The Seattle School of Theology & Psychology is preparing for our 25th annual commencement on Saturday, June 24, 2023, at Town Hall in Seattle. We are thrilled to celebrate our largest graduating class ever: 92 new graduates will join our thriving network of alumni who are pursuing innovative and life-changing work in their vocations as therapists, pastors, leaders, and artists. Commencement is a foundational part of The Seattle School’s annual rhythm, full of ritual, symbolism, beauty, and depth to help mark the meaningful, transformational work to which these students have committed themselves as we welcome them into the next phase of their journey.
“This year marks our 25 year anniversary, and we’ve been looking back from where we’ve come and also looking ahead to imagine where we want to go. So Commencement 2023 has additional significance for marking not only the struggles and persistence of our graduates but also the resilience of our mission along with God’s grace and care throughout the journey of The Seattle School,” noted Dr. J. Derek McNeil, President and Provost of The Seattle School.
This year’s ceremony will feature student speakers from across the three degree programs: Mace Mooney (MA in Counseling Psychology), Philip Hayes (MA in Theology & Culture), and Sonja Lund (Master of Divinity). The program will also feature a vocal performance from Lucia Wang (MA in Counseling Psychology) and music from Puget Brass. During the ceremony, the community will take time to recognize, honor, and thank Dr. Chelle Stearns and Dr. Kj Swanson who are transitioning from their roles at The Seattle School. Dr. Stearns has served on core faculty as Associate Professor of Theology, and Dr. Swanson has served as affiliate faculty and Common Curriculum Coordinator.
This is sure to be a holy, memorable occasion—full of the solemnity of any significant ending, the relief of completing an epic journey, and the hope-filled determination of knowing that our graduates’ stories of learning and transformation will not end in the classroom, but will draw them deeper and deeper into the movement of healing in the communities around them. As we continue to celebrate 25 years, we are more grateful than ever for the ongoing transformational work of our alumni in the world, and we hope you will join us as we welcome our 2023 graduates into this calling and community.
Due to space limitations, only graduating students and their invited guests with tickets may attend the celebration. While we are unable to invite our wider community to join us in person, please join us live via our YouTube channel. Find more details on our event calendar.