Point Graduates December Class of 2016
Last weekend, Point University graduated more than 120 students in two commencement ceremonies with associate of arts, bachelor of science and bachelor of arts degrees. On Friday, December 9, at Lakeview Baptist Church in Auburn, Ala., approximately 70 traditional students from West Point and Birmingham site locations walked across the stage to accept their diploma. Christopher Woody, psychology graduate, received the Hathcock Award, Point’s highest honor for graduates. The Hathcock award recognizes an outstanding student who has excelled in academics, leadership and community service while at Point. Woody intends to pursue his doctoral degree in clinical psychology.
On Saturday, December 10, at Crossroads Church in Sharpsburg, around 50 graduates from the College of Graduate and Professional Studies (CGPS) finally moved their tassels to the left. Lauren Blake, organizational leadership graduate and Fulton County school system employee, received the CGPS Hathcock Award. Blake intends to use her degree to better serve the parents, children and coworkers in school administration.
Mary Frances Bowley spoke at both ceremonies, inspiring graduates to pursue God over all their endeavors. Bowley is the executive director of Wellspring Living, an organization fighting childhood sexual abuse and exploitation since 2001, and is author of numerous books.
Bowley shared her personal journey to find God’s calling on her life—how God moved her from being a kindergarten teacher to an advocate for exploited women and children. She believes that God used her 15 years in the classroom to prepare her for how she serves him now.
“Give all you have where you are now,” challenged Bowley, “Because God is using that current situation to prepare you for the next thing he has for you.”
Bowley told graduates that as they walk closely with God daily, they will learn more about him and his plans for them. She reminded them, that more than a diploma or career, their relationship with God is their ultimate reward.
President Dean Collins proudly commended the 120 graduates as the next group of Christian leaders prepared by Point to take the cross wherever they go.