Northwest Christian University will graduate the largest class in its history when the Board of Trustees confer degrees for 174 graduates (76 graduate degrees and 98 undergraduate degrees) during the University’s 118th commencement ceremony on Sat., May 6, 2017, at 10 A.M. in the Morse Event Center located at the corner of West 11th Avenue and Alder Street.
“NCU provides a Christ-centered education based on a solid foundation built on wisdom, faith, and service,” said Joseph D. Womack, Ed.D. “The 2017 spring graduating class is prepared to move forward in their chosen professions as leaders and innovators who will not just speak the truth, but act on it.”
Pastor Joe Wittwer ’73, pastor of Life Center in Spokane, Washington, will be the commencement speaker. Beginning his career in Eugene, Oregon, as a youth pastor at Westside Church of Christ and then Faith Center, Pastor Wittwer has served as the Lead Pastor at Life Center in Spokane since 1978. During his tenure, Life Center grew from about 40 members to today serving an average of 3,800 people each Sunday. The congregation has been active sharing the Gospel in the Spokane area having planted or supported the planting of 17 new churches. Graduation weekend marks the 39th anniversary of his appointment to serve the Life Center community.
Wittwer has served as the Divisional Superintendent and District Supervisor of Foursquare Churches in his region.
A Sweet Home, Oregon native, he was the class valedictorian when he graduated from Northwest Christian College (now Northwest Christian University) with a bachelor’s degree in theology. Wittwer later earned a master’s degree in theology from Whitworth University in Spokane.
For his many years of exemplary leadership and service, Wittwer will receive an Honorary Doctorate in Humanities from Northwest Christian University’s Board of Trustees.
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.