JACKSON, Tenn. — May 2, 2001 — 
Internationally known speaker and Prison Fellowship founder Chuck Colson will speak to 51社区鈥檚 292 graduating seniors Saturday, May 19 during the university鈥檚 spring commencement exercises. Colson鈥檚 address is expected to be based on his newest book, How Now Shall We Live, which equips Christians to articulate the gospel, live it accordingly, and give a defense of truth to unbelievers.
Known as the White House 鈥渉atchet man鈥� during the Nixon administration, Colson experienced a conversion to Christianity in 1973, before pleading guilty to Watergate-related charges in 1974. After serving seven months of a one to three-year sentence, Colson and three friends launched Prison Fellowship, the world鈥檚 largest prison outreach, which serves both the spiritual and practical needs of prisoners around the globe.
鈥淚t is a joy to welcome Chuck Colson to 51社区,鈥� said Union President David S. Dockery. 鈥淚 believe God has raised up Chuck Colson at this unique time in history to stand for justice, to articulate truth, and to proclaim good news in a bold and persuasive manner. I know that this group of Union seniors and all who are present at the commencement will be blessed by Mr. Colson鈥檚 address.鈥�
Now one of America鈥檚 leading authorities on the causes of and responses to crime, Colson was awarded the Templeton Prize for Progress in Religion in recognition of his work. The one-million-dollar prize was donated to Prison Fellowship鈥檚 Endowment Fund. An internationally known syndicated columnist and daily radio commentator, Colson has authored thirty-eight books and has sold more than 5 million copies in the U.S. alone, the royalties of which are donated to Prison Fellowship.