Global Life University celebrated its 25th Commencement Exercises on Saturday, June 1, at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig, Metro Manila, Philippines. The ceremony began with praise and worship, followed by a welcome address from Vice President Maurice Buxton III. Buxton challenged the graduates to be different from those around them because they are believers in Jesus Christ. He encouraged them not to follow their dreams but to pursue God’s purpose for them, concluding his address by inviting students to “Live Life Globally for the Lord.”
President Gregory S. Lyons urged the graduates to use their education for the Lord and consider becoming world changers by joining Global Surge’s Indian Ocean Initiative. This initiative aims to send 70 missionaries to the 35 countries surrounding the Indian Ocean. Lyons concluded his message by emphasizing that while the power of one graduate may be strong, the collective power of thousands of GLU graduates is unstoppable.
Brian Mentzer, Vice President of Development at Liberty University, delivered the commencement speech. Mentzer spoke about graduation day being a defining moment for the graduates and encouraged them to decide right now, saying, “As you cross this stage, you are entering a new phase. God is about to take some of you to a new level. Trust Him.”
Kevin Carson, Vice President of Education for Baptist Bible Fellowship International, delivered the charge. He urged the graduates “to leave here today with a desire to reach your world with the gospel, to live a life of faithfulness to God and His church, and to live out the truths you have been taught.”
During the ceremony, long-time board member Andy Shemberger, a member of Thomas Road Baptist Church in Phoenix, AZ, was recognized for his contributions to GLU. His dedication included his time, finances, and commitment to attending every GLU graduation over the past 25 years, only missing when COVID-19 restrictions prevented him from entering the Philippines.
Class Valedictorian Joselito Marcelino from the Manila Campus was announced as the new president of the GLU Alumni Association.
