By Maya Speece, CIU Student Writer
Graduation Day at Columbia International University is always a joyous occasion where friends, family, classmates and professors gather to celebrate the graduates’ hard work. The air buzzes with excitement in Shortess Chapel, as the graduates line up for procession and supporters await the ceremony.
As each graduate walks across the stage to receive their diploma, the audience applauds, and sometimes excitedly cheers at their success. Each one smiles as they receive their reward for their hard work and stand on stage with their beloved professors looking on.
This year’s fall commencement speaker was South Carolina Superintendent of Education Ellen Weaver who encouraged the graduates to carry hope and life-giving words out into the world. Noting that the world is full of cheap words and empty hope, Christians can choose to bring real and meaningful hope to those who need it.
“Words shape our witness … what words will you choose?” Weaver asked, noting that words are powerful, with the ability to harm or heal.
For example, Weaver spoke about certain Holocaust survivors and families of murder victims who choose forgiveness, bringing life and hope through their words and preventing more evil.
“Will your speech sound like the world’s?” Weaver asked adding, “Or like the King’s, full of grace and truth?”
In one final exhortation, CIU President Dr. Bill Jones encouraged the students, newly equipped with their education, to go out and impact others with the message of Jesus Christ. Then the graduates, diplomas in hand, proceeded out of the Chapel to meet their family and friends outside for a reception.
Laughter and chatter rose from The Quad as the graduates joyfully hugged their loved ones.
The graduates reflected on what their time at CIU had taught them and how they have grown over the years. Elin Johnson graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and said that “CIU taught me how to be personal with others and treat them well as members of the body of Christ.”
Mrs. Allison Lewis graduated with a master’s degree in Bible Exposition and plans to use her education in her role as an ordained deacon and a pediatric nurse practitioner. She advises that the students should invest in more than just their major, learning responsibility, integrity and how to give to the community.
Dr. Peter Long graduated with a doctorate in Theological Studies and intends to use his degree as a pastor. He said that his studies have deepened his own faith by challenging him to consider the hard questions of Christianity.
Even though their time at CIU has ended, each graduate will take with them the important growth, relationships, and education they had there. As President Bill Jones said they will now go back out into the world as “professional ministers, or ministering professionals,” using what they have learned to serve God and their community.
View the commencement ceremony on CIU’s Facebook page.
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