29 June 2026 | Bracknell, UK [Joe Philpott]<\/p>\n
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\u2019s 125th anniversary celebrations and challenging graduates to lives of ministry, service and leadership.<\/p>\n
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\u2019s degrees, postgraduate certificates and doctoral qualifications.<\/p>\nPrincipal Dr Dan Serb welcomes graduates, families and guests during the Newbold College Awards Ceremony 2026<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
Reflecting on the occasion, Principal Dr Dan Serb described this year\u2019s ceremony as \u201ca truly special moment\u201d, as it formed part of the College\u2019s 125th anniversary celebrations. \u201cI 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,\u201d he said. \u201cWe are immensely proud of each of them, and we pray for the Lord\u2019s guidance and blessing as they carry Newbold\u2019s legacy forward in service to God, the church, and the wider community.\u201d<\/p>\n
In his address, Serb celebrated the achievements of the graduating class while outlining Newbold\u2019s vision for the future. He reaffirmed the College\u2019s commitment to \u201cholistic 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
Looking ahead, Serb highlighted several developments shaping the College\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cAbove all,\u201d Serb said, \u201cNewbold exists to serve the Adventist Church that gave birth to us, the communities that surround us, and the world that needs us.\u201d He added, \u201cWe are founded in faith and forged in purpose, and we\u2019re moving forward together.\u201d<\/p>\n
A valued member of the local community<\/h2>\nThe Worshipful The Mayor of the Borough of Bracknell Forest, Councillor Peter Frewer, praises Newbold College\u2019s longstanding contribution to the local community<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
Addressing the congregation, The Worshipful the Mayor of the Borough of Bracknell Forest, Councillor Peter Frewer, spoke warmly of the College\u2019s place within the local community, drawing on his own experience delivering post to the campus for many years. \u201cI 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
Frewer said Newbold enjoys widespread respect among local residents. \u201cI can\u2019t 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\u2019re welcomed everywhere they go. There is an unshakable bond between the College and the community.\u201d<\/p>\n
Speaking on behalf of the Borough, he concluded, \u201cWe 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
Education that shapes lives<\/h2>\nTrans-European Division President Dr Daniel Duda reflects on Adventist education as formation before introducing the keynote speaker<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
Before introducing keynote speaker Dr Erton K\u00f6hler, president of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, Trans-European Division President Dr Daniel Duda reflected on the purpose of Christian education. \u201cWe do not gather here only to applaud completed assignments, submitted dissertations, past exams and the fact that you survived deadlines,\u201d he said. \u201cWe gather here because education, at its best, is not about receiving information. It\u2019s about formation.\u201d<\/p>\n
Duda encouraged graduates to embrace lifelong learning, noting that \u201cthe best leaders never stop learning,\u201d remain “curious\u201d, \u201chumble\u201d, and \u201cteachable\u201d, adding that \u201cserious thinking can be an act of worship.\u201d He challenged graduates to see their qualifications not as an ending but \u201cas a sign of a new beginning.\u201d<\/p>\n
That emphasis echoed earlier remarks from Newbold Academic Registrar Serena Santona, who told graduates, \u201cYou were never the output of this institution. You were and are always its reason.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat is that in your hand?\u201d<\/h2>\nGeneral Conference President Dr Erton K\u00f6hler challenges graduates to use their gifts to build, serve and advance God\u2019s mission<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
Drawing from Exodus 4, K\u00f6hler centred his address on God\u2019s question to Moses: \u201cWhat is that in your hand?\u201d He reminded graduates that God works through ordinary people willing to place their gifts in His service.<\/p>\n
\u201cI believe that you have a calling in your hands,\u201d K\u00f6hler said. \u201cI believe that God placed you here, shaped you here, and now He\u2019s sending you from here.\u201d<\/p>\n
He challenged graduates in three practical ways: to use their gifts to build rather than destroy, to serve others and to advance God\u2019s mission. \u201cWe live in an age that rewards deconstruction,\u201d he observed. \u201cIt is easy to criticise\u2026 But tearing down is not wisdom. It is not even courage. Real courage is picking up the stones and building something.\u201d<\/p>\n
Turning to service, K\u00f6hler reminded graduates that \u201cyour degree is not for you alone\u201d and urged them to use their skills \u201cwhere they are most needed, not only where they are most rewarded.\u201d<\/p>\n
He concluded by encouraging graduates to remain focused on the Church\u2019s mission. \u201cGod does not need great resources. He needs available hands.\u201d<\/p>\n
Gratitude from the graduating class<\/h2>\nBA (Hons) in Biblical & Pastoral Studies graduate Alastair Boyd delivers the student response on behalf of the graduating Class of 2026<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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. \u201cBeing a Newbold student has truly been the greatest pleasure of my life,\u201d he said, recalling his arrival on campus in January 2023.<\/p>\n
He paid tribute to lecturers and staff who had consistently supported students throughout their studies. \u201cAll of the lecturers and staff are rooting for us,\u201d Boyd said. \u201cThe 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
He also thanked fellow students, families and God for their support throughout the academic journey before encouraging graduates to carry Newbold\u2019s influence into the future. \u201cRemember 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
Concluding his address, Boyd turned to his fellow graduates with a simple message: \u201cCongratulations, Class of 2026. We\u2019ve done it.\u201d<\/p>\n
The ceremony also included the presentation of Newbold\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
Graduating Class of 2026<\/h2>\nMembers of Newbold College\u2019s graduating Class of 2026 gather for a group photograph<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
The graduating class included students receiving awards from the University of Wales Trinity Saint David and Andrews University in the following programmes:<\/p>\n
Bachelor of Arts with Honours, Biblical & Pastoral Studies<\/strong> \nAlastair Boyd; Emma Georgina Fuller (First); Ricardo Gegembauer; Romain Watson.<\/p>\n
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