BBI graduates 46; 4 staff members resign

HEPBURN, SASK.

Bethany Bible Institute celebrated its 70th graduation in April. Excitement filled the weekend. Friday night the junior and senior classes were honoured with a banquet in Bethany Place, featuring a mime written and performed by students. Faculty member Susan J. Schmidt Goerz gave a meditation to the 400 people in attendance.

Saturday afternoon three ministry teams to Alberta, British Columbia and Manitoba gave a two-hour concert for about 700 people. In the evening, about 890 people heard the Oratorio choir, which included alumni, sing "Live . . . again", a collection of southern gospel songs made popular by the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir. A full band of trumpets, percussion and strings accompanied the choir.

The weekend came to a close as the Junior and Senior classes received their diplomas and degrees Sunday afternoon in front of about 750 people. Forty-six students graduated with a diploma of Biblical Studies, 1 with a Certificate of Biblical Studies and 17 with the Bachelor of Christian Studies degree. Two students received special recognition. Alissa Wiens graduated with distinction, receiving the Governor General's Bronze Medal for the highest cumulative grade point average in the diploma program. Andrew Nesdoly graduated with honours, receiving the Pi Alpha Mu Award which admits him to the honour society of the Association of Canadian Bible Colleges.

Also leaving Bethany are Gord Nickel, Kevin Snyder, Karen Sawatzky and Orla Block. Gord Nickel, missions director, began his position with BBI in 1994. He directed the missions department and gave leadership to the student missions committee. He also was instructor for the past four years in Bible, Christian Ministry and General Education. He volunteered as editor of Bethany's magazine, The Contact. He and his wife Gwen will be doing missionary work in India for six weeks. He will be continuing studies in the fall. Kevin Snyder, dean of men and associate dean of students, was with BBI three years. He accepted the position after graduating from BBI with a Bachelor of Christian Ministries degree in 1994. Karen Sawatzky, athletics director, set an example of sportsmanship and a servant attitude, drawing many students to new sports. Orla Block, administrative assistant, was on staff for over 16 years. She served as secretary to the president and as assistant to the academic dean.

BBI release


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