by Associate Dean Mika Deshotel
Prior to the 49th HJI Commencement activities, held on Saturday, May 31, 2025, 17 currently enrolled students, along with some spouses, gathered in the Oak Room at the 4W 43rd campus for an informal celebration luncheon. The purpose of the luncheon was to celebrate the completion of a fruitful Spring semester, as well as honor the students who were planning to graduate later that afternoon. Each student introduced themselves and Mika Deshotel, Associate Dean of Student Life, officially welcomed everyone. She shared about having had the honor of reading through some of the 2025 DMin dissertation summaries on the car ride to the City, and how moved she was by the hard work and dedication of each student. This spurred a natural conversation within the gathering, around Masters’ student theses, doctoral dissertations, and other current research students were engaging in, creating an environment of energy, awe and pride for HJI and the institution’s contribution to wider society. Students concluded the simple gathering more connected to one another and excited to support their fellow colleagues walking in the procession at graduation.
Congratulations to all of the graduates of 2025! We are so proud of you!!
Also, stay tuned for a special edition of the HJI Newsletter featuring the 2025 DMin dissertation summaries!
