On Saturday, May 5, Point University graduated 126 students at Crossroads Church in Sharpsburg, Georgia. Students from the University’s traditional and adult-degree programs — including those who sat in class in West Point and those who earned a degree online — were awarded associate and bachelor’s degrees. Point awarded two students with the Hathcock Award, Point’s highest honor that recognizes outstanding students who have excelled in academics, leadership and community service while at Point. Students earning that distinction were Dylan Moore, of West Point, Georgia, and Eva Cooper, of Pooler, Georgia.
President Dean Collins began the commencement noting that the Class of 2018 experienced several milestones while at Point University. Among them were the first athletic teams to win NAIA conference tournaments and go to national tournaments, and the first class to send a marching band to a national competition. This class also saw the retirement of beloved biblical studies professor, Dr. Steve Hooks ’69, who was present on stage for the day’s celebration. Collins remarked that the class also experienced enormous grief as it lost two of its members, A.J. Houston and Tariq Morris, while they were students at the University.
On hand to propel students into the next stage of their life’s journey was Leonard Phillips, who has garnered expertise in working for large corporations such as The Coca-Cola Company, Georgia-Pacific and Motorola. His passion for God and the church has been expressed in his service throughout the metro-Atlanta community, where his steadfast commitment to pastors and churches has been evident for more than 20 years. Phillips recently joined Point as vice president of church and business partnerships.
Phillips spoke of how the Word of God has impacted his life and encouraged students to look at success from God’s perspective.
“Scripture changed my life, the way I think, and is practical, powerful and packed with principles for everyday living.”
He also noted that obtaining a college degree is not only valuable to the graduate, but it is a mark of great pride for an entire family. Phillips proudly commended the 126 Point graduates as they continue the University’s mission and take the cross to the marketplace, into ministry and the mission field, and to all of life.
View photos from graduation weekend on Flickr.
