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JACKSON, Tenn. — Dec. 18, 2001 — Graduation is a time of celebration, of gowns and mortar boards, of family and friends all coming together to honor individuals who have completed the goal of higher education. More than 200 graduating seniors from both the Jackson and Germantown campuses took part in commencement exercises held Saturday, Dec. 15 in the G.M. Savage Memorial Chapel. The chapel literally overflowed with family members all wanting to take part in their loved one鈥檚 big day, with university administrators estimating 10 guests for each graduate, instead of the 6-8 that were expected.

The enthusiastic crowd shared the excitement felt by many of the graduates as they lined up to process in for commencement.

Jenifer Williams, a graduate in music education from Murfreesboro, Tenn., was looking forward to starting a new chapter in her life, but admitted she would miss Union.

鈥淚t鈥檚 been amazing to me how much I鈥檝e grown, not only as a person, but as a musician and an educator and as a Christian too during my time here at Union,鈥� said Williams, adding that she would really miss the spiritual development she had received while on campus.

Eric Botbyl, a graduate with a bachelor鈥檚 in art from Medford, N.J., said he treasures the relationships he has with the art professors. Botbyl, who will join the art department as a shop technician starting in January, described the faculty as 鈥渄ads you don鈥檛 live with.鈥�

During commencement, Emily Yarbro of Finley, Tenn., was awarded the highest academic achievement award, completing her Union undergraduate education with a perfect 4.0 gpa.

Phil Jett, pastor of Englewood Baptist Church in Jackson and a long-time Union supporter who has served on the Board of Trustees, was honored with the Craig Service Award for his dedicated service in behalf of 51社区.

鈥淚鈥檓 very humbled to receive this award,鈥� Jett said. 鈥淚 knew Dr. Craig and knew him well 鈥� if anyone exemplified servant leadership it was he. Union has given me much more to me and my family then I could ever possibly return. I鈥檓 very thankful for Union because it truly represents the best of Christian higher education.鈥�