Charmila Ireland receives Chris Vais Community Award at Knox’s Graduand Celebration, March 17
Charmila Ireland, completing Knox College’s Master of Divinity program in May 2017, received the Chris Vais Community Award at Knox’s Graduand Celebration on Friday, March 17. Knox’s faculty, staff, and students elect each year’s recipient.
The Chris Vais Community Award is presented to a theological student in his/her graduating year who has contributed to the Knox Community in an exceptional way by having a pastoral and community building influence on the College. Rev. Thomas Vais, brother of Chris Vais, presented the award.
Knox’s Graduand Celebration is an opportunity for College faculty, staff, and students to acknowledge and congratulate graduating students. This year, 13 of the 19 graduands were able to attend the banquet, along with family and friends.
The March 17 event began with a Service of Celebration, including a message by Principal Dorcas Gordon, liturgy of anointing, and litany of blessing. The group then enjoyed a reception hosted by Principal Gordon in the Rotunda before moving to the Dining Hall for a banquet. After toasts from faculty, staff, and students, Dr. John Vissers acknowledged each graduand present.
The lighthearted event also included a Knox-specific adaptation of The Sound of Music’s “So Long, Farewell” – sung by Knox Professors John Vissers, Dorcas Gordon, Nam Soon Song, Charles Fensham, and (the lyricist) Stuart Macdonald. Macdonald also provided the evening’s official musical entertainment, performing favourites on his guitar.
Come celebrate with the graduands awarded their degrees at Knox’s 173rd Convocation on Wednesday, May 10, 2017. Find information about this year’s convocation and pre-convocation events here.
Find additional photos from the March 17 event on Knox’s Facebook page.
Photos:
1) Seaton Brachmayer anoints Julio Miranda with oil. Both intend to graduate Knox this May with Master of Divinity degrees.
2) Principal Dorcas Gordon speaks a benediction upon the group. In her sermon, “Letting God be God,” she reminded the graduands: “If we believe that the Spirit of God continues to move in the world, we must be ready for the surprising ways, the surprising people, through whom God will act.”
3) Graduands receive well-wishes following the service.
4) Rev. Thomas Vais (right) presented this year’s Chris Vais Community Award to Charmila Ireland (left).
5) Thirteen of the 19 graduands attended this year’s event on March 17.
Find additional photos from the March 18 event on Knox’s Facebook page.