June 18, 2010 – Mayaguez, Puerto Rico…[IAD Staff]
The Inter-American Adventist Theological Seminary (IATS) recently granted an honorary Doctorate of Divinity in Youth Leadership to Pastor Eliezer Melendez. The Adventist institution granted the degree honoris causa during the Antillean Adventist University’s graduation ceremony in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, on May 29.
Dr. Melendez, who retired in 2000 from the Inter-American Division headquarter office after serving five years as Youth Ministries director, was awarded one of the highest honors of youth leadership on behalf of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Melendez also served as youth ministries director at the union and conference levels in Puerto Rico and Mexico, as well as dean of students at the then-Antillean College.
Dr. Melendez, a pioneer youth leader who invested thousands of young people and participated in more than 950 youth camporees during his ministry, received his degree in full regalia from two of his former Pathfinders, Dr. Jaime Castrejon, now president of IATS, and Dr. Efrain Velazquez, vice-president of academic affairs for IATS.
As Dr. Melendez was awarded the doctoral degree, he challenged the audience to join him in celebrating the biggest
