Moody’s Commencement Season

Moody Bible Institute concluded its 135th academic year with nine commencement ceremonies in May—one in Plymouth, Michigan (May 8), five in Chicago (May 10–14), and three virtual (May 15). A tenth ceremony for Moody Aviation graduates will take place in Spokane, Washington, on June 19.

Moody students and professors pose for graduation photos on Moody's Chicago campus.

New this year, in response to COVID-19 and to ensure the safest format for celebrating while adhering to CDC and local government guidelines, Moody’s commencement events also included a combination of virtual commencements and smaller, in-person graduation events by academic program.

For the safety and health of the Moody community, special care was taken by registrar, Mr. George Mosher, and the Academic Records department throughout the complex planning process to ensure that while the circumstances were very different from traditional commencement years, there were still opportunities for students to be recognized and honored. Friends and family members also had the chance to cheer for them and celebrate their accomplishments from anywhere across the world.

Moody students participated in Moody's Chicago campus in-person commencement events.

“God’s Word tells us that for everything there is a season, and that truth has resonated with me this past year,” said Dr. Mark Jobe, president of Moody Bible Institute. “The global pandemic has devastated so many people around the world and left a trail of pain and sorrow, including for our students. But, it has not overcome our hope as Christians.” He added, “I am honored to participate in this year’s commencement event and am proud of the hard work and perseverance that our students and faculty have shown in the face of adversity. God has seen us through and given us great joy and comfort in His provision and promise to continually lead us with his presence. This graduating class has endured a lot but have demonstrated incredible tenacity and dedication. I believe God will use them in some special ways.”

More than 1,300 students participated in Moody’s virtual combined commencement celebrations. The virtual events were live-streamed for family and friends of graduates to watch remotely, to recognize and honor all eligible graduates from the classes of 2020 and 2021. All in-person events were limited to graduates and faculty members so as not to exceed the recommended attendance for education-based gatherings.

MBI and MTS graduates from the classes of 2020 and 2021 were honored at this year's Commencement ceremonies.

More than 450 students participated in the in-person commencement ceremonies that took place on Moody’s Chicago campus May 10–14, including 350 undergraduate and 100 seminary students. There were also 26 students who participated in the Plymouth ceremony.

Spokane graduates will participate in the Spokane Aviation Commencement ceremony on June 19 at the Moody Aviation Hangar in Spokane, Washington.

“It is my great honor to congratulate our graduates for the outstanding academic achievement they have completed while studying at Moody,” said Dr. Dwight Perry, provost and dean of Education at Moody Bible Institute. “Moody’s educational offerings exists to train and equip men and women to live on mission regardless of where they receive their paycheck. I am confident that the Lord will continue to bless our students as they seek to serve Him and answer the call for each of them to work with joy as ministers of the gospel in this world.” He added, “I am also encouraged by our outstanding faculty, who have come alongside our students throughout this challenging year, and consistently provided world-class biblical training and hands-on ministry experience through excellent service.”

Moody students and professors celebrating the commencement of the 2021 academic year.

All three virtual commencements included a greeting from president, Dr. Mark Jobe. Trustee chair, Randy Fairfax, provost Dr. Dwight Perry, and other Moody leadership members also addressed the Moody community. The commencement address was given by Chris Brooks, Moody Theological Seminary alumnus, senior pastor of Woodside Bible Church, and longtime campus dean of Moody Theological Seminary in Plymouth, Michigan, as well as Moody Radio host. There was also a special time of recognizing the names and majors of all eligible Moody Bible Institute Undergraduate and Moody Theological Seminary graduates from the classes of 2020 and 2021.

Graduation events by academic program for Undergraduate included: Applied Theology and Church Ministries, Bible and Theology, Education and Counseling, Intercultural & Music and Media Arts. All Virtual Commencement livestreams can be viewed at this link.

For more information about Moody Bible Institute’s undergraduate school and seminary programs, please visit www.moody.edu.