Campus Currents

Dybdahl Graduates the Class of 2005

Commencement belongs to graduates. And their grateful families. And their excited friends. But this year, commencement also belonged to Walla Walla College President Jon Dybdahl.

Last year Dybdahl missed commencement ceremonies because he was in the middle of cancer treatments. He returned to his post full-time last September, cancer-free. Presiding over the ceremonies this June with great delight, Dybdahl praised the graduating class of 2005 for their spirit of service and academic achievements, but with a tinge of sadness, commented, “As a proud parent, I can say we’re going to be sorry to see you go.”

Before presenting the 340 graduates with their diplomas, the college’s 22nd president bestowed an honorary doctor of letters degree on Charles Bradford, former president of the North American Division of Seventh-day Adventists.

Charles Sandefur, president of Adventist Development and Relief Agency, delivered the commencement address entitled “Circling the Public Square.” Bringing greetings from the poor of the world, Sandefur urged the graduates to think of themselves as pilgrims on a mission to make a difference in the world.  W

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