The virtual Awards and Thanksgiving Ceremony on Friday 14th May marked the end of a year like no other at ETS. Although the event, which normally would have taken place in the company of family and friends, had to be once more confined to Zoom and Youtube, serious attempts were made to replicate the real thing.
Speaking live from within the Chalmers Halls at ETS, Iver Martin, ETS Principal, paid tribute to the extraordinary patience and good humour of students as well as the flexibility of staff who had adapted admirably to a completely new set of circumstances. After the awards were read by Prof Bob Akroyd, in his inimitable style, a range of representatives from the student body reflected, humorously and seriously, on the past year, each speaking warmly of their experiences at ETS.
Finally, Iver Martin, reflecting on the theological richness of what appeared to be a simple conversation between Jesus and the Samaritan woman, challenged everyone to make sure that opportunities to share the message of Jesus were not lost.
Thanks to everyone who made the event possible, as well as everyone who contributed to the success of a very difficult year at ETS.
Earlier this month, ETS announced a return to more normal classes as of September 2021. Depending on a continued easing of restrictions, the most likely scenario will be a blended learning arrangement, details of which will be worked out over the forthcoming summer months.