175 students graduated from Providence University College and Seminary this past weekend.

University College Valedictorian Brendyn Dyck says he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Biblical and Theological Studies as well as a certificate in TESOL. Dyck says one of the biggest takeaways from his time at Providence is how differences in culture, thought, and perspective all contribute to a greater understanding of people.

"There are so many different perspectives and in understanding all these different perspectives it just really teaches you how to love people better. It's easy for people to see diversity in these different things as almost threatening to your own worldview but when you are able to step into other people's shoes and other people's circumstances you start to understand them, even though it's so foreign to you at first. You realize how alike people are even though, on the surface, they look so different."

He adds another attribute that marks his graduating class is the ability to succeed in times of transition.

"In light of Bergen Hall burning down this last year and in light of the influx of international students coming to campus and in light of the new science lab, there's been so much transition in our class. So, I just think it's a very important skill to be able to make the most of times of transition. When things don't seem to be secure and run the way we might expect but to live almost content in the now, even when things are changing all around us."

Seminary Valedictorian Fiona Neufeld says she came from Paraguay to get her Master of Arts in Counselling and will be returning to Paraguay to put her studies into action.

Neufeld notes she has a passion for counseling because, "we all go through difficulties in life no matter where we're from, no matter what we do, what careers we pursue, or what lifestyles we have. I believe in communicating so I think counseling is a platform that helps people to talk in a safe and trusting environment where, through talking, they're able to figure out ways of going through the next stage of life or figuring out ways of developing and growing in their journey."

Registrar Heath Holden says his wish for the graduating students would be to find success in their goals and aspirations going forward.