Baptist college graduates look to future

From staff reports

About 4,000 graduates walked the stages of schools presently and historically associated with N.C. Baptists this month.

In Boiling Springs, a record number of graduates at Gardner-Webb University (GWU) included the school's first doctoral degrees. Nearly 800 graduates received degrees in two ceremonies on May 8.

A morning ceremony honored candidates for graduation from undergraduate academic departments and the GOAL Program, the university's night school program for working adults. An afternoon ceremony was held for those getting degrees from the GWU's graduate schools, graduate programs, doctoral program, and Bachelor of Science in Nursing program.

Gerald Bontrager of Statesville; Brian Johnson of Knoxville, Tenn.; and Mark Gaskins of Wingate University became GWU's first doctoral graduates, receiving doctor of ministry (D.Min.) degrees. The D.Min. program was launched in 2001 through the GWU School of Divinity.

Danny West, director of the program, said the school is proud of the three graduates.

"They are bright, industrious and each serves in significant roles of ministry," he said. "Their outstanding character and productivity is noteworthy. I can think of no better ambassadors for the School of Divinity and the larger university family than Gerald, Brian and Mark."

At Campbell University in Buies Creek, 734 graduates received degrees at commencement exercises held May 10.

Commencement speaker Edwin Graves Wilson told graduates that their name will become their most prized possession. The longtime professor of British poetry and provost emeritus of Wake Forest University called a name the essence of one's self.

"You are young and vibrant, but your name is already peculiarly and irrevocably your own," he said. "Around your name has already formed a cluster of opinion and evaluation."

Wilson added that people can embody truth.

"The name that is yours becomes the living, breathing person that you are so that when your name is read, it means truth," he said.

U.S. Labor Secretary Elaine Chao spoke to about 275 graduates at Wingate University in Wingate on May 8.

Chao, the first Asian-American woman to ever be appointed to a president's Cabinet, told graduates that the emerging job market will provide unprecedented job opportunities, according to a report in the Monroe Enquirer-Journal. She offered hope to the graduates in their job searches, saying the U.S. has added 1.1 million jobs since August.

An immigrant, Chao talked about what makes America great and unique.

"In America, there are so many ways to achieve your dreams, but in the old countries, there are few paths to success," she said. "No other country has such a tradition of helping those not connected by blood, creed or nationality."

Mars Hill College awarded diplomas to 145 students on May 8.

Following school tradition, two seniors gave commencement addresses.

Amanda Orders of Newton, an elementary education major who graduated summa cum laude with a perfect 4.0 grade point average, and Lee Cope of Old Fort, who received bachelor of arts degrees in sociology and Spanish and graduated magna cum laude, talked about their experiences at Mars Hill.

"One of the best things that Mars Hill College has given to me is the knowledge that I do have a story to tell, that my story is important, and that I have the power to tell my story," Orders said.

Orders said she came to Mars Hill planning to get a degree, move back home to Catawba County, and teach elementary school until she retired.

"My plans to simply get a degree, get a job, and live my life without thinking twice have necessarily changed," she said. "I've learned that the best life is lived by the person who listens actively, boldly pursues the difficult questions that face our world today, and engages him or herself fully, with both mind and spirit.

"So though I now am a little more uncertain as to what my future holds, I consider uncertainty a small price to pay for the gift of learning to be awake, alive and responsive to the little moments that add up to a lifetime."

Cope listed a string of examples of Mars Hill life.

"A very wise psychology professor once told her class that regret is the cancer of life," he said. "I leave today not regretting the things I should have done, but knowing the things I will do in the future. My prayer is that each of my fellow graduates do the same."

G. McLeod "Mac" Bryan, a 1939 graduate of Mars Hill also spoke.

Bryan, who is well known for his work in the civil rights, social justice and higher education arenas, is the author of the book, Voices in the Wilderness: Twentieth Century Prophets Speak to the New Millennium.

Six Chowan College seniors were expected to address about 125 graduates during commencement exercises May 15 on the school's campus green. Students scheduled to speak were Craig Allen Janney of Roanoke, Va.; Danielle Marie Mercilliott of Norfolk, Va.; Jennifer Leigh Courtright of Murfreesboro; Chasity Chenile Vaughan of Murfreesboro; Laura Elizabeth Woods of Colonial Heights, Va.; and Shawn August Meier of Camp Lejeune. The students planned to speak on the topics of academics, honors organizations, campus religious programs, intercollegiate athletics, leadership activities and citizenship.

Continuing a tradition that began with last year's class, graduates were expected to ring the bell at the Susan Parker Kerr Gazebo immediately following the ceremony.

Secretary of State Colin L. Powell was expected to deliver his first commencement address as U.S. Secretary of State during Wake Forest University's May 17 commencement ceremony. Powell was scheduled to address about 1,500 undergraduate and graduate students during the outdoor ceremony on the school's University Plaza, which is also known as the Quad.

About 900 undergraduates and 600 graduate and professional school students were to receive degrees during the ceremony. Each of the university's graduate and professional schools were scheduled to hold private ceremonies on either May 15 or 16 in Wait Chapel where graduating students received their school's hood to wear during the commencement ceremony.

North Carolina Secretary of State Elaine Marshall addressed about 330 graduates of the Meredith College Class of 2004 during the college's commencement ceremony on May 9.

A former member of Meredith's Board of Trustees, Marshall is the first woman to serve as North Carolina's Secretary of State, the first woman elected to a statewide executive branch office in North Carolina, and the first woman ever elected to serve on North Carolina's Council of State. She is a graduate of the Campbell University School of Law, and holds a bachelor of science degree from the University of Maryland.

Marshall told the graduates that doors are open everywhere for each one of them.

"You can be a leader and challenge the status quo," she said. "The road may not be easy ... but each and every one of you is prepared to achieve."

Marshall noted that the class of 2004 is the first to have received their education entirely in the 21st century.

"You graduates own this century," Marshall said. "Everything each of you chooses to do, from casting your vote to choosing where you live, will mold this new century. Your energy, your expertise and your actions will shape the time ahead of us because this is truly your century."