Foundation Academy of Amsterdam Kicks Off New Academic Year with Graduation Ceremony
On September 7, 2024, the Foundation Academy of Amsterdam proudly opened the new academic year with a vibrant graduation ceremony. This special occasion marked both the beginning of another exciting year of learning and the celebration of our students’ achievements.
The event began with an inspiring welcome from Dr. Samuel Lee, founder and president of the Foundation Academy of Amsterdam. Dr. Lee officially opened the program, warmly welcoming the guests, graduates, and faculty, and sharing words of encouragement for the exciting and yet politically and socially challenging year ahead.
Our keynote speaker, Dr. Elise Kant, delivered a powerful address titled “People on the Move Deserve Support, Respect, and Human Rights.” In her speech, she emphasized the struggles faced by migrants and marginalized groups, calling for global compassion and action in defense of human dignity. Her words resonated deeply with the audience and underscored the significance of education in fostering advocacy for the most vulnerable.
The highlight of the ceremony was the awarding of diplomas to our graduates. Students from the School of Integrated Human Rights were celebrated alongside two graduates in Theology and one in Global Studies. Many of the graduates took to the stage to deliver heartfelt speeches, sharing how the Foundation Academy of Amsterdam had empowered, mobilized, and motivated them to become advocates for human rights, justice, and change. Their testimonies were moving, reflecting the profound impact of their education on both their personal and professional journeys.
The deans of each school also spoke, sharing their vision for the academic year
• Dean of the School of Theology, Timothy Thang, highlighted the importance of theology and religious studies in today’s complex world. He spoke about how these fields help foster critical thinking and moral leadership, which are essential in times of uncertainty and division.
• Dean of the School of Global Studies, Rien van der Toorn, discussed the interdisciplinary nature of the academy’s programs, stressing the value of integrating various fields to understand and address global challenges. He encouraged students to remain engaged in finding solutions to issues that affect communities worldwide.
• Dean of the School of Integrated Human Rights, Jille Belisario, reinforced the importance of studying human rights, explaining how vital this knowledge is for shaping future leaders and advocates. She spoke about the pressing need to defend the rights of the marginalized and how the academy’s programs equip students to do just that.