On Saturday, August 15, Next Dimension University (NDU) held its star-studded commencement and award ceremony at the West Angeles Cathedral in Los Angeles to celebrate a host of honorees and students who have committed their lives to a work in ministry.
The honorees included recording artists Fred Hammond, Yolanda Adams, Hezekiah Walker, Judy Jacobs and Dr. Clarence McClendon, all of which received honorary doctorate degrees for their God-given talents and service to the community.
The graduation ceremony was free to the public and offered exciting musical selections from gospel favorites, where the lively audience sang along and worshiped on one accord. The day also featured poignant speakers such as the Rev. Dr. Cecil Murray and Dr. Jack Hayford, who both inspired the crowd.
Pastor Michael Barrett, who formerly spent 18 years in federal prison and is now an author and mentor in the Los Angeles community, received the “Person on the Rise” award and shared his thoughts on NDU.
“I personally have had the opportunity to meet Dr. McLeod and I know his passion for the Body of Christ,” Barrett said. “It’s all kingdom work, so for me, it’s very important to have someone to reach out to. We don’t have to go far away from home to get that biblical education, and because of the times we are living in, the biblical education is really what’s going to last,” Barrett added.
Other awards presented by NDU Chancellor Dr. Joel McLeod included the “Distinguished Men” and “Distinguished Women” awards, where Apostle Frederick K.C. Price, Randall Cunningham, Dr. Joyce Haddon and the Rev. Omarosa Manigault were honored.
Next Dimension University is a fully accredited Bible college that offers associate to doctorate degrees for students pursuing a ministerial career. The college also offers biblical counseling, career fields, drug and alcohol and school of prayer courses.
