26 June 2014 I Bracknell, United Kingdom [Judith Makaniankhndo, tedNEWS] On Sunday 15 June, Newbold College of Higher Education welcomed guests from around the world to witness the academic success of 35 students at the 2014 Newbold Award Ceremony. Graduating student Melissa Myklebust was joined by her grandfather, Finn Myklebust who graduated from Newbold exactly 50 years ago! Other guests included Mayor of Bracknell Forest, alumni, staff, family and friends of the graduants, and of the Newbold community.
The event truly proved to be a family affair when graduant Mervi Kalmus played the violin supported by her father, Mr Rein Kalmus, on the piano. Their piece, ‘Give Thanks with a Grateful Heart’ was a perfect expression of the feeling of the graduates.
Newbold’s diversity was reflected through the graduates who represented sixteen different countries. These students had successfully completed their studies in Business, Theology, Religious Studies and Liberal Arts.
Dr Bertil Wiklander, President of the Trans-European Division (TED) of the Seventh-day Adventist Church and Chair of Newbold Board of Governors, introduced another alumni and guest speaker, Pastor Audrey Andersson, Executive Secretary of the TED.
Pastor Andersson addressed the audience with the lines “Life is real, life is earnest” taken from Longfellow’s poem A Psalm of Life. She continued by pointing out that by celebrating the graduates’ achievements, life is indeed real and earnest. She reminded the graduating students of the sentiments Paul expressed in 1 Corinthians 15:58. “Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, you know that your labour in the Lord is not in vain.”
Pastor Andersson urged the students to not settle for less or be satisfied with small things, but to focus on the eternal perspective, no matter what their chosen profession will be, she encouraged them to give themselves fully, completely, absolutely and entirely to the work of the Lord. She also added, “Make your life count, have high ideals, be committed to the ideals and fulfill your potential by giving yourself fully to the work of the Lord!”
On behalf of the graduating students, Danilo Puskas responded to the charge made by the TED Director of Education, Dr Daniel Duda, to live the life of the kingdom of God in this present world, to love your God and your neighbor as the Lord commanded, to remain open to the needs of others and make Jesus known through lips and heart by witness and service. This was a fitting end to a heartfelt award ceremony.
Learn more about Newbold at www.newbold.ac.uk, and view photos from the 2014 Award Ceremony on the Newbold College Facebook page. [tedNEWS]
tedNEWS Staff: Miroslav Pujic, director; Deana Stojkovic, editor
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