by Manna U Staff
Another academic year has come and gone. On Saturday, May 18th, Manna University held its 21st Annual Commencement celebrating the Class of 2024. Students traveled from as far away as Oregon, Connecticut, and Colombia to participate in person, meeting faculty and classmates they had known for years through the miracle of online education. There was much fanfare as President Serrano and Provost McBride shook hands with each graduate in turn, and Dr. Doris Gomez of Regent University presented an inspiring message aimed at launching graduates forward saying, “After all… don’t you know what Commencement means?”
During the Commencement Ceremony, Professor Frank Brazell received the Dr. Steven Crowther Faculty Member of the Year Award. Professor Brazell teaches undergraduate courses in History, Bible/Theology, and Christian Leadership, and led Manna University’s first-ever study abroad experience during the Spring 2024 semester.
The evening before Commencement, Manna University held its annual Chrio Convocation service, in which graduates received a time of prophetic ministry and prayer from members of our faculty, staff, and Prayer Team. Graduates who earned honors were recognized, and several students and alumni received our annual awards.
Master of Arts in Biblical Studies student Samuel Fletcher received Manna University’s annual Christian Leadership Award. The criteria for this award reads: “The student awarded the Manna University Christian Leadership Award influences the behavior and development of others and displays commitment to Christian values while encouraging ’emerging leaders to change the world’.”
Bachelor of Arts in Intercultural Studies student Emily Casterline received Manna University’s annual Christian Character Award. The criteria for this award reads: “The student awarded the Manna University Christian Character Award displays commitment to Christian Character ‘to change the world by advancing the Kingdom of God’.”
Next, Provost McBride announced the awards presented in conjunction with the Association for Biblical Higher Education, the USDOE-recognized accrediting body through which Manna U is accredited. ABHE’s honor society, Delta Epsilon Chi, recognizes students and alumni who have distinguished themselves by their intellectual achievement, Christian character, and leadership ability. This year, Manna University awarded Delta Epsilon Chi membership to two students graduating with their Bachelor of Arts degrees, one who was graduating with a graduate-level degree, and two alumni who graduated at least ten years prior. Emily Casterline and Jamie Kelner (B.A. Divinity, ’24) received membership as Bachelor’s degree graduates. Samuel Fletcher received the award as a graduate of the graduate school. Katherine Johnson Cline (Cert. in Worship Leadership, ’13; B.Div., ’16) and Devin Taylor-Fillinger (Cert. in Worship Leadership, ’13) received honorary membership as alumni. Both were eligible for the first time this year.
Manna University celebrates the academic achievement, leadership skills, and Christian character of our graduates and alumni. Without you, and your unique callings, Manna University would not exist! Thank you!
