Four Seminarians Earn their BA Degrees

On May 12, 2007, four young men graduated from Divine Word College Seminary: Hoa N. Nguyen, Paul Tien Minh Pham, Richard Anh Vu and Kaschka R. Watson. We congratulate our graduates and offer them our prayers and support. Pictured in the photo: Richard Anh Vu, Kaschka R. Watson, Paul Tien Minh Pham, Hoa N. Nguyen. College dignitaries: Dr. J. Russett, Vice President for Academic Affairs, Rev. Michael Hutchins, SVD, President and Rev. Mark Weber, SVD, Provincial, Chicago Province. Two of the four graduates have applied for the Novitiate, the next stage in their formation as Divine Word Missionaries. In addition, four other men have applied for the novitiate.

Each of the graduates was asked about his future plans and his favorite memories of his years at DWC. Below are their comments:

Hoa N. Nguyen: “I plan to work at the Divine Word Residence in Techny, Ill., and begin my novitiate year on August 22, 2007. I look back at the many memories that I have…all those nights staying up late and studying can drive a college student —well, first hungry and then crazy—wishing there was a Taco Bell, open late, near the college. I believe this is the best memory that I have: running around the college looking for food and finding that I am not the only one looking for something to eat. Peanut butter, bread and noodles in the dining room at night…this brought me closer to my peers. Food comes and goes, but memories like this stay forever.”

Paul (Tien Minh) Pham: “After much thought about my vocation, I came to the conclusion that I will not apply to the Novitiate this year…I feel that I am not fully ready. I will do more thinking and discernment, and I am looking forward to applying to the Novitiate next year. There are many special memories of my years at DWC…my favorites are celebrating holy events, praying at night with the club, eating Chinese food with friends, Vietnamese Student Association camping, doing ministry work and cooking for cultural events. I also enjoyed visiting FAN club families, and having instant noodles at midnight with my friends.”

Richard Anh V.: “I have applied to the Novitiate for this fall. I’d like to share my feelings about Divine Word College with a poem I wrote for my graduation. Here is an excerpt:

I am blessed

God’s word, his spirit,
in quiet moments, does calm my fear
and bring me peace,
by all of these my blessings flow.

Tomorrow if rain and dark clouds come,
alone, afraid, or lost
I’ll still remember what came before and say to all that I am blessed.

 

Kaschka R. Watson: “I’ll be preparing myself for graduate studies, since I have received a full scholarship for my Masters’ in Education at York University in Toronto, Canada. I will continue to share and spread the Light of the Word which was passed on to me here at Divine Word College. My most memorable moment at DWC was walking through those clear glass doors at the front entrance and entering the dining room filled with young men from all around the world. Their warm welcome made me feel at home. I will miss them, but I know one day we will cross paths again.”