University of Mobile (UMobile) President Mark Foley challenged graduates to hold tightly to what they believe amid a changing American culture.
“What is it in which you believe?” he asked. “What is it to which you hold so tightly that you will not be shaken from it?
“It is Jesus, for there is no greatness apart from Him,” Foley answered during the university’s 49th commencement ceremony May 9. Families and friends of graduates gathered at the Mobile Civic Center to see approximately 370 diplomas awarded.
Preparing men, women
Foley said the university prepares men and women who have mastered a body of knowledge according to the degree they seek, who know what they believe and why they believe it and who possess the willingness and skill to use their influence in appropriate and effective ways to change the world in which they live and work.
The university presented its top two awards to the outstanding male and female graduate selected by vote of the faculty.
Both awards are presented to graduates who exemplify the mission of the university and selection is based on scholarship, Christian character, leadership and service.
The Annie Boyd Parker Weaver Excellence Award was presented to Danielle Rae Standifer, of Chattanooga, Tenn., who graduated summa cum laude from the College of Arts and Sciences with a bachelor’s degree in English and humanities.
Standifer served as president of Sigma Tau Delta, published poetry, tutored French and English in the school’s Chora Godwin Learning and Writing Center and taught Freshman Seminar.
The William K. Weaver Jr. Excellence Award was presented to Joel E. King, of Auburn, who graduated cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in music.
King is an avid worship leader, singer and actor who has held important student leadership positions at the university, including as a resident assistant and as president of the Student Government Association. He has been minister of music at First Baptist Church, Chickasaw, throughout his tenure as a student.
He has participated in several UMobile operatic presentations and was a member of Chamber Singers, The 12 Men of UM and University Singers. Additional academic awards were presented during the Honors Convocation on May 8.
(UMobile)
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