On the fifth of May, 2023, the University of Valley Forge (UVF) held its 84th annual Baccalaureate and Commencement ceremonies and conferred degrees on the class of 2023. Students, family, and friends gathered in the Flower Chapel at 10 a.m. for a time of worship and a baccalaureate message from Dr. Troy Gearhart and seniors Brandon Linton ’23 and Faith Parisot ’23. The service was also live-streamed on the university’s website via YouTube and social media for those who were not present. Rev. Jennifer Gale, Vice President of Student Life, greeted those present and opened the service in prayer before a time of worship and the message. In keeping with the tradition of UVF’s baccalaureate services, the three speakers spoke about the legacy of the past, present, and future, and the faithfulness of God throughout.
President David S. Kim then introduced commencement speaker, Rev. Carl Colletti, Chairman of the Board Emeritus for the University of Valley Forge, serving 20 years. Rev. Colletti serves as a General Presbyter for the General Council of the Assemblies of God and an Honorary Presbyter for the New Jersey Ministry Network. Married to Mary Ann, also an Assemblies of God minister, for 56 years, the Colletis have ministered extensively in Africa and South America.
Rev. Carl Colletti congratulated the class of 2023 for their accomplishments and taking a step of faith into their future. Reverend Colletti shared a message about how God is able to do immeasurably more. He shared that the University of Valley Forge acts as a launch pad, not a landing pad. “UVF has provided you with a force to modify the arch of the trajectory of your life”. He continued by sharing, “The pursuit of your education, your combined experiences, your relationships, and your exposure to a Christian worldview all have combined to give you trajectories of opportunity.” Rev. Colletti concluded his message by encouraging graduates, “I challenge you today to take all that God has for you, not just what you want at this moment of imagination. Seek the immeasurably more than you could ask or imagine.”
After Rev. Cal Colletti’s message, Guevin 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 Baccalaureate service, click here.
To watch the Commencement ceremony, click here.
For more information on the University, visit https://valleyforge.edu
