JACKSON, Tenn. — Juleah Carl of Highland, Illinois, transferred to Union to pursue her major in film studies through a lens of faith. One of 221 graduates who received their degrees Dec. 14 during commencement exercises for the university’s 200th graduating class, Carl is thrilled with her choice.
“I have had the absolute best professors, the kindest adviser and made some life-long friends along the way,” she said. “I couldn’t have dreamed this school would play such a phenomenal part in my development not only as a Christian, but simply as a person.”
Jeff Iorg, president and CEO of the Southern Baptist Convention’s (SBC) Executive Committee (EC), delivered the commencement address in G.M. Savage Memorial Chapel on the Union campus, urging graduates to make a lasting impact through consistent, behind-the-scenes service rather than seeking high-profile leadership roles.
“Go change the world, not with a splashy beginning, but instead with a lifetime of steady, faithful service,” Iorg said. “Build your career and contribute to the common good, and at the same time, invest in a church and with ministry leaders who have a vision for kingdom impact. Use your gifts, follow your passion and make a difference over your lifetime in the lives of countless people.”
He encouraged graduates to celebrate the privilege of what they have received from Union University.
“Celebrate your world-class education, the inculcation of your Christian worldview and your inclusion as a vital part of God’s plan in expanding His kingdom around the world,” Iorg said. “Determine to invest your life in making an eternal impact as a Union graduate.”
Another graduate, Byron Cupples, earned his Bachelor of Science degree in nursing through Union’s accelerated program. He has accepted a position with Jackson-Madison County General Hospital, and after passing his board exams, will be a nurse in the emergency department.
Cupples said Union’s program prepared him “more than enough” for this next chapter, and he is grateful for the Christ-centered instruction that has enriched his journey.
Union President Samuel W. “Dub” Oliver, reflected upon the significance of commencement ceremonies in remarks to open the service.
“For as long as communities have existed, significant passages have been marked with ceremony and celebration, such as the tradition for colleges and universities as each graduates its students and sends them out for service and leadership in the world,” he said. “Commencement is a time to celebrate the accomplishments of our graduates. It’s a time to reflect upon the power of relationships that have had such a transformative effect during their time here, and it’s a time to look with hope to the future.”
Union held two separate commencement services, one in the morning for students earning undergraduate degrees, and one in the afternoon for students earning associate degrees, Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership, Memphis College of Urban and Theological Studies and graduate degrees.
Iorg said graduates would be amazed by the results God would bring about in their lives of consistent, faithful service to him.
“Like compounding interest in a retirement account, God compounds the impact of thousands of believers doing millions of small things to advance His kingdom,” he said. “The cumulative impact will be staggering as God produces an increase only His methodology of mass production of small deeds by many hands can accomplish.”
(EDITOR’S NOTE — Tim Ellsworth is associate vice president for university communications at Union University in Jackson, Tenn.)
