Steinbach Bible College is buzzing as students, staff, and families gear up for one of the biggest events of the year, their 2025 graduation celebration.
“This is a big, big weekend for us,” said Dave Reimer, President of SBC. “We kick things off Friday night, at 7 p.m. in our College Chapel with our Spring Showcase."
"That’s where we recognize our one-year certificate grads, give out some awards, and enjoy a concert. Then Saturday is the big one—graduation at 3 p.m. at the Evangelical Free Church here in town. That’s when we celebrate our Associate and Bachelor of Arts grads, followed by a banquet and tribute time. It’s always a special time.”
The end of the school year comes with a mix of feelings for students and staff alike.
Reimer says, “There’s a flurry of exams and assignments right now. But there’s also this sense of, ‘this is it.’ Students are soaking up their last days with the friends they’ve lived and studied with all year, or for the past three years. There’s excitement about grad, but also some emotion about saying goodbye.”
That mix of joy and sadness is something staff feel deeply too, says Reimer.
“As professors and staff, it’s bittersweet. We’re so proud of who these students have become. You see someone come in shy and unsure, and then by spring, they’re leading worship and speaking confidently about their faith. That’s powerful. But it’s also hard, because these students have become like family, and we won’t be living life together in the same way anymore.”
The year hasn’t been without its memorable moments. Students are sure to talk about the unexpected flood in the dorms back in September, which led to a short-lived stay in a hotel, or the unique library and classroom reshuffling as the college began preparing for its upcoming campus changes.
And of course, there were the mission trips: Pursuit in Brazil, and MissionX teams in Winnipeg, northern Manitoba, and even Spain and North Africa.
“These trips are huge highlights,” Reimer said. “They shape our students and their understanding of the world and how they can serve in it.”
As SBC prepares to say goodbye to this year's graduating class, Reimer has a simple but powerful message.
“Our mission at Steinbach Bible College is to empower students to follow Jesus, serve the church, and engage the world. And now, to our grads I say: Go, do it. Make a difference. Bring Jesus into your world and make your circle a better place.”
Reimer adds that this year there are 43 graduates: 21 with a Bachelor of Arts (a three-year degree), five with an Associate of Arts (a two-year program), and 17 with a one-year certificate.
He adds, “We’re sending out these young people to follow Jesus, serve the church, and engage the world. That’s what we’re here for.”
And things are looking bright for SBC, not only are graduation numbers up, but so is enrollment for next year.
“For the fall, we’re already out of space in our women’s dorm. That’s never happened before. We added that dorm in 2012, and it’s never been full until now. We’re working on making more space, so we can keep welcoming new students. It’s exciting.”
Steinbach Bible College 2025 graduation events begin tonight, Friday, at 7:00 p.m. with the Spring Showcase at the College Chapel, and the main graduation ceremony takes place Saturday at 3:00 p.m. at the Emmanuel Evangelical Free Church in Steinbach.