CLASS OF 2017
Last weekend, Point University graduated 170 students in two commencement ceremonies with associate of arts, bachelor of science, bachelor of business administration and bachelor of arts degrees. On Friday, May 12, at Lakeview Baptist Church in Auburn, Alabama, traditional students from West Point and Birmingham site locations walked across the stage to accept their diploma. On Saturday, May 13, at Crossroads Church in Sharpsburg, graduates from the College of Graduate and Professional Studies (CGPS) finally moved their tassels to the left.
At each graduation, President Dean Collins presented the highest honor for a Point graduate, the Hathcock Award, which recognizes an outstanding student who has excelled in academics, leadership and community service while at Point. Mollie Burt, exercise science major, was presented the Hathcock award on Friday. Mollie will start the Doctorate of Physical Therapy program at Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama, this summer. Saturday, Ashley Chung received the Hathcock award. Ashley plans to pursue her graduate degree from seminary in the fall.
Dee Ann Turner—vice president, enterprise social responsibility, for Chick-fil-A, Inc.—spoke at both ceremonies, imparting pieces of wisdom she has learned throughout her story to help students as they continue their stories.
Turner presented to truths she believes made the difference in her life and career: “Believe that God always has a plan, and see to it that no on misses the grace of God.” She shared moments in her life where God showed her how he was at work even when she could not see it to bring about his plan, and how she gets to be part of his plan to bring his grace to those around her.
“People always need saving grace for eternity from God,” Turner challenged, “but, sometimes they need amazing grace for the moment from you.”
In addition to Turner, Wye Huxford, vice president of spiritual formation and dean of chapel, spoke a tribute to Point alumnus and director of safety and security Fred Berkeley. Berkeley, who died suddenly of a heart attack this past February, was beloved by faculty, staff and students. After giving a moving eulogy, Huxford led the congregations in a moment of silence to remember the impact of Berkeley on the Point community.
Collins proudly commended the graduates as the next group of Christian leaders prepared by Point to take the cross wherever they go.
View photos and videos from Commencement.
