December 7, 2024
East Texas Baptist University celebrated Commencement on December 7, featuring The Honorable Joe Manchin, United States Senator for West Virginia, as the keynote speaker. The ceremony, held in Baker Chapel of the Rogers Spiritual Life Center, honored the achievements of ETBU's graduating class and inspired attendees with Senator Manchin’s message of leadership, service, and perseverance.
“Today, I was taken on a tour, and I got to see this beautiful campus,” Senator Manchin said. “When I think about East Texas Baptist University and the Tigers, I understand the legacy you all uphold. May the Light on the Hill Never Die is the motto. This is a place of light—a place where you’re cultivating something truly special. You all have a wonderful opportunity to do something great for yourself and your country. When I arrived, I was reminded of how transformative places like this can be for individuals and communities.”
Following the graduation ceremony, Senator Manchin joined community members, faculty, and staff for a luncheon hosted by ETBU in the Great Hall of the Great Commission Center. Attendees enjoyed fellowship and lunch followed by an engaging Q&A with Senator Machin, moderated by ETBU President J. Blair Blackburn. In the Q&A session, Senator Manchin addressed key issues and shared insights from his career in public service. Luncheon guests had the opportunity to pose questions, and the Senator connected with the ETBU community on various topics.
Dr. Blackburn expressed his gratitude for Senator Manchin's participation in the celebration. "Having Senator Manchin with us today exemplifies the values of service and leadership that we strive to instill in our students at ETBU," Dr. J. Blair Blackburn said. "His words of wisdom and his dedication to public service provide an inspiring example for our graduates as they step forward to impact the world for Christ. This occasion reflects the essence of what it means to lead with faith, character, and a commitment to making a difference in the lives of others."
Senator Manchin has represented West Virginia in the United States Senate since November 15, 2010. Senator Manchin grew up in a coal mining community, learning the values of family, fairness, and hard work from his immigrant grandparents, who inspired his commitment to public service. As a former small business owner, state legislator, and six-term Governor of West Virginia, Senator Manchin prioritizes "retail government," focusing on constituent engagement and bipartisan solutions. His legislative efforts emphasize job creation, fiscal responsibility, and a balanced energy policy that integrates environmental and economic needs. Senator Manchin chairs the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee and serves on the Appropriations, Armed Services, and Veterans' Affairs Committees.
“When I think back to my own journey, I never could have imagined where I’d end up,” Senator Manchin said. “Yet, here I am, standing before you, having had the honor of sitting in the Oval Office, one of the most powerful spaces in the world. They had me in there all the time, trying to convince me to do this or that. I'll never forget those moments. It felt surreal—coming from where I did and now sitting there, present for these conversations, with them saying, "Your country needs you."
Manchin continued, “There are three branches of government, and we have to believe in the process and make it work. I ask people, "What did you do for your country today?" But it’s important to realize that we live in a representative democracy. It only works when we all do our part. This country is ours. It’s your country, and you have a responsibility to it.”