Judson College holds 179th commencement

Judson College held its 179th commencement June 24, 2017. Graduates and guests filled the College’s Alumnae Auditorium in Marion, Ala., to recognize the hard work and achievements of the Class of 2017.

Alabama Supreme Court Justice Kelli Wise gave the commencement address. Wise received a Bachelor of Science degree from Auburn University and a Juris Doctorate from Jones School of Law. She later earned a Master of Public Administration from Auburn University Montgomery. Wise was elected to the Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals in 2000, becoming the youngest woman elected to sit on an Alabama Appellate Court. Justice Wise was elected to the Supreme Court of Alabama in 2010 and re-elected in 2016.

Judson College administrators awarded Wise an honorary Doctor of Laws degree during the ceremony in recognition of her “steadfast commitment to justice”, “outstanding leadership, and loyal service”.

Wise encouraged the Class of 2017 to be proud of their achievements and to embrace both the excitement and “twinge of fear” as they enter potentially “messy” and “complicated” lives after college. Wise reminded the graduates of opportunities they have to be grateful–not just for their degrees or that their college work is over, but for the experiences they enjoyed at Judson and for the people who gave them support and encouragement during their college journeys.

In a meaningful moment, Wise asked all of the graduates to stand and shout, each in her “loudest and most grateful voice”, a collective “thank you” to family members, friends, faculty, or administrators who had made sacrifices or offered wisdom as each graduate sought to lean into her calling.

Wise encouraged the Class of 2017 to “embrace the joy of the years [they] spent at Judson”. “In addition to a wonderful academic education, Judson College has provided you with opportunities for service, leadership, volunteerism, and worship…I hope you will remain committed to living a life of service to those in need, to leading by example,” Wise said.

Recounting her mother’s story and unfulfilled dream of becoming a “Judson Girl”, Wise admonished the graduates: “Above all else, I want you to be grateful that you got to attend this beloved college that seeks to nurture your dreams and ambitions.” “It is with a grateful heart, that I, along with the Class of 2017, receive my Judson degree. I am so thankful to have the opportunity to live out my mother’s dream,” said Wise.

Following the conferring of Associate Degrees in Nursing, Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, and Bachelor of Social Work degrees, Judson President David Potts recognized several graduates for outstanding accomplishments. Victoria Douglas of Washington, D.C., received the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award in recognition of her academic achievements (including completion of an honors thesis) and “nobility of character”. Kristina Gentry of Warner Robbins, Ga., received the J.C. Faulkner Award for her “enthusiastic support” of Judson through her academic pursuits (including completion of an honors thesis), service to others, and “dedication to her Alma Mater.  Tara Kamphuis of Alberta, …. received the Bible Award in recognition of her “outstanding Christian spirit and service to the College”. Potts presented the Scholarship Award to Marianna Nichols of Iuka, Miss., recognizing her superior academic performance by maintenance of a perfect 4.0 grade point average during her time at Judson.

Dr. Pamela Mitcham, Assistant Professor of Equine Science and Head of the Equine Science Department, received the Lula and Alton Holley Award for Excellence in Classroom Teaching.

The Non-Student Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award was presented to Judson alumna Fay Pridgen Kelsoe, Class of 1983. Recipients of the Sullivan award emulate qualities exhibited by Algernon Sydney Sullivan, early 20th-century lawyer, mediator, orator, and philanthropist, who was said to have “reached out both hands in constant helpfulness to man”. Citing her “helpfulness” to Marion community children as a Judson student and fundraising work as an alumna, Potts presented the Sullivan Award to Kelsoe in recognition of her service to her family, community, and to her Alma Mater. Kelsoe echoed Wise’s theme as she addressed the Class of 2017: “It’s hard for me to believe that 34 years ago I sat where you’re sitting. It took a few years for me to fully understand what Judson did for me and what it meant for me. I understood the education part right away, but, in every aspect of your life, you will come to know what you’ve learned here…I ask you and challenge you as you start the next chapter of your life that you remember Judson and that you stand by her and support her–so that in 34 more years there’s another class sitting out there able to receive what you have just received.”

After the commencement exercises, the Class of 2017 processed to the Senior Oak, under whose shade they sang a final traditional Judson song “Tell Me Why”. Graduates and their families enjoyed a reception in Sara Hunt Christenberry Dining Hall.

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