The Adventist International Institute of Advanced Studies (AIIAS) held their 100th graduation ceremony from March 4 to 6, 2016. The motto of the AIIAS graduating class of 2016 is “Exalt Christ, Excel in Service.”
“We are proud of this milestone in AIIAS history,” said Dr. Stephen Guptill, AIIAS president, during his welcome remarks at the graduation ceremony. “We are happy you have come to celebrate this academic achievement of our graduates.”
The graduating class consisted of 141 candidates from 30 countries and 11 of the 13 world divisions of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Four (4) candidates earned graduate certificates, 124 candidates earned master’s degrees, and 13 candidates earned doctorate degrees.
Speakers over the graduation weekend included Dr. Bienvenido Mergal, chair of the applied theology department at AIIAS Theological Seminary; Dr. Ella Simmons, chair of the AIIAS Board of Trustees and vice president of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists; and Dr. Juan Prestol-Puesan, treasurer of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. It was an honor and privilege for two leaders of the world church spoke for the 100th graduation ceremony.
“Learn, learn, learn. The day you stop learning is the day you stop living,” challenged Dr. Juan Prestol-Puesan, treasurer of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, in his commencement speech. He also described good leaders and encouraged the graduating class of 2016 to never become anything less than a great leader.
“This morning I stand to salute you for what you have done by God’s grace, but more so what you will shall do by God’s grace when you leave here,” said Dr. Ella Simmons, chair of the AIIAS Board of Trustees and vice president of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, during the baccalaureate service. Her message focused on the service aspect of the class’ motto and she challenged each individual to serve God with a sincere heart. She charged the graduates to “do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with thy God,” as stated in Micah 6:8.
The entire graduation ceremony was live streamed for alumni and friends around the world to join the event.
AIIAS is a graduate school that offers masters and doctorate degrees in four main areas: business, education, public health, and religion. It is run by the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. Our mission is to develop leaders through distinctively Seventh-day Adventist graduate education, excelling in spirituality, research, instruction, and service to the church and society.
AIIAS alumni serve as leaders in all six inhabitable continents and all 13 world divisions of the Seventh-day Adventist church within the Adventist church and in the public and private sectors.
By: Bruce Sumendap
AIIAS Public Relations Director
Flag bearers preparing to enter the auditorium.
Each graduate’s country flag was carried in to the auditorium.
Graduates preparing to march down the aisle.
Dr. Stephen Guptill, AIIAS president, welcoming everyone to the commencement program.
Dr. Ella Simmons, Chair of the AIIAS Board of Trustees and vice president of the General
Conference of Seventh-day Adventists
Conference of Seventh-day Adventists
Dr. Juan Prestol-Puesan, treasurer of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists
The AIIAS graduating class of 2016
Randolph Ramos, an AIIAS Online graduate, with his wife after graduation.
