One hundred and seven candidates from the Adventist International Institute of Advanced Studies (AIIAS) celebrated the conferral of their degrees during the 107th graduation ceremonies, which took place May 26 to 28, 2023. Family members and friends of the Class of 2023 gathered in the Siew Huy Auditorium supported the candidates as they achieved their long-awaited educational milestones.
The graduands represented 17 nationalities from eight divisions of the Seventh-day Adventist world church, including Ukraine and China Union Mission territories. Seventy-five members of the class came from the theological seminary, while 32 came from the graduate school.
CONSECRATION: Demonstrating Liquid Leadership Through Challenging Times
The graduation weekend commenced on Friday, May 26, with Dr. Dioi and Silvia Cruz, the sponsors of the graduating class, delivering the consecration message. The Cruzes introduced the importance of adopting liquid-like leadership qualities in a time of rapid change and increasing challenge. They encouraged the class to be adaptable, to flow, and to remain flexible amidst uncertainty, and to emulate the character of Jesus Christ.
“We are to be liquid because our world is liquid, changing all the time, but that water needs to be the essence of our character, our values, our beliefs, and the biblical principles we learned in our alma mater, AIIAS,” said the couple.
The couple highlighted the symbolic meanings to the class’s chosen colors: gold, blue, and red. Using visual representations of pigments mixed with water in glass jars, they explained that each color signified an important aspect of each graduate’s transformation during their journey. Gold represents spiritual endurance and triumph amidst challenges. Blue represented stability, perseverance, and wisdom gained from their time at AIIAS, and red symbolizes Christ’s sacrifice, redemption, and forgiveness.
Cruz quoted Ellen G. White from her book Education p. 110, emphasizing that trials and obstacles are the Lord’s chosen methods of discipline, which eventually lead to the training of better-qualified workers for Him. The couple reminded the listeners that trials and tribulations are stumbling blocks turned into stepping stones for growth and success, transforming lives in a rapidly changing environment.
“God has equipped you with necessary tools to overcome any challenge that comes your way. When darkness surrounds you, when you fear trials, when you are afraid to take a step, remember that you are not alone,” said the Cruzes. “Like the water in these vessels, God is with you, and His power is with you. May you always remember that in Jesus Christ, you are triumphant and stronger amidst tribulations.”
BACCALAUREATE: The Call to Mission
On Sabbath, May 27, guest speaker Dr. Hector G. Gayares, CEO of Scheer Memorial Adventist Hospital in Banepa, Nepal, based his message on Revelation 14:6-7. These verses articulate the mission of preaching the gospel to all who dwell on the earth, to every nation, tribe, and tongue.
Gayares challenged the class to go and make disciples under God’s authority. “When you go towards the mission, it is not your work. We have nothing to worry about when we think that we are ineffective. All we have to do is go and make disciples because we are going under His authority, and His presence will always be with us.”
Gayares also referred to Stephen Covey’s book “Seven Habits of Highly Effective People,” in which Covey emphasizes making decisions based on principles rather than family, financial stability, career growth, excitement, and adventure. Gayares proposes that one’s life decisions must be based on God’s desire for one’s future.
He ends his address by urging the graduates to place God at the front and center of their lives. “When you put God in front, and when you put your worship clear before you, He will provide,” said Gayares. “True worship is the only safeguard for us in this life. [It is] the only power that will make you triumphant and come out stronger among tribulations.”
COMMENCEMENT: Taking Up The Challenge For Service
The commencement ceremony on Sunday, May 28 featured Dr. G.T. Ng, retired executive secretary of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. He based his message on Matthew 24, in which Jesus’s disciples ask about the signs of the end of the world–and He responds with a list including things that start with sorrow as the beginning of birth pains before the Second Coming jubilation.
Ng urged the class to endure challenges as “birth pains,” as these lead to the birth of good news. “The birthing pains of growth will allow something great to come out of challenges as long as one perseveres.” He added, “The end is coming; the good news is coming!”
Reflecting on the class theme, “Triumphant: Stronger amidst Tribulation”, Ng stressed that, “We are not defined by the profession, but we are defined by the mission. Therefore, mission should be the basis of our performance as workers for Christ.”
Ng highlighted the story of Desmond Doss, an Adventist US Army Corporal who faithfully adhered to his convictions, refusing to carry a firearm into combat, yet courageously saving 75 fellow soldiers during the Battle of Okinawa.
“As you begin your missionary journey in your post of duty, or wherever you are called to serve, remember [to cry out similar to Doss’s prayer] ‘Lord, give me one more soul’ among whoever you are called to serve, so that the kingdom of God may be built up, so that Jesus may come,” said Ng. “Wherever you go, you are to be the angel of the place where God has called you to be.”
IMPROVING AIIAS VISIBILITY
During the commencement ceremony, the class presented their gift of a lighted road signpost erected along Aguinaldo Highway. The sign is meant to guide travelers and passersby more readily to AIIAS’s location.
“I see this road sign as a monument that reminds us of some important events, [with] this representing your achievements, resilience, and victory over difficulties,” said Dr. Jorge Montero, vice president for finance, as he received the class gift.
The graduates now join the esteemed network of AIIAS alumni, known for their leadership around the globe. AIIAS trusts that they willapply their experience and education at their alma mater to have a meaningful impact in their respective fields. With God and His mission at the forefront of their endeavors, these graduates are poised to contribute substantively to the Lord’s work.
AIIAS develops leaders through distinctively Seventh-day Adventist graduate education programs, allowing them to excel in spirituality, scholarship, and service.
