Fall commencement: Grads and Professors celebrate together

It’s always a heartwarming moment. After commencement concludes and the graduates gather on The Quad for a reception, they look for those special professors who have guided them along the way. The December 2024 commencement at Columbia International University was no different. 

Patricia Garrett was juggling her diploma and a bouquet of flowers when she gave College of Education Professor Linda Murdaugh a hug. Garrett had just walked the stage of Shortess Chapel to receive her Master of Arts in Teaching degree. Murdaugh noted that she is especially proud of Garrett because as a student teacher in a Columbia area school district, she earned a Golden Ticket, meaning she is guaranteed an interview for a permanent position in the school district. She gives CIU’s biblical foundation credit for her success.

“It has helped me tremendously. I have grown so much,” Garrett said. “For people like Miss Murdaugh and Dr. (Mark) McCann and all of the professors, and leaning into my faith … knowing that it’s from God.”  

As for Murdaugh, when she looks out over the education graduates, she is excited to know they will be impacting lives for Christ, noting that they will have an influence on “the kids, the parents, the colleagues — you impact a school.” 

A Female First  

Dr. David Croteau, dean of the CIU Seminary & School of Counseling, noted a first among the graduates. Marisa Jenkins, now Dr. Jenkins, is the first female to earn a Ph.D. in Practical Theology from CIU. This was the first visit to the CIU campus for Jenkins who earned her degree online from her home in Arizona. She said she is very excited and honored about her historic distinction. 

“I work with women’s ministries. That’s my heart, and love and passion for God,” said Jenkins, whose dissertation was “Exploring the Psalms of Personal Lament for Women Living with Chronic Pain.” 

“I interviewed almost 30 women that live with daily chronic pain and discussed with them the concept of crying out to God amid their pain,” Jenkins explained. “In turn they shared with me how God gives them purpose in their pain by helping other women in their trials and pain, as well.” 

All the Way from China  

During the commencement ceremony, CIU President Dr. Bill Jones recognized “10 special students” who made a long trip to walk the stage. He noted that CIU has over 900 students studying for master’s degrees online in China, but 10 made the trip to Columbia for the commencement which brought a resounding round of applause from the hundreds of attendees in Shortess Chapel as the 10 Chinese graduates stood in response.   

On The Quad afterward, those 10 gathered around Professor Dr. Zhiqiu Xu, who coordinates the Chinese study program. One of the Chinese students who goes by the name Ada and works in marketing, said earning the degree, “really opened my eyes to see His kingdom,” and drew her close to other online students. 

“We were on the pathway together, (now) I have two wonderful partners,” Ada said. “I had wonderful fellowship. I think that is the most special thing.”

Moving on in Music  

Music Program Director Dr. Rod Lewis noted one of his students was moving on from the undergraduate program and into a position with a local church. 

That's Pearce Whitaker from Brooksville, Florida, who double majored in Music (with a focus in Voice) and Bible. He said because of his internship with the church, he was offered a full-time position in student ministries and worship leadership upon graduation.  

Thinking back on his education, he noted that the CIU core values “have really been a part of my life.” 

“Being able to know Him and to make Him known at a much deeper level has really been a blessing to learn.” 

Made for a Purpose 

The commencement speaker was Dr. Steve Cloud, president of Vision Ventures, an organization focused on leadership training, coaching and consulting for executive leaders. He encouraged the graduates not to lose sight of their calling. 

Quoting from Ephesians 1:18, regarding “the hope of His calling,” Cloud said, “There is something very special to realize I was made on purpose for a purpose.” 

“That l am not an accident. That I’m not just a collection of cells. That the Creator of the universe knows me and made me for a purpose.”

See the video of the Fall 2024 Commencement on CIU's Facebook page. 

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