Alabama Seventh District Congressman Arthur Davis urged Judson College graduates to “negotiate the paths in front of them” not only with their minds but with their hearts.
Davis spoke at the 165 commencement at the college June 28. Judson President David Potts presided and awarded diplomas to 52 graduating seniors.
Potts noted the class had excellent in and out of the classroom. “This class includes the founders of the Perry County Habitat for Humanity chapter, tutors in schools, participants in the GENEius program benefiting local schools in their science programs, those who helped create the East Perry Community Center and many who have been the hands and feet of Christ through volunteer missions,” he said.
“These young women have chosen the more narrow way in response to the call of Christian service.”
Davis began his address encouraging parents who had persevered along with their daughters. “Though you might at times have thought you and she wouldn’t make it, you didn’t give up,” he said.
Davis said the problems of our society demand that young people keep using their mental faculties. “Your graduation is a signal accomplishment, but you must continue to learn,” he said. “It’s your duty to engage the world. Many in our own state fail to recognize the challenges we face in health care, economics and the barriers between people. These problems demand our best thinking.
“But even though you join the ranks of the educated, it’s no guarantee you’ll join the ranks of the compassionate,” he continued. “I urge you not to lose tough with the challenges of the heart.”
Davis noted the value of the college’s emphasis on faith and urged the graduates to use faith in shaping a world-view of reason and compassion. He named some challenges facing the graduates.
“Some schools in this state fund education at $5,600 per pupil, and some at only $419. There are four countries in this district without a hospital. It’s sad that the single greatest predictor in Alabama of one’s longevity, success and income is the county you’re born in,” he said.
Make a difference
Davis urged Judson graduates to remember their sisters in Perry County who won’t have the opportunity to attend college and whose goal in life is simply to make it through one more day.
“Leave this place today with a sense of the bond you have with those who don’t have what you do, a sense of possibility and the recognition that every single one of you can make a difference in her world,” Davis said.
After conferring degrees, Potts recognized five persons for outstanding accomplishments. Dixie Mahan of Lacey’s Spring received the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award, Megan Pilarczyk of Graceville, Fla., received the J.C. Faulkner Award, Lynette Carson of Jasper, Tenn., received the Bible Award and Emily Miles of Winfield received the Scholarship Award for earning the highest academic average.
Delane Tew, assistant professor of history, received the Lula and Alton Holley Award for Excellence in Classroom Teaching.
(TAB)
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