The AIIAS Alumni gathering in Texas on July 4, 2015 brought together more than 200 alumni, former faculty, staff, administrators and their families.
AIIAS President Dr. Stephen Guptill remarked on how the room was filled with distinguished people and high ranking church officials.
“We are glad to see General Conference leaders and departmental leaders, university presidents, division leaders and administrators of different entities around the world,” says Dr. Guptill.
He noted that the mission of AIIAS is to prepare leaders for service and that it was evident that day how it has been accomplished.
Notable alumni of the day included the first graduate of the Seminary, Pastor P.D. Chun who said not only was he the first graduate but the lone graduate of the ‘earliest batch.’ The Adventist Theological Seminary Far East pioneer graduate and General Conference Sabbath School Director Jonathan Kuntaraf and his wife Kathleen were present as well.
Other alumni who now serve in leadership positions around the world include Alice Chen Magarang ’83, President of Taiwan Adventist College; Dr. Ricardo Gonzalez ’08, President of Chile Adventist University; Joseph S. Peranginangin ’95, President of West Indonesia Union Mission; Noldy Sakul ’79, President of East Indonesia Union Conference; Myun Ju Lee ’05, President of Bangladesh Union Mission; Francisco Gayoba, President of Adventist University of the Philippines
It is noteworthy to mention some former professors of AIIAS who have expanded their role in the world church headquarters and various institutions.
Former AIIAS Theological Seminary Dean and re-elected General Conference Executive Secretary Dr. G.T. Ng with his wife Ivy and son Mervin was among those present. Former professor and AIIAS Theological Seminary Dean Joel Musvosvi, now President of Solusi University, also joined the celebration with his wife.
Also among familiar faces were former professor of the Theological Seminary and designer of the iconic AIIAS belltower, Dr. Edwin Reynolds who now teaches at Southern Adventist University.
Former professor and present Associate Director for the Biblical Research Institute Clinton Wahlen with his wife Gina and children Daniel, Samantha, and Heather were also present. Former Graduate School Professors now Vice Chancellor for Financial Administration of Adventist University of Africa, Ronald Vyhmeister and his wife Shawna and their son Erik.
Gerald Klingbeil, the Associate Editor of Adventist Review and Adventist World; Myron Iseminger, General Conference undersecretary were among those present as well.
“It’s exciting to meet former professors and colleagues after so many years,” says Eric Alindogan ’00 who is now a pastor in Hawaii, USA.
One of the highlight of the event was Dr. Guptill’s presentation on various updates about AIIAS campus including the building projects.
Retiring Vice President of Student Services and Public Relations Paoring Ragui and his wife Puring, stood by the entrance to welcome everyone to the exciting event.
“We are very pleased to see familiar faces, former colleagues and former students,” says Dr. Ragui who has served at AIIAS for 37 years. “To see those laughing together, sharing stories and taking photos, this is unforgettable.”
AIIAS Public Relations Director, Bruce Sumendap said, “I could sense that everybody felt special to AIIAS, because they really are.”
Sumendap led out a brief quiz about AIIAS with prizes of their own choice ranging from key chains, T-Shirts and neckties.
“Thank you for organizing the Alumni gathering, we had a wonderful time,” said alumni George and Diana Razmerita from Romania who are now professors at Chile Adventist University as they leave the ballroom. This was a sentiment that was repeated over and over again as people bid goodbye.
The AIIAS Gathering is organized to coincide the General Conference session held every 5 years.
Check AIIAS Flickr for more photos.
By: Mac Carlos
AIIAS Public Relations
