Many Bethel University graduates received their diplomas on Saturday, December 13, during the school’s winter graduation ceremony.
Parents, friends, and family members watched on as more than 110 graduates filed in to Pomp and Circumstance.
Dr. Anne Hames gave the invocation and Bethel University President Dr. Perry Moulds welcomed everyone.
“Today is a day of great celebration,” said Moulds. “Today, we get to celebrate the men and women who have devoted themselves to the pursuit of something monumental for them.”
He detailed all of the many ways in which the graduates worked hard during their time at Bethel University.
“We celebrate not only the culmination of that journey, but the work that went into it,” he added.
Moulds introduced the commencement speaker, Brad Hurley.
Commencement Address
Hurley has served as President of the Carroll County Chamber of Commerce since January 1997, and has also spent time as Chancellor of the Tennessee Board of Regents, as well as Commissioner of Education. He is also Chairman of the Hollow Rock-Bruceton Special School District Board of Education, and holds many other leadership positions on boards and councils throughout the state.
“Commencements are time-honored traditions in our society,” Hurley said. “Each individual here has achieved something significant…Their commitment to personal and academic growth deserves our recognition.”
“Today is your day,” Hurley said to the graduates, “and you have truly earned this moment.”
He encouraged graduated to give back to Bethel University, and to promote the school throughout their professional lives.
Hurley’s advice to graduates was to always express gratitude.
“Never forget to say ‘thank you’,” he said. “Saying ‘thank you’ may seem like a very small act, but its impact is truly far-reaching.”
Hurley added that showing gratitude strengthens relationships, improves mental health, creates a more positive and cooperative environment.
“Making gratitude a regular part of your interactions enriches everyone’s lives, especially the lives of those around you,” he said.
Hurley told graduates that the world does not owe them anything beyond opportunity. “You will be given opportunities in your life,” he said. “Your task is to accept the challenge and do your best.”
He encouraged graduates not to fear failure, noting that setbacks are a universal part of life.
Hurley urged the class to be prepared when opportunities arise and to take initiative, and expressed the importance of action.
“Every journey, whether it’s 100 feet or 26 miles, begins with the first step,” Hurley said. “If you do not take the first step, you will never reach your destination.”
Graduation
Each graduate walked across the stage and received their diploma.
Afterwards, gradutes celebrated with family and friends outside Crisp Arena, hugging, crying, taking photos.
Quinton Williams of Huntingdon received a Bachelor of Science in Music Production, and Brooklyn Williams received her Bachelor of Science in Elementart Education- Learning Theory and Communication.
Lillian Hamption of McLemoresville was one of three to receive a Bachelor of Arts. Her major was English- Learning Theory and Communcation.
Twin sisters Kaitlyn and Karlee Bramlett of Dover each received their Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Elementary Education.
When asked what’s next, Kaitlyn said she plans to stay in West Tennessee and teach.
Tyrell Partee from Memphis was the second college graduate of more than 50 in his generation. He earned his Bachelor of Science Health.
For many of the graduates, Saturday marked both an ending of one chapter in their lives and the beginning of another.
