JACKSON, Tenn. — Dec. 14, 2024 — Juleah Carl, of Highland, Illinois, transferred to Union to pursue her major in film studies through a lens of faith. One of 221 graduates who received their degrees Dec. 14 during commencement exercises for the university鈥檚 200th graduating class, Carl is thrilled with her choice.
鈥淚 have had the absolute best professors, the kindest adviser and made some life-long friends along the way,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 couldn鈥檛 have dreamed this school would play such a phenomenal part in my development not only as a Christian, but simply as a person.鈥�
Another graduate, Byron Cupples, earned his Bachelor of Science degree in nursing through Union鈥檚 accelerated program. He has accepted a position with Jackson-Madison County General Hospital, and after passing his board exams, will be a nurse in the emergency department.
Cupples said Union鈥檚 program prepared him 鈥渕ore than enough鈥� for this next chapter, and he is grateful for the Christ-centered instruction that has enriched his journey. Union President Samuel W. 鈥淒ub鈥� Oliver, reflected upon the significance of commencement ceremonies in remarks to open the service.
鈥淔or as long as communities have existed, significant passages have been marked with ceremony and celebration, such as the tradition for colleges and universities as each graduates its students and sends them out for service and leadership in the world,鈥� he said. 鈥淐ommencement is a time to celebrate the accomplishments of our graduates. It鈥檚 a time to reflect upon the power of relationships that have had such a transformative effect during their time here, and it鈥檚 a time to look with hope to the future.鈥�
Union held two separate commencement services, one in the morning for students earning undergraduate degrees, and one in the afternoon for students earning associate, Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership, Memphis College of Urban and Theological Studies and graduate degrees.
Jeff Iorg, president and CEO of the Southern Baptist Convention鈥檚 Executive Committee, delivered the commencement address in G.M. Savage Memorial Chapel on the Union campus, urging graduates to make a lasting impact through consistent, behind-the-scenes service rather than seeking high-profile leadership roles.
鈥淕o change the world, not with a splashy beginning, but instead with a lifetime of steady, faithful service,鈥� Iorg said. 鈥淏uild your career and contribute to the common good, and at the same time, invest in a church and with ministry leaders who have a vision for kingdom impact. Use your gifts, follow your passion and make a difference over your lifetime in the lives of countless people.鈥�
He encouraged graduates to celebrate the privilege of what they have received from 51社区.
鈥淐elebrate your world-class education, the inculcation of your Christian worldview and your inclusion as a vital part of God鈥檚 plan in expanding his kingdom around the world,鈥� Iorg said. 鈥淒etermine to invest your life in making an eternal impact as a Union graduate.鈥�
Iorg said graduates would be amazed by the results God would bring about in their lives of consistent, faithful service to him.
鈥淟ike compounding interest in a retirement account, God compounds the impact of thousands of believers doing millions of small things to advance his kingdom,鈥� he said. 鈥淭he cumulative impact will be staggering as God produces an increase only his methodology of mass production of small deeds by many hands can accomplish.鈥�
