Family, students and friends filled Alumnae Auditorium on the campus of Judson College in Marion on June 23 for the college’s 174th annual commencement.
Judson College President David Potts presided and awarded diplomas to the graduating seniors and noted that the class of 2012 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. “Not only has this class excelled academically, but this group has served in remarkable numbers. A record 85 percent of this class has engaged in outreach, ministry and service-learning.”
Andrew Westmoreland, president of Samford University in Birmingham, served as commencement speaker.
Westmoreland laughingly called himself a “bona fide commencement professional” since he had participated in some 85 commencement ceremonies, noting that most of the addresses he had heard or delivered himself had been unremarkable.
“Though I’m not a Baptist preacher, I want to give you three simple ideas today,” Westmoreland said. “They are simple enough to remember but important enough to build a joyous life.”
“First,” he said, “you must look up to Christ.” Westmoreland noted the Judson graduates had the advantage of a Christ-centered education that, he said, was endangered in a secular world. “You’ve been taught to honor God,” he said. “This is primary in life.”
Second Westmoreland exhorted his audience to “look down,” noting that the students must “stay grounded” and never forget who they are.
Third Westmoreland urged the class to “look all around.”
“You must see, feel and reach a world crying out for help,” he said. “The world can be across the globe or it can be next door. This class has done a good job in reaching out to others.”
Westmoreland singled out four graduates for recognition, asking them to stand as he gave accounts of their particular areas of service.
After conferring student degrees, Potts presented an honorary degree to Judson alumna Elouise Wilkins Williams, of Birmingham.
Potts presented the national Algernon Sydney Sullivan Non-Student Award to Westmoreland, noting Samford’s outreach in Perry County and Westmoreland’s leadership in encouraging more state Baptist convention funds to go to Judson and the University of Mobile.
Bethany Rush, of Thomasville, received the Sullivan Student Award.
Laney Jolley, of Hartselle, received the J.C. Faulkner Award, and Molly Beasley, of Cottonwood, received the Bible Award for outstanding Christian service.
Audra Kennedy, of Morris, won the Scholarship Award for having the highest academic average in her class — a perfect 4.0.
Psychology professor Harold Arnold was awarded the Lula and Alton Holley Award for Excellence in Classroom Teaching.
(JC)
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