The Commissional Corner: GSOM Alumni and Student Networking Dinner

The Graduate School of Ministry came together to celebrate 15 wonderful years of service to the kingdom of God by hosting our inaugural GSOM Alumni and Student Networking Dinner. Several members of the MAGL family were accompanied by representatives from our other GSOM programs, filling Sadler Hall of Pilgrim Chapel with nearly 200 guests.

Members of the GSOM had fellowship and networked by sharing memories and celebrating the accomplishments of our distinguished student and alumni awardees. Many connections were made among students and alumni, and we cannot wait to see how God continues to be glorified through these new partnerships.

This year, one of our very own MAGL alumni, Rev. Rolando Rodriguez, was presented with the Distinguished Alumni GSOM Award. Rolando served for the past 14 years as the Director for all Hispanic Ministries with Texas Baptists.

As he was presented this award, Dr. Bob Garret shared, "After planting the Erez Church where he currently serves as Pastor, Rolando came back to do a second master's degree in Global Leadership. He completed the degree with a concentration in church planting in 2018."

The way that Rolando advances the kingdom of God is admirable and it all started with a friend named Glen who invited him to church. Once the Gospel seed was planted in Rolando, there was no going back. He was all-in for Christ.

Rolando was chosen to receive the Distinguished Alumni GSOM Award due to his remarkable application of knowledge that he acquired during his time in the MAGL. Dr. Garrett shared that Rolando has planted, "5 new churches out of Erez Church in the last 3 years. Rolando has been using the insights from his studies locally as a pastor here in Dallas, state-wide as staff for Texas Baptists, and globally as an active participant in partnership missions in Mexico and across Latin America."

We are so thankful for Rolando's service to God's kingdom and so proud to call him a MAGL alumnus.