On September 24, 2022, the Tyndale community gathered, in person and online, to celebrate Homecoming and the start of another academic year. Alumni from the classes of 1950 through 2022 gathered to worship in the Tyndale chapel and watched the Livestream, actively engaging in the chatroom.
View a homecoming photo gallery
Kevin Kirk, SVP, External Relations, began the service by warmly welcoming the attendees, remarking on the joy of gathering as a Tyndale community shaped by an incredible faculty.
Members of the Tyndale Band and Tyndale Singers, led by Dr. Melissa Davis, and the congregation participated in rousing worship and singing that filled the chapel with praise.
Next, Dr. Marjory Kerr, Tyndale’s President and Vice Chancellor, expressed her gratitude for 128 years of continuous Christian higher education “through different names, configurations and locations.”
"Whether you are celebrating 50 years or more or whether it's your first year as an alumnus, we know that you, our graduates, serve faithfully all over the world and have done for so many years in your vocations, ministries, professions, and communities,” said Dr. Kerr. “Thank you for your faithful witness and service in influencing people for Christ where God has placed you… Our prayer is that your lives and witness will continue to be blessed and, in turn, continue to bless others for Jesus' sake."
Tyndale’s newest alumni, 312 graduates from the class of 2022, were encouraged to connect with alumni from earlier years to seek their wisdom and hear stories of God’s faithfulness.
As the service continued, Dr. Kerr reminded everyone of Tyndale University’s mission statement:
“Tyndale is dedicated to the pursuit of truth, to excellence in teaching, learning and research, for the enriching of mind, heart and character, to serve the church and the world for the glory of God.”
— Dr. Marjory Kerr, Tyndale’s President and Vice Chancellor
“Everything we do must link to our mission because that is the reason we are here and this is what we seek to accomplish,” said Dr. Kerr.
The Rev. Mabel Adeline "Addie" Aylestock was introduced as Tyndale’s first-ever Distinguished Service Award recipient. Mr. Kirk then recognized the class of 1972 – that it has been 50 years since their graduation from Ontario Bible College; they each received a certificate acknowledging this milestone.
The ceremony concluded with more worship and a closing prayer. After the service, attendees were invited to connect with each other at class reunions for a time of refreshment in person and on Zoom.
Here are some comments from the chatroom:
"Would have liked to be there in person, but there is a wonderful sense of the Spirit of Jesus Christ just the same. Bless you all." - Paul McLorinan from King, Ontario
"I really appreciate the worship team and all who participated in the service. Thank you." Lois Barron, class of 1966.
Later in the day, the 2022 Distinguished Alumni were honoured in a special celebration service. The award honours graduates who have gone on to become Christian leaders of influence, whose lives are marked by intellectual maturity, spiritual vigor and moral integrity and whose witness faithfully engages the culture with the Gospel.
This year’s Distinguished Alumni are:
- Conor Wilson Sweetman (BA 2017) : Distinguished Alumnus: Horizon Award (Undergraduate Studies)
- Lorie Hartshorn (MTS 2020) : Distinguished Alumnus: Horizon Award (Seminary & Graduate Studies)
- Shawn James (BRE 2004) : Distinguished Alumnus: Community Impact:
- Reverend Benjamin Porter (MDiv 2009): Distinguished Alumnus: National Impact
- Pastor Albert Y.C. Wai (MTS 2001): Distinguished Alumnus: Global Impact
- Lesley Kayser (BRE 1970): Distinguished Alumnus: Lifetime Impact
Thanks to all alumni who joined in person and online. What a wonderful day of celebration and encouragement! Miss the event? Watch Homecoming 2022
Homecoming Image Gallery
