In a letter dated July 1, 2003, Judith Gay, Chair of the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, wrote to me, "At its sessions on June 25-26, 2003, the Middle States Commission on Higher Education acted to accept the follow-up report submitted by Unification Theological Seminary, to thank the institution for receiving the Commission's representatives, and to reaffirm accreditation."

In a letter to the Board of Trustees I wrote, "I would like to thank the Trustees, faculty, staff and students for your investment in this long, arduous and vitally important project. I give thanks to Dr. Chang Shik Yang and Rev. Michael Jenkins, representing the Unification Church of America, for playing a crucial role in retaining accreditation and your courage to explore the long-term purpose of theological and ministerial education in the Unification context. Honor goes to Rev. Chung Hwan Kwak for his faith in this institution's value to the global movement, and his willingness to rally the global movement's support. I extend special recognition to Rev. Tae Haeng Yu and our Japanese family, for providing the resources to replenish the endowment and provide scholarship support for scores of students from our church and others. Finally the greatest gratitude goes to our Founder, True Father Reverend Sun Myung Moon, for the vision without which we would perish and his work as our primary recruiter and supporter, and to the True Family for their love for and commitment to UTS."

Hyo Jin Nim graduates: It gives me great pleasure to announce that Hyo Jin Nim completed the course of study for the MRE degree and graduated as part of the Class of 2003. His work revealed a strong grasp of Unification ideology and important creativity regarding its application for the transformation of religion and society. Receiving the diploma on his behalf was his wife, Yeonah Nim, who shared the Commencement Day celebration with everyone.

The honorary doctorate: UTS granted its 4th Honorary Doctorate to Pastor T. L. Barrett of Chicago. Pastor Barrett gave a wonderful acceptance talk on the virtue of humility and his love and respect for our True Parents in their work to bring together Jew, Christian and Muslim, something only the Messiah could do. Pastor Barrett hurried back from UTS to preside over the Blessing in Chicago on July 5.

The award: We established the annual UTS Voluntary Service Award, to be presented annually to the graduating student whose voluntary service and sacrifice made the greatest impact for good within the UTS community. This year's recipient was Ichinori Tsumagari, for his work with Tongil Moodo, including other students and community children, service projects, helping others set up fundraising stands, and many other acts of voluntary service. Talk arose of alumni contributing to support this or another such award.

The gift: It was not a tree. Y'know, to tell you the truth, UTS owns about 4 million trees, as of our last census. The gift this year was utterly great: a gazebo. (If you don't know what a gazebo is, look it up in a dictionary, because it's hard to describe.) The class of 2003 gazebo is located in the picnic park so that you see it as you walk into the library. It really uplifts the environment and is a favorite spot for conversation, reading and meditation.

The party: After the ceremony we had a delicious lunch prepared by our powerful kitchen, enjoyed under the trees and a tent, and an entertainment program including Korean drums led by Sunae Moon, Tonila Ware-Cherry's gospel songs, and an old-fashioned dance to the UTS Band's loving renditions of Elvis, Chuck and Steppenwolf.

The best: We heard many comments that it was the best graduation UTS have ever had. Hey, I'm just reporting the facts.

The movie: A creative and technically gifted team of Shigenori Fujimoto and Young Seop An created the best video of graduation we've ever seen. It includes not just the graduation but a panorama of UTS life and the beautiful creation we are part of, as well footage from True Father's visit on May 26. Just to give you an idea of the out-of-the-boxiness of this video, the sound track includes the Beatles ("Dizzy Miss Lizzy" and "Strawberry Fields Forever"), Charlotte Church ("Just Wave Hello") and a fantastic song by Hyo Jin Nim backing up the footage of Father's visit. To purchase a copy of this 48-minute documentary, contact Claire Yasutake at the bookstore (845-752-3000 ext 218, but she's not there much during the summer, so try her home).

Upcoming: That's the past, and now comes the present and future. On the short term, we are in the midst of several important renovation and maintenance projects that will result in an upgrade and, I believe, new sense of identity for UTS. Note that these are not new buildings, but renovation and maintenance. What is the value of new projects if one cannot take care of what one has? We have diamonds in our backyard.

For the middle term, MSCHE has reaffirmed our accreditation, taking us off the warning status, but they are keeping our feet to the fire. They have asked us to submit a significant report in 18 months, to be followed up by a team visit. We will approach this task with relish, knowing that it provides a discipline necessary for us to be an effective servant to the church and society.

To that end the UTS Board and administration will be hard at work over the summer. At the same time we will enjoy and recreate during these wonderful weeks. To all our Alumni, let's make this a summer of success, beginning with our accreditation victory.

All the best‹Tyler Hendricks

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