Northwest Christian University ‘s 117th Commencement is Sat., May 7, 2016, at the Morse Event Center from 10 A.M. to 11:30 A.M. The graduating class of 2016 is comprised, 157 students. Bachelor’s degrees will be conferred for 88 undergraduates and 69 graduate students will receive master’s degrees. It is one of the largest graduating classes in the university’s storied history.
“NCU aims to provide students with the proficiencies and habits of a well-educated person: the ability to think critically, work collaboratively, and employ a real sense of purpose in this world,” said Joseph Womack, Ed.D., president of Northwest Christian University. “I am honored to have served this class as president and can’t wait to see the amazing things they’ll accomplish in the future.”
Professor, author, and pastor, Rev. Dr. A.J. Swoboda will be the commencement speaker. He is pastor of Theophilus, a Christian Community in Southwest Portland, whose mission is to believe, embody, and bear the Good News of Jesus in the city of Portland. He teaches theology, biblical studies, and Christian history at George Fox Evangelical and Fuller seminaries as well as several other universities and Bible colleges.
Rev. Dr. A.J. Swoboda also serves as director of operations for Blessed Earth Northwest, a think tank that creatively and strategically addresses creation care issues, known in more general terms as faith-based environmentalism. In addition, he is also the national director of the Seminary Stewardship Alliance, a consortium of Christian schools of higher education that are thinking strategically about Christian education in creation care.
A former campus pastor at the University of Oregon, his doctoral research at the University of Birmingham (U.K.) explored the never-ending relationship between the Holy Spirit and ecology. He earned a Master’s degree in Theological Studies from George Fox Evangelical Seminary and bachelor’s degrees in Pastoral Studies and Greek from New Hope Christian College.
Rev. Dr. Swoboda is a prolific writer and author. He has written many peer-reviewed articles for scholarly publications and is the author of several books, including Tongues and Trees: Toward a Pentecostal Ecological Theology and Introducing Evangelical Ecotheology.
NCU’s faculty and board of trustees will confer an Honorary Doctorate in Humanities to Mr. Anthony Wong, a renowned architect, and philanthropist living in Hong Kong,
“Anthony Wong translates faith into active engagement with the world and promotes the gospel through education and the support of indigenous Christian communities in struggling regions,” Dr. Womack said. “The way he lives his faith serves as a strong example of how to use the gifts God has given each of us to seek Faith, Wisdom, and Service in all we do at work, school, home, church, and in the broader community.”
A member of Hong Kong Baptist Church, Wong, along with business associates and Christian colleagues in Hong Kong, have worked for decades to collaborate with churches in rural China to design and build church buildings and community facilities that provide a place for local worship and ministry. He and his colleagues and associates also design, build, and provide resources for kindergarten programs, schools, and medical clinics that have drastically improved the quality of life for those living in many rural communities in Southeast China.
Wong has a deep commitment to education, as well. He has established scholarships for Chinese students from poorer, rural areas to attend University. In the United States, he has established the Anthony Wong Scholarship for Research in Sustainable Design at the University of Oregon, his alma mater.
He is a member of the Hong Kong Institute of Architects, Royal Institute of British Architects, Royal Australian Institute of Architects, and Hong Kong Institute of arbitrators.
The main NCU lot will be open for parking, permit-free, beginning at 9 A.M., and city metered parking is located throughout the University district.
About Northwest Christian University
Northwest Christian University is a liberal arts institution located in Eugene, Ore. dedicated to providing a transformational education that champions wisdom, faith, and service. Accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, the University was founded in 1895 and is affiliated with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and the Christian Churches/Churches of Christ. Northwest Christian University offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees in traditional undergraduate, adult degree and graduate program formats, as well as online programs for MBA and M.Ed. More information about the University is available at www.nwcu.edu.