May 2, 2015
MARSHALL NEWS MESSENGER (5/3/15) - East Texas Baptist University celebrated its graduates as they prepared for the next stage in their life during spring commencement Saturday.
Held in Baker Auditorium of the Ornelas Spiritual Life Center, graduates heard inspiring words from ETBU administration before embarking on life after college.
"Students, graduates of East Texas Baptist University, congratulations to you on the completion of your educational journey," president-elect J. Blair Blackburn said. "The earning of your degree is a remarkable achievement but the journey for lifelong learning and discovery does not end with the awarding of your degrees."
A total of 126 degrees were awarded - 111 bachelor's degrees and 15 master's degrees between two separate ceremonies.
President of 21st Century Wilberforce Initiative Randel Everett was the keynote speaker.
"For those of us who think we have a roadmap for our lives, it may make some unusual and unexpected curves from time to time," he said. "But I do want you to know this, I believe in all my heart that God has a kingdom assignment for you."
He spoke of the time he's spent abroad addressing religious freedom in other countries and also addressing the issue and America's nonexistent role when it came to religious freedom abroad with top political figures and presidential candidates.
Everett founded the 21st Century Wilberforce Initiative.
"In the 19th century, William Wilberforce led a slave abolition movement with great purpose and intentionality, and his work sparked revival," its website reads. "The 21st Century Wilberforce Initiative follows his model of theologically-rooted activism to stand with the persecuted and actively seek restoration of human dignity."
In a special presentation by interim ETBU president Lawrence Ressler, he presented retiring education dean Donna Dooley with a medallion for being a Professor of Distinction and Brittney Garner was given the Presidential Award for her time and educational success at ETBU.
(Used by permission www.marshallnewsmessenger.com. Story by reporter Naomi Prioleau)