EDMOND—Graduating students and their families attended Herbert W. Armstrong College’s 14th graduation brunch the morning of May 17, along with the college faculty. Thirty-six graduates with 87 family members arrived at the John Amos Field House and entered a “Royal Hall.” Black-tie wait staff escorted them to their seats past large portraits of British royalty. Family, graduates and faculty sat at two 72-foot-long rows of tables covered by white tablecloths and tartan table runners. They conversed and dined for almost two hours with the sound of live classical music filling the room, played by brothers Seth and Ezekiel Malone on the cello and violin.

Sophomore graduate Kaleb Robson said he had an “uplifting, spiritual conversation” with chancellor Gerald Flurry that was “truly inspiring.”

Freshmen and junior men worked as wait staff while the ladies worked late Saturday night and early Sunday morning preparing food to serve the graduates and their families.

Freshman Rachael Grellet said that food services supervisor Dawn Krueger’s dedication is “an inspiration.”

Junior Joel Hudson-Stewart said the brunch allows graduates and families to relax and enjoy the meal, and for the staff, the “hectic environment” of preparation, setup, behind-the-scenes service, and takedown provide great memories and bonding opportunities.