The Ambassador Bible College class of 2019 graduated on the afternoon of May 19. ABC coordinator Frank Dunkle welcomed the audience, followed by class president Morgan Greene’s student discourse in which he recounted highlights from the past nine months and reflected on the impact of ABC. Following this, the chorale performed two songs—one was written and arranged for graduation by student­­s Micah Gunn and Chad Browning. 

In honor of this year marking the 20th anniversary of ABC, Gary Antion, the first coordinator of ABC, delivered the graduation address. He noted the impact that ABC has made over 20 years and shared a few notable facts about ABC: 16 students have become elders, 91 marriages have occurred between ABC students, 34 students have become employees and 21 are still employed. The largest class had 54 students in 2006 and the smallest had 20 students in 2009. The oldest student was 86 and the youngest was 17. The class of 2019 had 34 students. 

Dean of students Aaron Dean, president Victor Kubik and registrar Steve Myers handed out diplomas and awards. After the ceremony, students, faculty, friends and family celebrated and socialized on the lawn. 

Students completed a school year devoted to laboring in the Word of God to gain wisdom, leadership skills and biblical knowledge. They took classes that covered all the books of the Bible. There were also units devoted to discussions on practical Christianity, apologetics and career direction. Additionally, students learned public speaking and financial planning skills. Over the course of the year, the students were able to form lasting relationships, sit in on Beyond Today television studio recordings, record podcasts with Mr. Kubik and attend Sabbath services at the General Conference of Elders weekend. 

While attending ABC, the class also completed many service projects: they produced a fundraiser cookbook, served the community through leaf-raking and garbage pick-up, babysat about 40 children during Cincinnati East’s Marriage Enrichment Weekend, presented the annual Charity Auction and hosted numerous social events for the class and members of the Cincinnati East congregation. In addition, they accompanied, directed and sang in the choir while performing in various congregations around the Midwest. This year’s class of ABC students grew close to one another while learning, serving, laughing and, this winter, grieving together over the loss of their eldest classmate, George Rusnak. The students completed their studies with the motto “Enter to Learn, Go Forth to Serve” in mind. 

Post-graduation, students are expected to apply what they have learned in order to serve, teach, lead and edify the Body of Christ in their congregations—all stemming from the biblical foundation they have received over the past nine months.