Whitley College Celebrates 50 Graduates at the March 2025 University of Divinity Graduation Ceremony
On Friday, March 21, 2025, St Patrick’s Cathedral in East Melbourne was filled with celebration as the University of Divinity honored 281 students, awarding a total of 286 degrees and diplomas. Whitley College proudly celebrated 50 of its graduates, acknowledging their dedication, academic excellence, and commitment to theological learning.
A Ceremony of Reflection and Celebration
Rev Dr Andy Mitchell (Whitley’s Director of Program Development and Lecturer in Practical Theology and Ministry), led the procession as the esteemed holder of the ceremonial mace, a symbol of his leadership and significant contributions to our college.
The evening commenced with the hymn Let All Creation Dance, setting a reverent and joyful tone. The Most Reverend Peter Comensoli DD, Archbishop of Melbourne, led the opening prayer, followed by a scripture reading from John 16:12-15. Intercessory prayers were offered before the congregation joined in the Lord’s Prayer.
A highlight of the ceremony was the Graduation Address by Reverend Canon Professor Emerita Dorothy Lee AM FAHA, who spoke about the transformative power of theological education and the responsibility of graduates to engage meaningfully with their faith and communities.
Honoring Whitley’s Doctoral Graduates
Among Whitley’s graduates, three scholars were awarded the Doctor of Philosophy:
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Rev Dr Andy Mitchell
Thesis: Shalom: Towards New Narratives of Right-Relationship for the Baptist Union of Victoria.
Supervised by Reverend Dr Terry LeBlanc and Professor Mark Brett, Dr Mitchell’s research explores a framework for the Baptist Union of Victoria churches to create new narratives concerning right- relationship with local Indigenous community. It seeks to bring Aboriginal models of relationship into conversation with Baptist ecclesiology to explore what common ground emerges. -
Dr Bui Thanh Tuan Nguyen
Thesis: Paul’s Use of Faith in Context: Galatians 2:15-21 as a Test Case
Supervised by Reverend Associate Professor Keith Dyer and Dr Siu Fung Wu, Dr. Nguyen’s research explores Paul’s use of faith language within its wider literary context, showing that Paul’s distinctive emphasis on the prepositions dia (through) and ek (from, out of ) with faith underscores the relationship between Divine and human faith; between the subjective and objective; the individual and communal; belief and action. This inclusive understanding of faith is tested in a reading of Galatians 2:15-21, concluding with some implications for today. -
Dr Amy Wai-Yee Shum
Thesis: Becoming Adult Christians in Australia: A Qualitative Critical Realist Study of Children of Christian Chinese Immigrants from Hong Kong
Under the supervision of Reverend Associate Professor Darrell Jackson, Dr Evelyn Hibbert, and Reverend Meewon Yang, Dr Shum conducted a qualitative critical realist interview study of twenty-one children of Christian Chinese immigrants from Hong Kong. This study argues that these individuals become adult Christians in a culturally complex environment by engaging in framed-reflexive deliberation along a path that is shaped by enablements and constraints.
Vice-Chancellor’s Scholar Award
Whitley College was also honored to see Bronwyn Anna Hayward recognised as a Vice-Chancellor’s Scholar. This prestigious award is given to graduates who have demonstrated excellence in academic performance, contribution to the college community, and service to wider society. Bronwyn’s deep engagement with biblical, historical, cultural, and pastoral studies, along with her ability to reflect theologically and communicate with clarity and grace, made her a deserving recipient of this recognition.
Looking to the Future
The ceremony concluded with a final hymn, Now Thank We All Our God, a fitting expression of gratitude and celebration.
Whitley College congratulates all its graduates on this significant achievement. As they step into new roles within ministry, academia, and community service, we celebrate their journey and look forward to seeing the impact they will make.
For those who missed the ceremony, the event was streamed live and remains available for viewing here.
Download the graduation program here.
We invite the Whitley community to continue celebrating and supporting our graduates as they embark on their next chapter.
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Jeremiah 29:11
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.”
A reminder that God has a good and purposeful plan for our lives, filled with hope and success, encouraging us to trust Him as we move toward our goals.
Enjoy these images of our wonderful students receiving their awards.
