Back Together Again

06-01-2022

After taking a two-year hiatus to comply with the restrictions caused by a global pandemic, McCormick welcomed the opportunity to hold its 188th commencement service in-person and online.

“If there is one thing the COVID season has taught us,” says President David Crawford, “it’s that we need each other and we need community.” And so, after taking a two-year hiatus to comply with the restrictions caused by a global pandemic, McCormick welcomed the opportunity to hold its 188th commencement service in-person and online.

This year’s celebration was held Saturday, May 7. The commencement festivities began with a reception at the seminary that included live music, plenty of food, and the joy that comes from reuniting with family and friends after a prolonged season apart.

The McCormick community then made its way to Hyde Park Union Church to hear Rev. Dr. Nicholas Pearce send off the new graduates with a charge to make the gospel paramount in their ministries. “There will be a lot of causes you can get behind,” says Rev. Pearce, “but none greater than sharing the gospel of Christ.” And, today, he points out, “the gospel is preached through our words, our deeds, our giving, and our social media posts.”

The afternoon heard an original composition, “God of All,” written by Robert Lewis, a Black Church Studies Certificate recipient. Its music was composed by Dove Award winner Percy Bady. Rev. Dr. Joann Lindstrom, who will be retiring at the end of this academic year, offered the Prayer for the People.

In attendance and honored at this year’s Commencement were graduates from the classes of 2021 and 2020 who did not have the opportunity to participate in an in-person acknowledgment of their achievements. The brisk but sunny day concluded with graduates, along with their families and friends, gathered within the church and on its sidewalks for photos, hugs, and well wishes.

View photos and videos from this year’s commencement here.