PARSONS NATIVE RECEIVES DOCTOR OF HUMANICS
Jackson, Tenn. — 51ÉçÇø honored West Tennessee business leader James W. Ayers with the doctor of humanics during its spring 1998 graduation ceremony, May 30. The university graduated 336 students. Approximately 4,500 people attended.
"Honoring Ayers with the doctor of humanics is our way of thanking him for his gracious contributions to higher education. Ayers' leadership on Union's Board of Trustees, his insight to developing our Campus Master Plan, his recruiting efforts and his help in involving Decatur County churches and leaders in Union life has made him more than deserving of this special award," Union President David S. Dockery said.
The West Tennessee business leader is chairman of the board at First Bank and at American Health Centers. Ayers is a member of Union's Board of Trustees. Ayers' recent gift of $2.1 million is the second largest in the university's history.
National education leader Robert Andringa, president of the Coalition for Christian Colleges and Universities, delivered the commencement address.
Andringa has been involved in education on the national level for two decades. Before becoming CCCU president in 1994, Andringa served as staff director for the Committee on Education and Labor in the U.S. House of Representatives and as the executive director of the Education Commission of the States.
Dr. Philip Jett led the baccalaureate service in Union's G.M. Savage Memorial Chapel. Jett is the pastor of Englewood Baptist Church.
For more information about Union's graduation ceremonies, please contact Nedra Kanavel at (901) 661-5215 or news@uu.edu.
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