Moody Bible Institute – Spokane's weekend of commencement activities May 29 and 30 honored the 2009 Biblical Studies and Missionary Aviation Technology graduates, as well as Spokane alumni.

The weekend began May 29 at 3 p.m. with a commissioning ceremony at the Moody Aviation Hangar. Eight flight and three maintenance graduates were honored in the presence of 300 friends, family and guests. Aviation maintenance graduate Galen Roquet recalled his instructors in the program as “so focused on servanthood. I am privileged to become involved with missionary aviation through this program. Our staff really embodies the servant attitude and goes way beyond the call of duty again and again to help us succeed.”

An evening alumni reception followed the commissioning ceremony, where 85 alumni gathered from MBI – Spokane predecessor schools, Inland Empire School of the Bible and Spokane Bible College. The weekend’s guest speaker, Moody Trustee Dr. Gene Getz, addressed the alumni. Then, a panel consisting of Dr. Getz and fellow Moody Trustees Tom Fortson and David Schipper fielded questions regarding Moody’s ninth president, Dr. Paul Nyquist.

On Saturday, a crowd of 400 attended the official commencement ceremony, where Dr. Getz proclaimed a message from 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1. He reminded the graduates to live life above reproach and according to the biblical standards of stewardship demonstrated in Scripture. Chicago campus staff and faculty members Tim Wiegert, Bill Blocker, Walter White and Larry Davidhizer were also present at the ceremony. Following commencement, graduates and their families attended a cake reception.