Chancellor Installed at Graduation Chapel
Toronto--Graduating students in black gowns processed into the chapel for their final time in worship with the Tyndale community. Held in the chapel at the Bayview campus, the April 10th service was a time of celebrating accomplishments, blessing new ventures, and installing Dr. Stephanie Ling as Chancellor.
Dr. Gary Nelson, President of Tyndale, extended a welcome to the “most multicultural seminary in Canada”, with students who speak 45 languages and are part of 50 Christian denominations. The Class of 2012, which includes more than 200 students from the university college and the seminary, has the distinction of including the first graduates of the D.Min. program. This doctoral program, begun more than 3 years ago by Dr. Paul Bramer and Dr. Mark Chapman, provides students with research and leadership skills for Church and organizational ministry.
In welcoming Dr. Ling as Chancellor, Dr. Nelson recalled the years-long search for a new chancellor, as Tyndale wanted someone, “Who had a unique community engagement [and a] deep and vibrant Christian faith”, he continued, “The board of governors believe they have found this unique combination in Dr. Ling”.
As the 7th Chancellor, Dr. Ling will confer all degrees, assist the president in the advancement of the University College and Seminary and serve as an ambassador for Tyndale. After affirming her commitment to serve faithfully as Chancellor, Dr. Ling received the Chancellor’s Medal from Dr. Nelson.
Having worked widely within the Toronto education system as Chair of the Board of Governors for Knox College at the University of Toronto, a member of Senate at York University, and serving on the Board of TST (Toronto Schools of Theology), Dr. Ling has accumulated vast knowledge and experience. Dr. Ling notes, “With its history of over a hundred years, the community has come to have a deep respect for Tyndale’s mission, its journey of faith, and its vision of what it hopes to achieve in moving God’s Kingdom forward in the coming years. It has become a landmark of faithfulness and astute perseverance.”
As Dr. Ling takes up the Office of Chancellor and the Class of 2012 embarks on a new chapter beyond Tyndale, the words of the processional seem apt, “Lead me all my journey through…Be thou still my strength and shield”.