Golden Grad Weekend Honors the Faithful Legacy of the Class of 1975
Asbury Theological Seminary joyfully welcomed members of the Class of 1975 back to campus on May 15–17, 2025, for Golden Grad Weekend, a time of reconnection, reflection, and celebration marking 50 years since their graduation. Over forty alumni and spouses traveled from across the country to commemorate the milestone, representing decades of faithful ministry, global mission, chaplaincy, teaching, church planting, and Christian service.
The weekend was graciously hosted by Rev. Dr. Tammy Cessna and the Alumni Office, with the support of dedicated staff and volunteers. Many of the events were centered in the Seminary’s Global Alumni Center, offering a welcoming home base for Golden Grads to reminisce,
reconnect, and be celebrated.
Activities began with a festive check-in at the Residence Inn, followed by Friday’s events that included a nostalgic campus tour led by Dexter Porter, a luncheon in Cordelia Dining Hall with interim president Dr. David Gyertson, and the presentation of commemorative medallions and leather-bound Bibles to each graduate. A special highlight for many was discovering their names etched on the Seminary’s graduate wall, where every Asbury alumnus is honored by class year, prompting both laughter and tears as memories resurfaced.
The day continued with a private dinner in the Global Alumni Center and participation in the Seminary’s Baccalaureate Service in Estes Chapel, where Golden Grads processed wearing their medallions to the applause of the Seminary community.
Saturday morning brought robe fitting and final preparations for the 2025 Commencement Ceremony, where the Golden Grads once again processed, this time as honored guests, symbolizing the enduring legacy of their class on the generations that followed.
The biographical stories shared throughout the weekend reflected an extraordinary diversity of ministry: from pastors and missionaries to chaplains, educators, nonprofit founders, and denominational leaders.
The Class of 1975 continues to embody Asbury’s mission of “theologically educating, spiritually forming, and equipping women and men to evangelize and disciple the world.” Their lives and legacies testify to the power of a Spirit-filled calling that transcends generations.
Rev. Max Amstutz reflected, “God’s call never ends, it just evolves. This reunion is a celebration of that ongoing call.” Amen.
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