2007 Miracle Yearbook

S c00°--31* 134/. e ollege graduation is a milestone,a memorable day. There are few days in life like this,in which such important goals are finally achieved. So quickly,all the work ofthe last four years culminates in a few moments:a quick walk across a stage,a handshake,the receiving of a i diploma. So it goes year after year,and yetsomehow it's always different-a different class,several hundred different futures. This year's commencement exercises featured Charles W.Colson, Chairman ofthe Board of Prison Fellowship,the world's largest prison outreach. Although he was probably more popularly known for his involvement in the Watergate scandal of 1972,Colson's conversion to Christianity and his subsequent prison ministry have reached manyfamilies with the message of Christ. In his parting words to the graduating class, h encouraged them to hold strong to both truth and courage,and to refuse to be"dead weight in a pew." Class president Jessica Forsythe presented the university with their 1 class gift,the first of its kind -an endowed scholarship named in honor of classmate Jonathan (IT.)Taylor. In doing so they recognized a man who,even at a young age,displayed the virtues offaith, purpose,leadership,and loving service to all those around him. L, Following the ceremony,graduates and their families met across lawn p aII over campus and descended on the usual popular meeting spots for final snapshots,congratulations,and goodbyes. Reminiscing was made for days like these,and looking back across the years was bittersweet."These four years-they'll fly by,"parents had said to their children as incoming freshman,and yet it wasso hard to believe the Only today,the graduating class discovered that it was true. n Founder of Prison Fellowship Dr.Chuck Colson shares two valuable words with the senior class of2007:Truth and Courage.