ORIGINALLY WRITTEN
Jim Holm, dean of students at the Mennonite Brethren Biblical Seminary, Fresno, Calif., will give the address at Tabor College’s 92nd commencement ceremonies on Saturday, May 25.
In addition to his work with students, Holm is director of constituency relations.
Born in Detroit Lakes, Minn., Holm spent his childhood in Minnesota and Montana. He received his bachelor of arts degree from Fresno Pacific University, Fresno, Calif., and his master of divinity from the MB Biblical Seminary.
He is working toward his doctorate degree in spiritual formation and leadership, and anticipates completion next spring.
Holm has played a major role in church leadership over the years. He has served on various district and national boards with the MB conference, as well as with Fresno Pacific University and West Coast Mennonite Central Committee.
He currently is a member of the board of Mission USA, a denominational organization committed to revitalizing local churches and starting new ones.
Before joining the seminary faculty, Holm was a youth pastor and senior pastor with Mennonite Brethren congregations in California.
His commencement address, titled “Soul Food,” will be based on Luke 6:12-19. Holm will focus on a day in the life of Jesus Christ, following him through a 24-hour period.
Tabor College officials are anticipating the largest graduating class in school history; 137 candidates are expected to receive their diplomas.
For the first time, the college will confer degrees from its graduate programs in education and accounting, which began in 2000. The first class of the nursing program-registered nursing and bachelor of science nursing-will also graduate.
Also for the first time in Tabor history, two degrees will be awarded posthumously. Cheryl Jones, daughter of Ernie and Betty Dirks of Hillsboro, will receive a bachelor of science in nursing, and Wendy Isaac, daughter-in-law of Don and Connie Isaac of Hillsboro, will receive a bachelor of science in Christian ministry.
Commencement exercises will begin at 10 a.m. in the gymnasium. A symphonic band concert will precede activities at 9:15 a.m.
