On September 18, 2026, representatives from the OTCS Orlando Campus attended Olivet University’s (OU) 2026-2027 Convocation in St. Louis, Missouri. The gathering held historic significance as the university’s first Convocation held in St. Louis since relocating its main campus to Missouri, marking a momentous new chapter for the entire university network.
The Convocation provided an opportunity for students, faculty, university leaders, and distinguished guests to dedicate the new academic year to God through worship, prayer, and fellowship. OU President Dr. Jonathan Park served as Master of Ceremonies, welcoming attendees to this new era in the university’s history.
The service opened with a faculty processional and an opening song, “Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing,” led by Dr. Lee, followed by an invocation prayer by Dr. Merril Smoak. The Olivet University Choir presented a moving performance of “Total Praise.” Among the special guests, Missouri State Senator Brian Williams offered warm welcome remarks, celebrating Olivet’s establishment in its new home state. Additional congratulatory messages were shared by Board Chairman Dr. Nathanael Tran, World Olivet Assembly President Rev. David Chang, and Olivet Assembly U.S.A. General Secretary Rev. Mark Spisak, along with a video greeting from Asia Evangelical Alliance’s Rev. Dr. Anton Tarigan. M.Div. student Vashni Boamah also encouraged her fellow peers.
The Convocation Address was delivered by Dr. Joseph Ray Tallman of the Zinzendorf School of Doctoral Studies, who exhorted students to seek wisdom from God and let the light of Jesus shine through their lives. The landmark ceremony concluded with the hymn “Christ for the Whole Wide World” and a benediction from Dr. Donald Tinder.
For the OTCS Orlando Campus, participating in this historic moment brought renewed grace, strength, and spiritual vision for the upcoming year. The campus community expressed deep faith that this new academic year will be a time when the great potential of Olivet University is revealed and remarkable growth, development, and advancement take place on many fronts.
Returning with gratitude for the university’s leadership and dedicated service, the OTCS Orlando Campus looks forward with joyful expectation to a fruit-bearing academic year.