Messiah College celebrates Commencement with 700 graduates
On May 18, 49 graduate students and 651 undergraduate students received their degrees during Messiah College’s 104th Commencement. Graduates were greeted at Shoemaker Field by the community of educators and thousands of cheering family members and friends. The total Commencement crowd was estimated at 6,000.
“This is a glorious moment,” said President Kim S. Phipps. “Years of diligent work have led to this milestone; you have reason to celebrate your significant accomplishment. As graduates of Messiah College may you continue to fulfill God’s calling in your lives as you represent the ideals and aspirations of the College’s Christian educational mission.”
Artist Makoto Fujimura delivered the Commencement address, challenging the graduates to move towards beauty, to not let world wars, civil wars and selfishness separate them from God. Fujimura talked about the the beauty of sacrifice and the need in our world for people who will pursue beauty, just as Jesus did, regardless of the sacrifice.
Two educators received the Dr. Robert and Marilyn Smith Award for Outstanding Teaching: Professor John Harms, assistant professor of biology, and George Pickens, professor of theology and mission. 
Student Pamela Kirkpatrick, a 4.0 mathematics with secondary certification major and servant leader, was awarded the Donald and Anna Zook Alumni Merit Award, which was presented by Amanda Lavis `05, chair of the Alumni Council.
Matthew Fenton `13, senior class president, announced that the senior class had raised $4,560 to enhance outdoor spaces on campus, including adding more picnic tables and chairs.
Now 700 more graduates are added to the Messiah College alumni rolls and are fulfilling the mission to lead lives of service, leadership and reconciliation in church and society.
View a photo gallery of Commencement photos.
View a Facebook photo gallery of Commencement photos.
View a photo gallery of Commencement photos from the Harrisburg Patriot-News.
