JACKSON, Tenn. — Aug. 9, 2005 — More than 250 Union University students received degrees Saturday, Aug. 8, as part of Union’s summer graduation ceremony at West Jackson Baptist Church.
The 254 graduates bring Union’s total number of graduates for the 2004-2005 academic year to 918, the highest total ever for the university.
“This special ceremony was a fitting conclusion to a record-breaking year,” Union University President David S. Dockery said.
He told the graduates, “We pray that today’s recognition will encourage you toward a lifetime of service and achievement.”
Most of the graduates were from the School of Education and Human Studies, with master’s degrees in education or education specialist degrees. In addition, 22 students received their doctor of education degrees.
Carolyn Bishop, president and international director of the Consortium for Global Education in Marietta, Ga., brought the commencement address. Bishop encouraged graduates to be willing to compete globally, but to temper such competition with a spirit of cooperation.
“Our world will not survive with countries crossing the finish line one by one,” Bishop said. “We must finish as nations together.”