Valley Forge Christian College (VFCC) celebrated their 73rd Annual Commencement Ceremony with 161 graduates on May 4, 2012. What started out as a cloudy, damp day quickly turned out to be a beautiful mild day with the sun shining upon the graduates as they filled the tree-lined Green Lane Commons area of the campus. The air was filled with excitement and anticipation. Architect Jack DeBartolo, Jr. FAIA, served as the keynote speaker, along with special music performances by VFCC’s Concert Choir.

Nearly 1,000 family members and guests attended VFCC’s commencement events where President Meyer conferred degrees, and distributed diplomas and certificates. 11 graduates received a Bachelor of Social Work degree, 69 graduates a Bachelor of Science degree, one graduate a Bachelor of Religious Education degree, two graduates a Bachelor of Music degree, 73 graduates a Bachelor of Arts degree, and five graduates an Associate of Arts degree.

Senior Class President, Joseph Melo, presented the scripture reading from 2 Peter 1:5-11. As is VFCC's tradition, a tree will also be planted on campus in honor of the Class of 2012.

Commencement speaker, Jack DeBartolo, Jr., treated the graduating class to valuable advice and wisdom. In his commencement address, he encouraged the graduates to look for opportunities to spread the word of God and to be committed to their careers. “I want to challenge you to be intentional and have a determination to endure all the circumstances that your faith and life can hand your way,” DeBartolo said. “My challenge for you this afternoon is for you to aggressively, with intention, lean into the wind of life and fix your heart and mind with the purposes of God.”

President Meyer, in his remarks to the Class of 2012, stated, “You now stand at the threshold, each one of you…the wait is over. An indescribable adventure awaits you.” Meyer shared a quote from a poet, “‘Come to the edge,’ he said. They said, ‘We are afraid.’ ‘Come to the edge,’ he said. They came. He pushed them. And they flew.” Meyer finished by saying, “It is now time to fly. The wait is over.”

At the end of the ceremony, Rev. Tom Rees ’84, President of the VFCC Alumni Association welcomed the graduating class of 2012 into the prestigious alumni family.

Members of the Sigma Chi Pi Honor Society of the Assemblies of God Colleges were announced for 2012. Graduates are selected by the faculty for membership based on high scholastic achievement, Christian character and leadership potential. The members inducted from the class of 2012 include; Brooke Coyne, Adrienne Dyck, Tyler Hunt, Kristen Jankin, Stacey Johnson, Brice Karper, Joshua McGinnis, Stephanie Saxton, Marissa Schade, Christina Swe and Lisa Williams. Three alumni were inducted as honorary Sigma Chi Pi members, Rev. Jeffrey Hartensveld, class of 1982; Mr. Court Durkalski, class of 1991; and Mr. Marc San Giovanni, class of 2000.

Class of 2012 motto: “To accomplish great things, we must not only act, but also dream; not only plan, but also believe.” Anatole France

• View Baccalaureate Service Photos
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• View Commencement Ceremony Photos
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PHOTOGRAPHY SERVICES
Lifetouch Photography Studio took individual color photograph of each graduate receiving a diploma on-stage and a posed photograph with their diploma off-stage. The studio will provide access to a proof of the photograph soon. There is no obligation to purchase the print. Graduates and parents will be notified when they are available.