OKLAHOMA—On May 18 on the grounds of Armstrong Auditorium, Herbert W. Armstrong College hosted 319 alumni, faculty and guests for a 25-year reunion. The event included a 20-minute video presentation capturing the history and purpose of the college, an address by the dean of students, toasts and class photos. Throughout the evening, current and former students relived memories from their college experience, shared laughter, and thought about the college’s effect on their lives.

“This 25-year mile marker reminds us that we have now collectively overcome a generational chasm,” registrar Brett Roberts said in his opening comments. He remarked that students who have attended Armstrong College since 2001 and serve the work of God’s Church now fill the gap that existed after the decline and closure of Ambassador College after the death of its founder, Herbert W. Armstrong.

The entire graduation weekend was framed in the context of service to God’s Work. The Friday before the reunion, hundreds attended a memorial service for Andrew Locher, a Philadelphia Church of God evangelist, department head and chief executive officer, with many more watching online. Evangelist Stephen Flurry spoke of Mr. Locher’s dedication in serving God and encouraged those listening to step up and fill his shoes. At Sabbath services the next day, the service was conducted by AC students and alumni, including a split-sermon and an over-100-person choir dressed in purple and black singing, “The Lord Bless You and Keep You,” by John Rutter.

The PCG sponsors Herbert W. Armstrong College. It is funded through voluntary contributions from the members, co-workers and supporters of the Church who care and believe in the college’s mission. “Herbert W. Armstrong College is here to support the Work,” chancellor Gerald Flurry has said, “and we need all of God’s people excited about it so we can publish God’s message to the largest audience possible.”

At the reunion, dean of students Stephen Flurry reminded those in attendance of sobering events surrounding the founding of the college, including the 9/11 terrorist attacks that happened within a few weeks of the start of the first school year in 2001. He also told the story of the German dignitary who was inspired when visiting Ambassador College, founded by Herbert W. Armstrong. Mr. Flurry said, “We’re going to show the world by this college what can be done in this world.”

“If you’re sitting in here today, chances are you’ve had moments in your life … where you thought, I wish I could do more for the Work,” he continued. “That’s good, because as Mr. Armstrong said, our part in the Work is why we’re in this Church.” Mr. Flurry encouraged graduates to return from the reunion and make themselves available, saying, “If you’re really seeking opportunities to give more to the Work, God is going to give you those opportunities.”

Guests watched the video presentation, assembled for a group photo, chatted in the food and drink lines, and listened to comments from current and former college administrators.

“I’d like to raise a toast to one of God’s greatest gifts, and that’s the gift of laughter and a sense of humor,” assistant dean of students Brad Macdonald shared. “College taught many of us how to work, how to think critically, how to pursue success, how to support the Work of God. But the people who thrive in life are often the ones who can still laugh and laugh at themselves.”

Former dean of students Wayne Turgeon thanked the crowd for having “God Family vision” to attend the institution, saying, “Whether it be two years or four years, the whole administration is grateful to each and every one of you.”

Former assistant dean and instructor Eric Burns said he didn’t know of any experience more joyful than teaching someone God’s truth. “It’s exciting,” he said. “It’s energizing to be able to talk about what God has taught us and to help somebody else gather that and understand it and make a change to their lives.”

As the evening progressed, attendees, some of whom traveled from as far away as Australia, continued sharing stories and memories over food, class photos, dancing and corn hole, arguably a crucial activity for any PCG function.

The college first began accepting applications at the end of 2000. “There’s still a lot of unknowns about that college,” chancellor Gerald Flurry said on December 9 of that year. “We’re not sure about the name. … we don’t really yet have any dormitories. We have to think about that. We don’t know really how many students we’re going to accept. We’re not absolutely sure we’ll make it this next year, but I think we will.” The college has graduated 423 students since its inception.

On Aug. 30, 2001, Imperial College of Edmond opened with 10 full-time and four part-time students. For full-time, first-year students, up to 17 credit hours of instruction were available in nine courses: Western Civilization, English Composition, Fundamentals of Speech, Physical Education, Computer Applications, Life and Teachings of Christ, Old Testament Survey, Principles of Living, and Epistles of Paul.

“You ought to leave or stay here with a greater ability to help this Work prophesy again,” chancellor Flurry told incoming students in 2001. “Every single one of you has a role to fill—a job to do. God has brought us here because He needs us to make a contribution.”

The institution was renamed Herbert W. Armstrong College at the end of 2005. It held its only other reunion on Jan. 6, 2016, with about 140 guests. It enters its 26th academic year on August 10.