University honors 254 graduates during 114th Commencement

Photos from the Commencement ceremonies can be found on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/ HuntingtonUniversity.

Dan Wolgemuth

Rev. Luther Whitfield

Charles Curie

HUNTINGTON, Ind. Huntington University honored 254 graduates and three honorary degree recipients today during the 114th Commencement ceremonies.

Huntington University awarded 16 Master of Arts degrees, 9 Master of Education degrees, 64 Bachelor of Arts degrees, 1 Bachelor of Music degree, 120 Bachelor of Science degrees, 17 Bachelor of Science in Nursing degrees, 9 Bachelor of Social Work degrees, 3 Associate of Arts and 15 Associate of Science degrees.

Commencement speaker Dan Wolgemuth, president and CEO of Youth for Christ USA, challenged students by asking "What do those stones mean to you?" His talk challenges students to leave "markers" as a guide to those who may come behind them.

Three individuals were also recognized at commencement with honorary doctorates. An honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree was presented to Wolgemuth for his many years of service and leadership with Youth for Christ USA. An honorary Doctor of Divinity degree was presented to the Rev. Luther Whitfield, senior director of Youth for Christ's Primetime Community Center in Fort Wayne and senior pastor of New Covenant Worship Center. He was recognized for his outstanding leadership in ministry and his service to Youth for Christ and the church. And an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters was presented to 1977 Huntington alum Charles Curie for his national leadership in the field of public and mental health. In 2001, he was nominated by President George W. Bush and unanimously confirmed by the U.S. Senate to head the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

The afternoon commencement followed the morning baccalaureate service where Dr. Tim Smith, HU associate professor of history, gave a sermon titled "The Empire Strikes Back." His sermon centered on Ecclesiastes 9:11.