IBS Commencement Honors Its Largest Class of Graduates

The Institute of Buddhist Studies (IBS) held a milestone commencement on May 17 — honoring the largest graduating class in its history.

In all, there were 28 graduates in the class of 2024, eight individuals who were awarded master’s degrees and 20 people who completed certificate programs.

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Dean of Students Dr. Scott Mitchell noted that when he graduated IBS, there were only two others who graduated. 

This year, the Kodo was packed with students, families and friends, and the celebratory energy was palpable. Cheers erupted when Dr. Mitchell read the names and degrees of graduating students. 

Rev. Dr. Daijaku Kinst delivered the commencement address, focusing on how Buddhist principles intersect with academic learning.

Following Kinst’s commencement address and a brief speech by Graduate Theological Union (GTU) Dean Dr. Jennifer Davidson, Dr. Mitchell acknowledged the 2024 graduates, and conferred degrees and certificates to the following students:

2024 Degree Graduates

Ryūki Tom Hawkins, Master of Divinity

Josefina McAuliffe-Rocha, Master of Divinity

Vincent Moore, Master of Arts in Buddhist Studies

Hakushō Johan Ostlund, Master of Divinity

David R. Pating, Master of Divinity

Yu-Ting Wang (Miao Jie), GTU Master of Arts

Robyn Shadow Wilf, GTU Master of Arts

Landon Yamaoka, Master of Divinity

2024 Certificate in Buddhist Studies

Anthony W. Baker

Dante Kapea Hirata Epstein

Joshua Morris

Edward Alan Sobenes

Michael Dean Taylor

2024 Certificate in Shin Buddhist Studies

David Black

York Sterling Aragorn Davenport

Roland Ikuta

Laverne Shidou Imori

Igor Makasyuk

Stacy Reardon

Maiko Joanne Tanaka

Marrie Yamashita

Tsutomu T. Yamashita

2024 Certificate in Soto Zen Buddhist Studies

Inoshi Denisen

Lorenzo Garbo

Amanda Kairys

Vincent Moore

Brian M. Pilgrim

Dennis Christopher Sarni

Following the ceremony, attendees gathered in the lobby for a reception as well as in the newly opened Jodo Shinshu Center Community Room, the former BCA Bookstore area.