On September 27, 2020, we gathered online to celebrate The Seattle School’s 22nd commencement ceremony. Though later than anticipated due to the global pandemic and unlike any ceremony we’ve hosted in previous years, it was nonetheless a joy-filled occasion as we commemorated the graduating students in our Master of Divinity, MA in Theology & Culture, and MA in Counseling Psychology programs. Here we share the keynote address delivered by Dr. Howard Stevenson as he commends the Class of 2020 for their tenacity and hard work in the face of many challenges, and charges them with four, particular things the world needs from them as they move into the roles of pastor, therapist, leader, and so much more.
“If each of us can change something in the lives of others simply by how we walk with them, talk to them, or breathe on each other, what then is the meaning of this for you? How will you walk? How will you talk? How will you breathe in the middle of this viral pandemic and racial tsunami?”
“We need you to bring who you are – bring your story – to change our classroom, our dialogue, our blindnesses our fears, our courage, in just directions, to eradicate the hate.”