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RACU’s Fourth Graduation Celebration RACU’s fourth graduating class comprised 13 students: eight Business and Economics majors and five Social Work majors. Six of the graduates are from Moscow, three are from the larger Moscow region, and four are from provincial cities spread across the Russian Federation.
Dr. Oleg Chernyshov, Professor of Fine Arts and Music, gave the “Challenge
to the Graduates.” He talked about the changes that have Olga Boytsova, a graduate of the Class of 2004, expressed her appreciation for the education she received at RACU and thanked the Board, faculty and staff for making this possible. Her presentation in English was the last speech before the formal granting of the diplomas and the distribution of the honor cords for academic achievement. Dr. Mark Elliott, Director of the Global Center at Samford University (Birmingham, Alabama) and one of the original founders of the university, gave the closing prayer in Russian, using the text of Francis of Assisi’s prayer. Following the recessional, the parents and friends who attended the ceremony were invited to a reception. It was a joyful celebration – and the beautiful weather added to the enjoyment of the ceremony! ADDITIONAL GRADUATION PHOTOS »
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On
Saturday, May 29, 2004, the Russian-American Christian University held
its fourth graduation celebration. This year’s celebration was particularly
meaningful for faculty, staff, supporters, and students of RACU, due to
a major milestone reached this year: accreditation. This is a critical,
significant achievement for RACU; the 2004 graduates are the first RACU
class to receive diplomas recognized by the Russian Ministry of Education.
RACU’s accreditation, which was approved in November
2003, was noted several times during the graduation ceremony. 
Following
the processional and greetings from RACU’s President, Dr. John A.
Bernbaum, the graduates heard a stirring commencement address by Howard
A. Dahl, President of Amity Technology (Fargo, North Dakota) and a member
of RACU’s Board of Trustees. He encouraged the students to focus
on “purpose, passion, and perspective.” He reminded them that
they are children of God and that they have responsibility to live their
lives as disciples of Jesus Christ. He stressed the importance of having
a passion for their work and a drive to accomplish work of significance.
He also talked about the need for a proper perspective, a perspective
that sees beyond one’s self-interest.
The
“President’s Service Award” was given to Rimma Gromova
for her outstanding work as the university’s chief accountant. She
has been an employee of the university since it began and has maintained
accurate and transparent financial records. Both Russian and American
audits of the university’s records have confirmed the quality of
her work. The “Teacher of the Year Award” was given to Professor
Oleg Shevkun, who teaches in the philology department. His student evaluations
are outstanding and the applause he received from the students when his
name was announced confirmed his popularity with them.
taken
place in Russia since he attended the university, and warned the students
not to take their experiences for granted. He discussed the differences
between Russian and American cultural values and noted that these two
cultures could benefit each other through their cooperation. In his judgment,
an education at a bi-national university like RACU is a significant blessing;
he also expressed his hope that the graduates would stay in relationship
with each other and with the university.