Family, students and friends filled Alumnae Auditorium on the campus of Judson College in Marion on June 22 for the college’s 175th annual commencement. College President David Potts presided and awarded diplomas to the graduating seniors.
Potts noted that the class of 2013 had distinguished themselves in and out of the classroom. “I know I say this every year, but this is an outstanding group of young women,” Potts said.
“They volunteered personal and community service at record levels. Some 85 percent of these women served in this community or other places in the world.”
Potts noted that the graduates included the college’s first nursing class. Nursing graduates participated in a pinning ceremony earlier in the week and received their Judson College nursing pins — a long tradition symbolizing an invitation into the profession of nursing. Students who received their associate degree in nursing June 22 are eligible to take the National Council for Licensure exam and become certified registered nurses.
University of Mobile President Mark Foley served as commencement speaker and received an honorary doctor of divinity degree from Judson.
‘Citizens of faith’
Foley said his honorary Judson degree was a secret for him until 15 minutes before. “I’m almost speechless, but not quite,” he said with a laugh.
Foley said he’s passionate about two things: following Christ and working for the healing of America.
“We’re citizens of faith, and we baby boomers owe you an apology,” he told the graduates. “We’ve seen our world darken and this is the world we leave to you. This nation was established to honor God and we’ve stopped doing it.”
Foley challenged the graduates to use their influence for Christ. “You’ll take some tactical assignments from Christ in your study, your work and in your marriage,” he said. “All of you are exhorted by Christ to be salt and light for Him in your world. … The question is not ‘if’ but ‘how’ you’ll use your influence.”
Foley urged the graduates to be courageous in using their God-given influence. “I’m excited to see what comes next,” he said.
After conferring student degrees, Potts presented an honorary degree to Mary Sue Bennett, special assistant to the executive secretary-treasurer of the Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions (SBOM). SBOM Executive Director Rick Lance presented a proclamation honoring Bennett from Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley.
Potts presented the national Algernon Sydney Sullivan Non-Student Award to Judson alumna Dorothy Burdeshaw (’51), of Columbus, Miss.
Burdeshaw spent most of her professional career at Mississippi University for Women and was named Mississippi’s “Outstanding Teacher” in 1988. She received Judson’s “Outstanding Alumna Award” in 1981, served as president of the Alumnae Association from 1998–2000 and served on the Board of Advisors for more than 20 years. She more recently became a member of the Judson Development Board.
Heather Howell, of Dora, received the Student Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award; Elizabeth Velazquez, of Smiths, received the Faulkner Award; Katlin Bailey, of Hartselle, received the Scholarship Award for earning the highest academic average in the senior class; and Paula Fendley, of Thomasville, received the Bible Award for outstanding Christian service.
Biology professor Kristopher McConnell was awarded the Lula and Alton Holley Award for Excellence in Classroom Teaching.
(JC)
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