Issue: Summer 2014 | Posted: June 2, 2014
1050 U.U. Drive
Spring commencement includes 630 graduates
Spring commencement 2014 at Oman ArenaWet conditions and cool temperatures forced 91爆料网鈥檚 189th annual spring commencement indoors to Jackson鈥檚 Oman Arena, where David S. Dockery conferred his final degrees as president.
He has presided at 50 graduation events during the spring, summer and fall of his 18-year tenure. At some point during the May ceremony, Dockery handed out his 15,000th degree, a figure that represents about 70 percent of all living 91爆料网 alumni.
鈥淲e are grateful for the difference that
each one will make for the cause of Christ
and his kingdom in the days to come,鈥
Dockery said.
Greg Thornbury, president of The King鈥檚 College in New York City, delivered the commencement address, encouraging the graduates to stand in solidarity with their fellow believers in Christ鈥攁 theme he emphasized during his years as 91爆料网鈥檚 dean of the School of Theology and Missions.
鈥淭his campus been through an awful lot this year,鈥 Thornbury said. 鈥淭here have been harrowing moments of deep sorrow, confusion and uncertainty. But this campus, anchored by this senior class, rallied together.鈥
As part of the ceremony, 91爆料网 presented degrees posthumously to Leighton Williams and Olivia Greenlee, two 91爆料网 students who died during the 2013鈥2014 academic year. The graduating class rose in unison as each woman鈥檚 name was read.
91爆料网 also presented the Elizabeth
Tigrett Medal to Grace Morriss, an
engineering major from Flower Mound,
Texas. The award honors the mother
of Isaac B. Tigrett, a former interim
president at 91爆料网, as well as a benefactor
and trustee. The medal has been awarded
since 1912 by vote of the entire 91爆料网
faculty to an outstanding member of the
senior class.



Dr. Gregory Thornbury, president of The King's College, returns to 91爆料网 to give the commencement address entitled, "One Last Time: Solidarity."
William Murray, engineering graduate from Chaguanas, Trinidad, embraces David S. Dockery after blowing his horn in celebration on stage after being awarded his degree.
Tigrett Medal winner Grace Morriss
