Trinity Western University celebrated the largest graduating class in its history this spring, honouring over 1,500 graduands at ceremonies held on April 26, 2025, at the Langley Events Centre.
Friends, family members, faculty, and staff gathered to cheer TWU graduands completing undergraduate and graduate degrees, applauding this year's cohort for their academic accomplishments and leadership development.
President Dr. Todd F. Martin congratulated the class of 2025 and expressed, “It has been our honour to support you during your time here, guiding you in your education, growth, and personal development. The faculty and staff share in the joy of this moment with you, proud of all that you’ve accomplished.”
Equipped to lead well
"As you step into the marketplaces of life, you carry not just a degree but a mission," President Martin continued. "The world you enter needs leaders who think deeply, act righteously, and live with unwavering faith."
“Today we send you with great hope, knowing you are ready."
He also encouraged graduands as they embark on new journeys. “Let your life be a testimony to the grace of Christ, and may you be a blessing wherever you go.”
A day of celebration and blessing
"Let your life be a testimony to the grace of Christ, and may you be a blessing wherever you go.”
Through triumph and challenge
The ceremonies opened with a tone of gratitude. Prayers of commissioning acknowledged God’s sustaining faithfulness through both triumph and challenge in the lives of the graduands. Scripture readings were shared in two languages, reflecting TWU’s diverse and global community.
Equipped for greater service
“We love you, we respect you, we rejoice with you, and we are proud of you,” said Board of Governors Chair Matthew St. John, addressing the graduands before offering a prayer of blessing over their futures.
This year's Graduate Student Association (TWUGSA) president, Shervin Ghahri, read aloud the University’s theme Scripture for the year, Micah 6:8, in both Persian and English, concluding with the words, “Congratulations class of 2025, God bless.” At the undergraduate ceremony, the Undergraduate Student Association (TWUSA) president Samuel Wilkinson also shared the same verse, affirming its significance for the graduating class.
“Your education here has not only trained your mind but shaped your character.”
Commencement speaker: Dr. Santa J. Ono
This year’s commencement speaker was Dr. Santa J. Ono, a distinguished biomedical researcher, university leader, and accomplished cellist. Currently President of the University of Michigan, Dr. Ono is also known in Canada for his former presidency at the University of British Columbia. In recognition of his contributions to education, science, and Christian leadership, TWU conferred upon him an honorary Doctor of Divinity.
In his address, Dr. Ono spoke movingly about his family’s immigration journey from Japan to North America, the values of perseverance and faith that shaped his life, and the importance of building community in a divided world.
“One of the central teachings of this university is that you are not here by accident,” he spoke. “Your education here has not only trained your mind but shaped your character.”
Dr. Ono challenged graduands to lead lives marked by humility, service, and love, echoing TWU’s purpose of equipping students to be salt and light in the world. He concluded with a call to action:
“You have agency—use it boldly and use it well.”
Higher expectations
This year’s undergraduate valedictorian, Joseph Bebawi, reflected on the theme of expectation, sharing how his desire to steward his time at TWU well led him into deeper faith and surrender to Christ. He spoke humbly of his journey, saying, “I no longer want to focus on being great that I forget what it means to be good and to be with God.”
Describing the TWU community as marked by genuine care and kindness, he expressed a hope that TWU's class of 2025 would be “known for its love and its joy.” Encouraging his fellow graduands to trust God and expect his faithful work, he concluded, “That is the best expectation that we can carry.”
Honouring teaching excellence
As part of the celebrations, TWU recognized outstanding faculty members who exemplify excellence and innovation in teaching:
Dr. Jeffrey Beck, sessional assistant professor of Leadership, received the 2025 Davis Distinguished Teaching Award. A seasoned educator and ordained minister with more than 40 years in Christian leadership, Dr. Beck is known for his faith-integrated pedagogy, inclusive teaching practices, and mentorship that holistically nurtures student growth. His courses are praised as transformational, combining academic rigour with spiritual formation.
Dr. Jason Burtt, assistant professor of Sociology, received the 2025 Provost Innovative Teaching Award. Dr. Burtt is celebrated for his creative, human-centred approaches to teaching, which include interactive games, real-world simulations, and critical discussions that deepen students’ learning while minimizing reliance on technology. His classes often challenge students to consider how their learning can benefit society and meet the needs of vulnerable populations.
Congratulations to Trinity Western’s newest graduands
Trinity Western is grateful to everyone who participated in this spring's graduation ceremonies. We extend heartfelt congratulations to the class of 2025.
About Trinity Western University
Founded in 1962, Trinity Western University is a global Christian liberal arts university. We are dedicated to equipping students to discover meaningful connections between career, life, and the needs of the world. Drawing upon the riches of the Christian tradition, seeking to unite faith and reason through teaching and scholarship, Trinity Western University is a degree-granting research institution offering liberal arts and sciences as well as professional schools in business, nursing, education, human kinetics, graduate studies, and arts, media, and culture. It has campuses in Canada in Langley, Richmond, and Ottawa. Learn more at www.twu.ca or follow us on Instagram @trinitywestern, Twitter @TrinityWestern, on Facebook and LinkedIn. For media inquiries, please contact: media@twu.ca.