JACKSON, Tenn. — Dec. 14, 2002 — The December air was chilly outside but hearts and smiles were warm as 51社区 seniors walked across the stage at West Jackson Baptist Church, Saturday, Dec. 14 to receive their diplomas from Union President David S. Dockery. Approximately 210 students graduated on Saturday, with one of the largest crowds in attendance for a winter graduation, requiring the necessary move to the auditorium at West Jackson.
Preceding the graduation ceremony, a brunch for the graduates was held on Union鈥檚 campus where faculty, students and families mingled and shared last-minute best wishes. Raymond and Ann Boston, longtime supporters of the university as well as alums, were honored by Union with the Craig Service Award for their faithful service to the university.
鈥淩aymond and Ann Boston have been models of faithful alumni service to the university,鈥� said Union President David S. Dockery. 鈥淭hey have volunteered their time, encouraged students to attend, given of their gifts, and represented the university well by serving West Tennessee Baptist churches for over 40 years.鈥�
The featured speaker at this year鈥檚 graduation event was O. S. Hawkins, president and chief executive officer of the Southern Baptist Convention Annuity Board, who encouraged the graduates toward a life of faithfulness.
Hawkins, a native of Texas, holds degrees from Texas Christian University and from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.
鈥淭oday was a fitting conclusion to a great semester,鈥� said Dockery. 鈥淒r. Hawkins鈥� words and the excitement among these 200-plus graduates and their families is satisfying to behold. We thank God for His ongoing goodness to 51社区.鈥�