Search
Visit
Apply
Apply
Visit

Congratulations to the Class of 2021

On the seventh day of May, 2021, the University of Valley Forge (UVF) held its 82nd annual Commencement ceremony and conferred degrees on the class of 2021. The 82nd Commencement ceremony of the University of Valley Forge began at 1 p.m. on the front lawn of Greenlane Commons. The service was also live-streamed on the university’s website via YouTube and social media for those who were not present. Dr. Douglas, vice president of academic affairs, welcomed everyone to the ceremony and introduced Abigail Kauffman Lawrence ’21 who led the audience in congregational singing of three hymns followed by the alma mater which was sung by the graduating members of the University Concert Choir.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, UVF did not hold a separate morning baccalaureate service inside the Flower Chapel, but instead combined the elements of the usual baccalaureate service with the commencement ceremony. The baccalaureate speakers who shared on the themes of past, present, and future were Professor Melanie Weaver, chair of the Arts and Science department, and graduates Samantha David ’21 and Abigail Kauffman Lawrence ’21. Using the verses of Ephesians 2:4-10, the three speakers focused on God’s grace. Weaver eloquently summarized, “As we consider the past, one word comes to mind: history. We all have a history… Ephesians 2:8 contains a reminder that you have been saved. Saved from circumstance, situation, problem, or predicament, but most definitely from your sin. God has saved you from the pandemic of your past… Your story begins from the vantage point of redemptive history. Your past, your history [has] been transformed into His Story, written by his mercy and grace.”

David continued with the theme of God’s grace in the present. “As previously read, Paul asserts in verses 6-8 [that] ‘God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God…’ In this, Paul does not say that his grace was a gift, or one day will be a gift, he asserts that it is presently a gift of God through Christ Jesus that we have been saved through faith. This is not a salvation we wait to receive, rather it is one we have the opportunity to walk in each day.” Lawrence gave a poignant testimony to God’s grace in her own life and how she continually released “insecurities to the Lord so that his grace can cover my inadequacy.” She continued, “We can depend on God’s grace to give us strength in difficult moments when we are honoring him with our lives. Let us be encouraged today to step out into this world in confidence, knowing that ‘we are his workmanship created in Christ Jesus to do good works which God prepared beforehand which we should walk in.’ Always remember that his grace is sufficient for every moment that we may encounter in the future.”

After their messages, University President David J. Kim introduced Reverend Wanda Carter ’81 as the commencement speaker. Rev. Carter is an ordained Assemblies of God minister, retired AG U.S. Missions chaplain, church planter and pastor. She earned a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Valley Forge and a Master of Divinity degree from the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary. She was the author of an amendment to designate racism as a sin in an historic AG resolution at the 1989 General Council. In 2016, she received the Distinguished Alumni Service Award from UVF and the the Alumni Association.

Carter congratulated the class of 2021 on their accomplishments despite the obstacles that faced them during the COVID-19 pandemic. She shared a touching message of God’s redemptive grace and plans for each individual. “You are in the beginning of a new part of living your life. Too many of us humans are not living the life we were created to live. If you live the life of significance each of you could and should be living, it would transform you and the world around us.” She inspired the graduates and family members in attendance to evaluate how to live lives worthy of the calling each has received from the Lord. “God will tell you to do things that will scare you, but do it anyway!” she exhorted. “If it’s His plan and purpose, there is no weapon formed against you that can prosper.”

After Carter’s message, Douglas and Kim presented each graduate with their respective graduate or undergraduate degree. These graduates have now joined the mission of thousands of other University of Valley Forge alumni to live a life of service and leadership in the church and in the world.

To watch the Commencement ceremony, click here.
For more information on the University, visit https://valleyforge.edu

In a warmly lit banquet hall, the President's Banquet unfolds at round tables. The Presidents Banquet screen glows as guests chat.

President’s Banquet Raises Over $500,000

A Wonderful Evening at the 4th Annual President’s Banquet On February 21st, 2025 staff members,

READ MORE

Three smiling people in business attire pose by escalators for the NCAA Convention; a registration sign is visible nearby.

2025 NCAA Convention

The 2025 NCAA Convention took place from January 14th through January 17th in Nashville, Tennesse.

READ MORE

Four students from Right College sit on a low wall outdoors, smiling and laughing with a laptop. A building adds to the relaxed vibe.

Finding the Right College for You

Here at the University of Valley Forge (UVF), we are committed to helping every student

READ MORE

Seal of the University of Valley Forge: shield with cross, text UNIVERSITY OF VALLEY FORGE at top, 1939 at bottom.
1401 Charlestown Road Phoenixville PA 19460
800.432.8322 | 610.935.0450
Instagram Facebook Youtube Tiktok Linkedin

© 2025 University of Valley Forge

Connect with us!

Check Us Out!

Check us out!

Admissions FAQs

Yes, most colleges and universities accept homeschool transcripts. You’ll need to create a transcript that lists all courses taken, grades earned, and a brief description of each subject. Many colleges may ask for additional documentation to verify the curriculum or learning outcomes. 

A homeschool transcript should include the following:   

  • Student’s name and contact information   
  • A list of courses by grade level (9th-12th)   
  • The grades and credits earned for each course   
  • GPA  

You can use online tools or templates to help structure your transcript.

Transcript Template (Right-click and “Save Link As” to download)

No, colleges understand that homeschool students may follow a non-traditional curriculum. You are not required to use a specific homeschooling program, but the courses should be rigorous and meet the academic standards of the college. 

UVF is test-optional, . It’s best to check each college’s specific testing policy. If you submit them, we will use those test scores for placement into math and English courses.  If you don’t submit test scores, we have placement tests that we designed that you will take instead. 

Homeschool students are encouraged to get involved in extracurricular activities (sports, clubs, volunteering, internships, etc.). For letters of recommendation, you can ask mentors, tutors, employers, or community leaders who are familiar with your work and character. We understand that your experiences may look different from those of traditional students. 

Homeschool students typically don’t have a GPA or class rank based on a standardized grading system. You may be asked to provide your grading scale (e.g., A = 90-100, B = 80-89, etc.) and explain how you evaluate coursework. . 

If your grading was pass/fail, a work sample does help us evaluate the rigor of your coursework. 

Yes, homeschooled students are eligible for the same federal and state financial aid (e.g., FAFSA) as other students. You are also eligible for institutional scholarships. 

You may be asked to provide documentation showing that your homeschooling complies with the laws of your state (e.g., notice of intent to homeschool, records of testing or assessments). We are familiar with most states’ homeschool laws. 

Yes, you can still apply as a homeschooled student if you were homeschooled for any portion of high school. You’ll need to explain the structure of your education and provide transcripts for both your public/private school and homeschool years, if applicable. 

A GED is not required if you have completed your high school education through homeschooling, provided you can submit a detailed transcript and meet the other application requirements. However, if you took the GED, you may submit those scores as part of your application if they are beneficial. 

We value the self-motivation and discipline that often come with homeschooling.  Our homeschooled students typically excel in academic curiosity, resilience, and ability to work independently. 

We always encourage students to come for an on-campus visit.  It can be a great opportunity to showcase your personality and explain your homeschooling background in person. It’s also a chance to ask questions about the college and demonstrate your interest in the school. 

Homeschooling allows you to tailor your education to your interests and strengths. We appreciate the diversity of perspectives that homeschool students bring, so don’t be afraid to highlight how your education has been non-traditional but still rigorous and meaningful. 

If you’ve taken college-level courses during high school (dual enrollment), make sure to include those credits on your application. You’ll need to request official transcripts from the college(s) where you took courses and submit them to your prospective schools. 

Some scholarships are specifically for homeschool graduates. These may be offered by homeschool associations, local foundations, or certain colleges. It’s a good idea to research scholarships in your area or inquire about opportunities at the colleges you’re applying to.