On May 5, Providence Christian College held its 4th Commencement Exercises on campus in Franson Hall. Dr. Esther Meek of Geneva College delivered an address titled “It’s a Wonder-Full Life.” She encouraged the students to cultivate a sense of wonder and to be present before God as they live and understand his grace.

Nine students received their diplomas and enjoyed quintessential California at the outdoor reception afterward. Graduate Ben Lensch, of Fife, Wash., summed up the students’ appreciation for their education in a charge he gave to his classmates. Parents from Chicago, Michigan, northern California, and British Columbia were in attendance, as well as staff, faculty, and friends from the community. The Providence chorale sang a rendition of “It is Well with My Soul.”

As the ceremony closed, Chairman of the Board Pete Nanninga honored Drs. Halvorson and Kortenhoeven for their years of service to the community. Both men will be leaving over the summer to assume new posts at Covenant College and Denver Christian School respectively. Nanninga presented each of them with tiny orange clogs to remind them of their time at Providence. Overall, the ceremony was a moving and fitting end to the school year.

Dr. Meek’s part at commencement was special to the graduates, as her book Longing to Know was part of their core reading at Providence. Her area of expertise is epistemology and she wrote her dissertation on the work of philosopher Michael Polanyi.

Other end-of-the-year festivities included the Senior Celebration the night before. Dr. Kortenhoeven spoke to the students and Dr. Russ Reeves recognized students who graduated with honors. Sara Heitmann of Penryn, California graduated summa cum laude. Jack Hoekstra presented Dr. Halvorson with an honorary Sea Beggars soccer jersey. To conclude, the parents gathered around the seniors to pray for them, a Providence tradition.

Please visit the Providence Flickr website to view more photographs from the weekend festivities.