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HUNTINGTON UNIV MAGAZINE

Huntington University holds 111th commencement

FOR RELEASE May 16, 2009

Huntington, Ind.—Today, Huntington University honored 235 graduates from the class of 2009. The university’s 111th Commencement was held in the Field House of the Merillat Complex for Physical Education and Recreation. (Photos)

Huntington University awarded seven Master of Arts degrees, six Master of Education degrees, 62 Bachelor of Arts degrees, 198 Bachelor of Science degrees, seven Bachelor of Social Work degrees, 21 Associate of Science degrees and three honorary doctorates. For a complete list of graduates, download the commencement program.

Dr. John Bernbaum, president of Russian-American Christian University, delivered the commencement address, titled “Flying Upside Down.” He advised the graduates to “have a clear sense of calling and vocation” and to acknowledge their profession as secondary to their relationship with Jesus Christ. He also instructed them to “commit yourselves to becoming lifelong learners” and to “become agents of God’s justice, people of mercy and compassion, and live a life of humility and gratitude.”

Dr. G. Blair Dowden, president of Huntington University, charged the graduates to “go forward from this place and live a Christ-centered life with your words and with your actions.”

Dr. Del Doughty, professor of English, gave the baccalaureate address, titled "Chapter 18: In Which Dominican Del Learns Something about La Justicia" based on Genesis 18:1. (Photos)

(Note: Click on the photos for the high resolution version.)

Dr. John Bernbaum gives the commencement address. Behind him are Dr. Norris Friesen, vice president and dean of the university, and Edward Souers, chairman of the  Huntington University Board of Trustees.	Members of the class of 2009	Margaret Roush, director of alumni relations, gives instructions to the 50-year graduates.
Dr. George Killian, associate professor of music, directs the concert choir as its members sing "All That Hath Life and Breath Praise Ye the Lord."	Sue Miller receives an honorary doctorate from Dr. G. Blair Dowden, president of Huntington University.	Robert Miller gives his acceptance speech after receiving an honorary doctorate. To his left are Dr. G. Blair Dowden and Sue Miller. To his right are Dr. Norris Friesen and Edward Souers.
Dr. G. Blair Dowden addresses the class of 2009 at the baccalaureate service.	Kara Chappuis, a 2009 graduate, sings "To God Be the Glory" at the baccalaureate service.	Jody Davenport, instructor in physical education and mother of 2009 graduate, Lauren Davenport, reads the Scripture at the baccalaureate service.
Dr. Del Doughty gives the sermon at the baccalaureate service.	Abigail Allwein (right), class of 2009, sings "Take My Life, Let It Be Consecrated" at the baccalaureate service. She is accompanied by Joni Killian, adjunct faculty in the Department of Music.	Pete Schownir, major gifts officer and father of Matthew Schownir and husband of Susan Schownir, both class of 2009, gives the benediction at the baccalaureate service.

Huntington University is a comprehensive Christian college of the liberal arts offering graduate and undergraduate programs in more than 70 academic concentrations. U.S.News & World Report ranks Huntington among the best colleges in the Midwest. Founded in 1897 by the Church of the United Brethren in Christ, Huntington University is located on a contemporary, lakeside campus in northeast Indiana. The University is a member of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU).

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