Baccalaureate | May 8, 2025
As faculty-staff member Peter Wright played the first strains of “Our Great Savior,” the procession of graduate candidates began streaming into the auditorium for MBU’s 56th Baccalaureate service. The thoughtfully-selected melody naturally evoked mental recitation of its well-known lyrics which exalt Jesus, not only as a “Friend for sinners,” but as “a Strength in weakness … a Help in sorrow … a Guide and Keeper!”—One who promises to accompany us “to the end.”
Dr. Doug Bachorik led the congregation in singing “How Firm a Foundation,” its text reinforcing the message of God’s immutable faithfulness, disallowing tomorrow’s “dismay,” for He will “strengthen,” “help,” and uphold with His inexhaustible, all-sufficient grace.
As the music faded, President Dr. David Anderson offered the invocation, thanking the Lord for His work in the lives of the graduates and the university. He prayed that hearts and attention of all who had assembled would be on Him in gratitude. Furthermore, he prayed that the investment made in graduates would not be in vain, that they would, indeed, go on the honor Him.
The Heritage Singers transfixed the audience with a stirring rendition of “It Is Well,” reiterating the message—whether in peace or in sorrow or buffeted through trials, our souls can possess a “blessed assurance” that all is well through our praiseworthy Lord.
CEO Dr. Matthew Davis welcomed all who had gathered—parents, grandparents, spouses. He specifically acknowledged pastors, asking them to stand, thanking them for their influence on graduates. He mentioned the school mission statement, affirming that it is core to what we as a school do, and he thanked the faculty for their role in preparing students to carry out the mission. He, likewise, thanked members of administration. Last, he expressed appreciation for the service rendered by the Board of Trustee, specifically naming those who were present, leading in applause.
Transitioning, Dr. Davis announced the Commencement Offering and this year’s goal of raising $10,000 to purchase furniture for dormitory common areas. Graduating accounting major Joseph Rincon delighted listeners with a rousing piano offertory, playing “Onward, Christian Soldiers.”
Dr. Thomas Graham, Vice President for Academic Affairs, rose to announce awards in recognition of outstanding excellence. A program coordinator, dean, or chair of each college, school, and department explained the thrust of their given program and summoned honorees to the platform for presentation of these awards:
- Outstanding MBBI Student—Vladimir Savchenko
- Outstanding Bible Student—Andrew Wright, Kara Nelson
- Outstanding Science Student—Chelsea Graham
- Outstanding Humanities Student—Alyssa Uksas
- Outstanding Interdisciplinary Studies Student—Anthony Bradshaw
- Outstanding Musician Award—Alissa Foerster
- School of Business Student Achievement Award—Hannah Shore
- Outstanding Future Teacher—Sarah Weiss
- Florence Nightingale Best Bedside Nurse (presented at Nurses Pinning)—Abby Gilliam
- Online and Distance Learning Outstanding Student Award—Kathryn Schmidt
- Outstanding Seminary Student in Theology—Jeremy Fopma
- Outstanding Seminary Student in Biblical Languages—Justin Noethlich
Assistant Dean and faculty member Dr. David Saxon read the appointed Scripture, Luke 17:5-10, a passage in which the Lord refers to a mere seed to depict the truth that it is not the magnitude of our faith, but rather the Object of our faith that is key. Then He illustrates a servant commanded to serve his master first, something we, as servants, should also do, not expecting commendation for doing what is expected, but conversely acknowledging our unworthiness even to serve Him.
In rich, vibrant tones of her violin, graduating music major Charis Dwire enveloped the audience with Ron Hamilton’s dedicatory song “Here Am I Lord, Send Me.”
Dr. Anderson prefaced the Baccalaureate sermon by introducing the speaker, Board Member Emeritus and Pastor of Community Baptist Church, Saginaw, Michigan, Dr. Douglas Jackson, outlining his extended relationship to Maranatha and introducing his family. As he has often done, Dr. Jackson began by giving money to random graduates. He reminisced briefly, telling graduates that 53 years ago he was sitting in their place as one of the first four-year graduates of Maranatha. He mentioned serving in churches in Michigan and Pennsylvania before returning to Michigan where he has pastored ever since.
Redirecting focus, Dr. Jackson gave his text—Philippians 4:13—“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” He asked why Paul could say, “I can” when he was in Nero’s prison. Then he proceeded to answer the question by outlining three key reasons:
- First, because of his position in Christ
- Second, because of the power of Christ
- Third, because of the prize
“It’s imperative,” he stressed “that we say, ‘I can.’” In God’s strength, as the text declares, we can do “all things” by divine enablement.
Dr. Bachorik returned to the podium to lead the recessional. Elated graduates filed forth to the strains of the Chris Anderson’s missional song “For the Sake of His Name.” As if in one final admonition to departing graduates on the verge of new ventures, the lyrics implored, “In Jesus’ power, preach Christ to the lost” and do it “for Jesus’ glory” counting “all else but loss.”
In benediction, Chancellor Dr. Martin Marriott besought the Lord for all Maranatha graduates to be fervent soulwinners, to have hearts attuned, to have His power, to be fearless defenders of the faith, fruitful in ministry, and stationed strategically to be used mightily.