Oikos University Holds Historic Commencement Ceremony in Mount Hermon, California
– 112 Global Talents Graduate… Appointment of New Temporary Board Chair Dr. Jennifer (Jae Hee) Lee and Conferral of Honorary Doctorate Signal a Strategic Leap Forward
– Dr. Ji Hyun Ahn Achieves D.Min. Fruit After 17 Years; World-Class Ph.D. Research Achievements Expand Academic Horizons
“A monumental convergence where profound spiritual leadership meets academic excellence—discover how Oikos University’s newest global scholars are reshaping the future of intercultural theology and global transformation.”
[California, USA] Oikos University, an institution dedicated to cultivating global leaders across theology, culture, and the arts, has successfully concluded its 2026 Commencement Week. The historic event generated profound academic interest as the university conferred degrees upon a record-breaking 112 graduates, cementing its position as a prestigious Christian institution.
The ceremonies took place from May 11 to 15 at the prestigious Mount Hermon Camp and Conference Center in California. The pinnacle of the week, the Commencement Ceremony held on May 14 at 7:00 PM in the Youth Memorial Hall, celebrated a record-breaking 112 graduates stepping forward into the world. A key highlight of the evening was the official announcement of the appointment of Dr. Jennifer (Jae Hee) Lee as the new Temporary Chairperson of the Board of Directors, a move expected to usher in a new era of institutional stability and global educational expansion for the university.
🎓 Academic Profiles of Distinguished Doctoral Graduates
The academic community focused heavily on this year’s doctoral cohort, which presented highly rigorous and sophisticated research spanning philosophy, anthropology, and practical theology. A standing ovation was given to Dr. Ji Hyun Ahn, who completed her comprehensive D.Min. dissertation after an extraordinary 17-year academic journey documenting the complete developmental history of Oikos University. Following her lead, five distinguished scholars were awarded the Ph.D. in Intercultural Studies, presenting works of exceptional scholastic caliber:
Dr. Shin-Chul Tak (Ph.D. in Intercultural Studies)
Dissertation: A retrieval-based inquiry into the interplay between the Zeitgeist and Christian theology – Focusing on philosophical inflection points from the Patristic Era to the contemporary age
Background: Ph.D. Coursework completed at Soongsil University; M.A., Reformed Theological Seminary (RTS); M.Div., Presbyterian University and Theological Seminary; B.A., Hankuk University of Foreign Studies.
Dr. Cheol Hun Ham (Ph.D. in Intercultural Studies)
Dissertation: The function of images in Kant’s philosophy of limits and the camera obscura
Background: D.Min., Oikos University; M.Div., Bethel College & Seminary; B.A., Korea University.
Dr. Suk Chun Hwang (Ph.D. in Intercultural Studies)
Dissertation: Eastern Christianity: Historical foundations, denominational development, and comprehensive research
Background: D.Min., Oikos University; D.Min. & Th.M., Chongshin University; B.A., Kosin University.
Dr. Jong Kil Kim (Ph.D. in Intercultural Studies)
Dissertation: Elderly ministry and welfare in Korean immigrant churches in New York from an intercultural missiological perspective: a case study and integrated ministry model based on the theologies of Paul Hiebert and Donald McGavran
Background: D.Min., Oikos University; M.Div. & B.Th., NY Reformed Biblical Seminary.
Dr. Jeoungtai Lee (Ph.D. in Intercultural Studies)
Dissertation: Public engagement and missional transformation of Dalit Christians under Hindutva and Pancharati Raj system: A comparative study of Jind, Devigarh, and Balangir regions
Background: D.MISS & M.MISS, Vine University; M.Div. & B.Th., Baekseok Theology University.
🎨 A Grand Harmony of Intellect and Culture
The commencement, attended by President Dr. Jongin Kim and Vice President Dr. Dong Jin Lee, was elegantly moderated by Dr. Kyu Hwan Choi. The graduation week featured a diverse array of milestone events, including a “Special Lecture on Christian Leadership” by Dr. Jongkook Kim, the graduation of the university’s very first Master of Arts in Photography, and the conferral of an M.A. degree to professional golfer Kwi Nam Jeon. The intellectual celebration reached its peak with a high-caliber musical performance by Dr. Seung Hwan Lee of the Music Department, filling the Mount Hermon night with refined melodies.
“I am immensely proud of our graduates who have persevered with patience to reach this glorious fruit,” stated President Dr. Jongin Kim in his address. “Armed with spiritual depth and professional expertise, I urge you to step forward as true leaders who heal and transform this post-secular society.”
[About Oikos University]
Oikos University is an accredited institution located in California, USA, recognized for its excellence in theology, music, business, and Asian studies, dedicated to raising global leaders rooted in a Christian worldview.
Media Contact:
Oikos University Public Relations Committee
Email: changbae.lee@oikos.edu
Website: www.oikos.edu