Samford University in Birmingham graduated about 800 students during a series of six Commencement exercises in May.
The majority of the Class of 2009 received diplomas May 16 in Pete Hanna Center, when degrees were awarded in Samford’s School of the Arts, Howard College of Arts and Sciences and Orlean Bullard Beeson School of Education and Professional Studies.
Exercises for Brock School of Business, Ida V. Moffett School of Nursing and McWhorter School of Pharmacy were held May 15. Cumberland School of Law held graduation May 16 and Beeson Divinity School held its service May 6.
Samford President Andrew Westmoreland presided at the May 16 event attended by more than 5,000 family and friends of graduates.
“In the rich fabric of Samford history, your class is significant for many reasons, most of them having to do with your considerable accomplishments,” Westmoreland told the graduates.
Sharing some thoughts from a former Samford president, Westmoreland noted that the class of 2009 was the last to enter Samford under his predecessor, Thomas E. Corts, who died in February. The class started in the fall of 2005, and Corts retired in the spring of 2006.
Quoting Corts on the subject of Samford, Westmoreland said, “Participating in a university is like being in a relay race — our generation has the baton for a few laps, and then we hand off to another.
“That is the best way the Lord’s work gets done. … It has taken many generations for Samford to become a thriving, strong private university. We cannot allow it to slip in our time.”
Westmoreland reminded the graduates that their future was bright in part because of the influence of Corts on Samford.
“Count it a blessing that you knew this man, even if for one short season of your lives,” he said.
Samford awarded its top senior awards at the close of the program. The President’s Cup — the valedictorian award for the highest academic average — went to two students, Carole Leigh Miller of Snellville, Ga., and Halley Lauren Morris of Columbus, Ga.
The Velma Wright Irons Award for the second highest average — the salutatorian award — went to Brittany Renee Stancombe of Clarksville, Tenn.
Richard Andrew “Andy” Farmer of Fort Payne received the John C. Pittman Spirit Award. The award honors a graduating senior who most completely exhibits a serious commitment to being a student, a devout commitment to Christ, a healthful regard for one’s body and an involvement in student life and attendance at activities. Farmer is a member of Vestavia Hills Baptist Church and a former member of First Baptist Church, Fort Payne.
Four retiring faculty members and an administrator were recognized: English professor Charles Workman, chemistry professor James Haggard, teacher education professor Carol Dean, communication arts professor Amanda Borden and vice president and dean of students Richard Franklin. All retire at the end of this academic year.
At Baccalaureate services May 15, four speakers shared thoughts on scholarship, friendship and faith. Presenters were graduating seniors Andy Farmer and Jeanne Cross, assistant football coach Chris Brasfield and Brock School of Business professor Betsy Holloway. (SU)
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