91±¬ΑΟΝψ

JACKSON, Tenn. — May 18, 2020 — Spring graduates from 91±¬ΑΟΝψ received a special message on Saturday on what was supposed to be their graduation day – a personalized video greeting from 91±¬ΑΟΝψ President Samuel W. β€œDub” Oliver.

Oliver recorded videos, typically between one and two minutes in length, for each of 91±¬ΑΟΝψ’s 595 graduates. The videos were sent to each student by email and text message May 16, the day 91±¬ΑΟΝψ’s spring commencement ceremonies were originally scheduled. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, commencement has been rescheduled for June 20.

Each video included Oliver signing the student’s diploma along with a personal word of congratulations and message of encouragement.

β€œI wanted to do this as a way to encourage the class of 2020 who has had to miss so much and to pray for and bless each of them individually,” Oliver said. β€œ91±¬ΑΟΝψ is a place that takes seriously our core values of being excellence-driven, Christ-centered, people-focused and future-directed.

β€œIt seemed to me that this project, which many people helped with, is one that demonstrates those core values in a very tangible way.”

Oliver estimates that he spent about 50 hours on the videos over the past couple of weeks.

Brooke Watson, who graduated with a degree in sport management, said she was stunned to receive the message on Saturday.

β€œWhen I heard Dr. Dub say my name, I was in complete shock because I thought it was going to be a generic video that went out to every student saying the same thing,” Watson said. β€œI ran outside to find my parents so they could watch it with me, and they both teared up hearing Dr. Dub talk about how valuable I was to 91±¬ΑΟΝψ. I will be forever thankful to Dr. Dub for taking time to recognize me for my time at 91±¬ΑΟΝψ.”

Other responses from graduates indicated that Oliver’s efforts were meaningful and appreciated.

β€œWow, I have no words to describe the joy this brought me today,” one student wrote to Oliver. β€œThis is what makes 91±¬ΑΟΝψ such a special place. Thank you for taking such a caring and personable approach to present this to us.”