Photo: A close-up of Raya Hazini’s custom-made stole, which features the logos of both the Wilmette Institute and the Graduate Theological Union, and a short quote from the Bahá’í Writings: “Let your vision be world embracing.”
by Wilmette Institute
On May 9, 2024, the Wilmette Institute (WI) celebrated its first Bahá’í graduate, Raya Hazini, who received her Master of Arts in Interreligious Studies from the Graduate Theological Union (GTU). The momentous occasion was attended by Dr. Chitra Golestani, GTU Consortial Faculty and WI Associate Director, along with other esteemed faculty members, Dean, and President, who all gathered to honor this significant achievement.
The commencement ceremony began with a vibrant and energetic procession, where graduates made their entrance to the rhythmic beats of African drummers. The lively drumming created a festive atmosphere, as faculty members lined up on both sides, forming a perfect corridor for the graduates to enter. The graduates were cheered and applauded by the faculty and audience alike, setting an enthusiastic tone for the event.
Photo: GTU Faculty members Dr. Kamal Abu Shamsieh and Dr. Golestani congratulate Raya Hazini at the reception.
The ceremony officially commenced with an invocation from Raya Hazini, who shared a heartfelt prayer from the Bahá’í Writings. This invocation set a reflective mood for the proceedings, bringing a sense of unity and gratitude to the gathering.
Throughout the ceremony, there were several inspirational speeches delivered by faculty and graduate students that moved the hearts of the audience. These speeches highlighted the dedication, perseverance, and achievements of the graduates, emphasizing the transformative impact of their educational journey. One doctoral student shared that he had an epiphany when his school-aged son asked, “Now that you are a doctor, how many people have you helped?” This new Ph.D. graduate emphasized that his dissertation was not limited to exploring a topic he had dedicated years to studying, but the purpose of his scholarship is service to others.
Many students received their Master of Arts degrees, marking the culmination of their hard work and scholarly endeavors. The Doctoral graduates stood out with their intriguing dissertations, which were guided by their dedicated advisers. These dissertations reflected a wide range of fascinating research topics and demonstrated the high academic standards upheld by the GTU.
Following the formal ceremony, a reception was held where Raya Hazini liberally shared her thesis, “A Historical Examination of 19th Century Persia: Women’s Role in the Emergence of the Bábi and Baháʼí Faith, The life and leadership of Fatima Baraghani (Tahirih)” in numerous conversations with a wide range of attendees. This provided an opportunity for graduates, faculty, and guests to mingle, exchange ideas, and celebrate the accomplishments of the new graduates.
The celebration was a day filled with joy and hope for collaboration between people of diverse religious, cultural, racial and ethnic backgrounds leaving a lasting impression on all who attended.
