JACKSON, Tenn. — May 25, 2001 — Union鈥檚 296 graduating seniors for the May 2001 commencement exercises enjoyed good weather and a memory in the making as they processed to the East Lawn where graduation ceremonies were held last weekend.
More than 5000 friends, family, faculty, staff and administration joined the graduates in listening to Chuck Colson, former White House special counsel to the Nixon administration and founder of Prison Fellowship, as he gave the commencement address. Graduates eagerly walked across the stage to receive their diploma from 51社区 President David S. Dockery, much to the pride and joy of family in attendance. Some students were apparently also relieved, as one graduate, upon receiving her diploma, shouted out 鈥淚t鈥檚 over!鈥� much to the amusement of the audience.
Husband and wife David and Kara DeLaughter both graduated this year, he in business and she in nursing. Both missionary kids from Africa, the couple point to special faculty members who were a great source of encouragement during their time in school, particularly Darrin White, an associate professor of marketing in the McAfee School of Business.
鈥淒r. White is probably one of my best friends,鈥� said David. 鈥淗e鈥檚 been instrumental in helping me get through school. I had 3 陆 years to graduate when I got here because I wanted to graduate with Kara, but when I transferred, hardly any of my credits transferred with me, so he was able to help me work out a schedule so I could graduate on time.鈥�
Felecia Rogan, a single mom who鈥檚 degree is in psychology, also agrees that Union faculty are especially helpful.
鈥淭he faculty really worked with me,鈥� said Rogan, who would spend many nights putting her four-year old daughter to bed before she could study for her classes. 鈥淥nce I had a test when my little girl was sick, and they allowed me to take the test at a later time. It鈥檚 a real encouragement to have people support you like that.鈥�
More than 600 Union students will graduate this year in ceremonies held in December, May and one to occur in August.