduate Alastair Boyd reflected on the friendships, encouragement and spiritual growth experienced during his years at Newbold. “Being a Newbold student has truly been the greatest pleasure of my life,” he said, recalling his arrival on campus in January 2023.
He paid tribute to lecturers and staff who had consistently supported students throughout their studies. “All of the lecturers and staff are rooting for us,” Boyd said. “The times when, as a student, you feel everything might be going wrong, they pick you up, they put you back on your feet, and they make sure that you know that you are capable and you are called to do amazing things.”
He also thanked fellow students, families and God for their support throughout the academic journey before encouraging graduates to carry Newbold’s influence into the future. “Remember the times that we learned together, that we prayed together, that we struggled together, and today that we celebrate together. Friends, remember how your time here at Newbold has been life-changing and faith-affirming.”
Concluding his address, Boyd turned to his fellow graduates with a simple message: “Congratulations, Class of 2026. We’ve done it.”
The ceremony also included the presentation of Newbold’s Service Award to Adam Best and Leslie Dixon in recognition of their outstanding contribution to campus life and service to the wider church community during their five years as students.
Graduating Class of 2026
The graduating class included students receiving awards from the University of Wales Trinity Saint David and Andrews University in the following programmes:
Bachelor of Arts with Honours, Biblical & Pastoral Studies
Alastair Boyd; Emma Georgina Fuller (First); Ricardo Gegembauer; Romain Watson.
Graduate Diploma, Biblical & Pastoral Studies
Eric Roberto Gomes Putini (Merit); Christopher Khuoge; Emily Nyambane (Merit); Olha Pidhirniak; Steven Raven; Tarique Tomlinson (Merit).
Master of Arts, Theology
Victoria Afolayan (Distinction); Adam Best (Distinction); João Gabriel Colins Silva; Obed Kumi Darko (Merit); Manoah Darkwah (Merit); Leslie Anthony Dixon (Distinction); Lina Frank (Merit); Douglas Gausi Simwawa (Distinction); Rohail John; Matthew Kisna Jr; Clayton Maurede (Merit); Ronielia McKenzie (Merit); Mandlenkosi Mlambo; Lumbani Muwowo (Distinction); Ophelia Deeda Nyarko (Distinction); Alexey Sinyushkin (Merit).
Postgraduate Certificate, Mission
Victoria Afolayan (Merit); Adam Best (Distinction); João Gabriel Colins Silva (Merit); Obed Darko (Merit); Leslie Anthony Dixon (Distinction); Douglas Gausi Simwawa (Distinction); Rohail John (Merit); Clayton Maurede (Merit); Ronielia McKenzie (Distinction); Mariusz Merkis (Merit); Jayarathna Michael Bhoopathy (Merit); Ugochukwu Hope Njoku; Ophelia Deeda Nyarko (Distinction); Marianne Thieme (Distinction).
Postgraduate Certificate, Pastoral Care
Victor Dacosta Marshall; Dorothea Relić Macedo; João Filipe Pinheiro Relić Macedo.
Doctor of Ministry, Andrews University (in partnership with Newbold College of Higher Education)
Dr Robin Lewis; Dr Njabulo Ndlovu.
Watch the ceremony
A recording of the Newbold College Awards Ceremony 2026 is available to watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dicQkl1osaw.
[Photos: Asun Olivan]
