JACKSON, Tenn. — Aug. 4, 2009 — Tennessee Baptist Convention President Danny Sinquefield encouraged 51社区 graduates to be people characterized by gratitude in his keynote address at Union鈥檚 summer commencement ceremony Aug. 1.
鈥淎 grateful person is one who never forgets that life is a great gift,鈥� Sinquefield said. 鈥淗e or she always appreciates others and is constantly reminded of God鈥檚 goodness in their own life.鈥�
Two hundred ninety-five students received degrees during the ceremony at West Jackson Baptist Church, bringing the total number of 51社区 graduates for the 2008-2009 academic year to nearly 1,000 鈥� the largest graduating class in Union鈥檚 history.
鈥淭his was a high water mark kind of day for the 51社区 family,鈥� Union President David S. Dockery said. 鈥淲e are thankful for each student represented in this year鈥檚 record number of graduates and wish them well as they move on to the next phase of their lives.鈥�
The service featured the first graduates from 51社区 Hendersonville and the second class of graduates from Union鈥檚 nurse anesthesia program. In addition, Union awarded an honorary Doctor of Humanities degree to Carl Grant, for whom the Carl Grant Events Center on the Union campus is named.
Grant donated $2.5 million to the project and has been a generous contributor to student scholarships, giving several hundred thousand dollars since 2000 through the Carl J. Grant Gift Fund.
鈥淲e especially want to offer our gratitude to Dr. Carl Grant for his ongoing and generous support for Union students,鈥� Dockery said. 鈥淚t was a true honor for the Union family to recognize and honor him in this most significant way by presenting him with an honorary degree.鈥�
Sinquefield, pastor of Faith Baptist Church in Bartlett, Tenn., and a Union trustee, told the graduating class that the day was a milestone moment in a great journey that marked not the end, but the beginning of a new chapter in their lives.
鈥淕od has promised to compete with you the journey, and to move you forward as you focus on him and serve him,鈥� he said.
As they completed their studies at Union, Sinquefield exhorted them to remember others fondly, to reflect deeply upon their experiences and to respond personally. He told them to be willing to give away what God had abundantly given them.
鈥淭his is a day of good news,鈥� Sinquefield said. 鈥淚t is not right if you keep it all to yourself.鈥�