JACKSON, Tenn. — Nov. 16, 2004 — Rear Admiral Barry C. Black (Ret.), the 62nd chaplain of the U.S. Senate, will address graduates during 51社区鈥檚 commencement ceremony Dec. 18 at 11 a.m. at West Jackson Baptist Church.
The December graduation will be Union鈥檚 largest since it began the fall graduation ceremony in 1997, as 275 students will receive degrees. Last December, 242 students graduated from Union.
鈥淐haplain Barry Black is an incredibly eloquent speaker who will challenge Union graduates and the guests who will be on campus that day,鈥� Union president David Dockery said. 鈥淚t will be a delight to have him here with us for this special day on our campus.鈥�
Black began his work in the Senate in 2003. He served in the U.S. Navy for more than 27 years and ended his career as the Chief of Navy Chaplains.
He is a graduate of Oakwood College, Andrews University, North Carolina Central University, Eastern Baptist Seminary, Salve Regina University and United States International University.
Black鈥檚 personal decorations, as Rear Admiral, included the Navy Distinguished Service Medal, the Legion of Merit Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal (two medals), Meritorious Service Medals (two awards), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals (two awards) and numerous other unit and service medals.
He was chosen for the 1995 NAACP Renowned Service Award for his personal contributions to civil rights and equal opportunity. The Morehouse School of Religion presented him in 2002 with the Benjamin Elijah Mays Distinguished Leadership Award.
A native of Baltimore, Md., Black and his wife Brenda have three children: Barry, Brendan and Bradford.