Huntington College announces commencement speakers
FOR RELEASE: Wednesday, April 10, 2002
Huntington, Ind. " Huntington College today announced the speakers for its 104th Commencement Exercises, to be held Saturday, May 18, 2002. Dr. Paul R. Fetters, Professor of Practical Theology, will deliver the baccalaureate address to graduates and their parents on Saturday morning at 10:30 a.m. Fetters earned a B.A. from Huntington College, B.D from Huntington College Theological Seminary, M.Div. from Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary, M.S. in Education (Guidance and Counseling) from St. Francis College, and D.Min. from Fuller Theological Seminary. He served as Dean of Huntington College Graduate School of Christian Ministries from 1972 to 1997. He is the author of numerous books and scholarly publications including two definitive works on the history and theological perspectives of the Church of the United Brethren in Christ. Dr. Fetters is retiring this summer after more than 30 years of service to Huntington College.
Dr. Henry F. (Fritz) Schaefer III will deliver the annual commencement address in graduation ceremonies beginning at 3:00 p.m. Schaefer is the Graham Perdue Professor of Chemistry and Director of the Center for Computational Quantum Chemistry at the University of Georgia. His research involves the use of state-of-the-art computers and theoretical methods to solve important problems in molecular quantum mechanics. This Nobel-prize nominee is among the most frequently cited chemists in the world. A thoughtful Christian scholar, Schaefer says, "The significance and joy in my science comes in the occasional moments of discovering something new and saying to myself, 'So that's how God did it!' My goal is to understand a little corner of God's plan."
Dr. Schaefer will receive an honorary Doctor of Science degree from Huntington College in recognition of his cutting-edge research. Two additional honorary doctorates will also be awarded.
Mrs. Lynette S. Merillat will receive an honorary Doctor of Christian Service degree. Mrs. Merillat's life has been devoted to a number of faith-based organizations. An active member of the Trenton Hills United Brethren Church, Lynnette has given countless hours of service and volunteer leadership to the Adrian Community Nursery Board, American Bible Society, American Red Cross, Bill Glass Prison Ministries, Christian Family Centre, Lenawee Christian School, Lenawee Humane Society, Tau Delta Sorority, WBCL Radio, and other organizations.
Her husband, Richard Merillat, will receive an honorary Doctor of Commercial Science degree. Mr. Merillat is a distinguished entrepreneur and philanthropist. From age thirteen until he retired in 1996, he served the family business in Adrian, Michigan, working in the Merillat Woodworking factory and in various management positions, including vice president of manufacturing and president of Merillat Industries. Today he continues as chairman of the board. Mr. Merillat has shared his significant expertise and financial resources with numerous ministries and non-profit organizations, including Lenawee Christian School, the Christian Family Centre, Huntington College, Bill Glass Prison Ministries, the American Bible Society and many others.
The Merillats were instrumental in creating the Merillat Scholars Program at Huntington College. This program provides substantial financial assistance to Huntington College students who are members of the Church of United Brethren in Christ, student leaders of Youth for Christ, or children of Huntington College alumni.
Huntington College is a comprehensive Christian college of the liberal arts offering graduate and undergraduate programs in more than 50 academic concentrations. US News and World Report ranks Huntington among the best in the Midwest. Founded in 1897 by the Church of the United Brethren in Christ, Huntington College is located on a contemporary, lakeside campus in Huntington, Indiana.
