Posted on May 11: Divinity College graduands convoke tonight
Fifty-one degrees and diplomas will be conferred on graduands of Divinity College at its annual Spring Convocation ceremony today (Tuesday, May 11).
The ceremony will be held at 8 p.m. in Convocation Hall. Degrees to be conferred are: Doctor of Ministry, Master of Theology, Master of Divinity, Master of Religious Education, Master of Theological Studies and Master of Arts — Christian Studies. Certificates to be awarded are: Diploma in Ministry, Certificate of Christian Studies and Certificate in Parish Nurse Ministry.
Honorary degrees will be presented to Audrey Morikawa, president of the Women's Department of the Baptist World Alliance and Henry De Bolster, a pioneer of Canadian Christian education. De Bolster will deliver the Convocation address.
Honorary degrees are awarded to persons who are distinguished scholars or who have made outstanding contributions to the creative or performing arts; who have distinguished reputations in the area of public service, or who have had long and distinguished careers; or to persons who have made noteworthy contributions to McMaster and or the local community.
Henry De Bolster
Henry R. De Bolster is a former office clerk who became a pioneer of Canadian Christian education. Born in Rotterdam, De Bolster survived bombardments and invasion during World War II to become part of the underground movement and the local resistance cell.
In 1952, De Bolster immigrated to Canada, working first as a clerk at Stelco. His calling awaited him in Grand Rapids, Michigan, however, where he commenced his study for the ministry at Calvin Theological Seminary. After receiving ordination, De Bolster served congregations of the Christian Reformed Church in Brampton, Calgary and St. Catharines. While in Alberta, De Bolster served on a committee that was instrumental in founding The King's University College in Edmonton. Returning to Ontario, he started a committee to study the feasibility of a liberal arts college dedicated to Scripturally-directed learning and in 1981, Redeemer University College opened. De Bolster became the first president, serving until 1994.
Reverend De Bolster has been president of the Alberta Christian College Association, the Ontario Christian College Association, and the Council of Christian Reformed Churches in Canada. He has served as a member of the Advisory Council of Christian Schools International. De Bolster has written two books, Stepping Forward in Faith and Struggles and Blessings, an autobiography.
Audrey Morikawa
Audrey Manuel Morikawa has dedicated herself to the global mission of the church, to the cause of justice for the oppressed and marginalized, and to the development of women for Christian leadership.
As the president of the Women's Department of the Baptist World Alliance since January 2000, Morikawa has advocated on behalf of women's issues around the globe. After earning her teaching certification from New Brunswick Teachers' College in 1949, she taught elementary school. In 1962, she joined what is now known as Canadian Baptist Ministries and was commissioned for missionary service to India. She spent 13 years in rural India, working primarily with women and girls in literacy and educational ministries. Morikawa then served 22 years as executive director of the Baptist Women's Missionary Society of Ontario and Quebec. During her tenure, the organization raised millions of dollars for projects benefiting the poor and disenfranchised.
A committed lifelong learner, Morikawa has a Bachelor of Science degree from Gordon College in Massachusetts (1960), a certificate in Women's Leadership from Acadia Divinity College (1969) and a Master of Divinity degree from McMaster Divinity College (1995). She is an active consultant on ministry and development projects around the globe and a frequent conference speaker, guest preacher, writer and workshop leader.
