Mid-America Christian University celebrated the achievements of 360 graduates as they received their degrees during the University’s 2023 Commencement on May 6 at the Oklahoma City Convention Center.
During the ceremony, President Rev. Phil Greenwald and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Sharon Lease conferred 24 candidates for associate degrees, 191 candidates for bachelor’s degrees and 145 candidates for graduate degrees.
Peter Greer, President and CEO of HOPE International, delivered the keynote address. In his speech, Greer encouraged graduates to remember one thing: “Your motivation matters.”
“I believe the greatest danger as we go and launch is we forget what our story is all about,” said Greer. “Self absorption in all its forms is toxic. When we are at the center of our story, our story is too small.”
Greer said when a person centers themselves around God instead of themselves, three things happen: they love without conditionality, they begin to truly listen and they learn to respond with true compassion.
“Grads, that’s what I invite you into: live your life without yourself at the center,” Greer said in closing. “Live your life as part of a bigger and better story–to live and to serve for God’s glory. My prayer for you is that you enter a world full of adventurous, sacrificial life. Today, I hope you celebrate, and then tomorrow, when you wake up, I hope you dream bigger, I hope you do greater and I hope you do it all for the glory of God.”
During the ceremony, an honorary Doctor of Divinity was also given to Vice President for University Advancement Rev. Steve Seaton, who is retiring from MACU after nearly two decades of service.
Greenwald expressed pride in the graduating Class of 2023, whose graduating year coincides with the University’s seventieth anniversary.
“The women and men who graduate from this University are the culmination of our 70-year mission to impact the world for God’s glory,” said Greenwald. “I am so excited to see where the Lord leads our graduates in this exciting new chapter in their lives.”