In addition , Christian Union staged a reception for the parents and other relatives of graduates on May 23 at its offices on Massachusetts Avenue . More than 25 families attended the gathering . Ministry Fellow Anne Kerhoulas described it as a sweet time to meet parents , just in advance of Harvard ’ s 366 th commencement on May 25 . “ There is so much joy for us as we celebrate with their families ,” she said . “ I feel like the parents see us as partners and there is such mutual love for their kids . It ’ s a really special night .”
Among seniors , Tyler Parker , a government concentrator from Florida , paused to describe his involvement with Christian Union as “ utterly transformative .” The ministry “ taught me the joy of Christian community , and it gave me lifelong friends ,” said Parker , who will serve as a Christian Union intern in the fall .
Victoria Cochran , a chemistry major from Georgia , echoed those comments and particularly expressed gratitude for myriad opportunities for practical discipleship . Participation in the ministry ’ s leadership lecture series and Bible courses especially “ reminded me of my true identity and greater mission in life amidst the chaos of college ,” said Cochran .
At the senior conference , Cochran came away with a greater sense of gratitude for her Christian friends . Likewise , the retreat-like weekend provided some poignant reflective moments . Namely , “ being reminded of the times that I clearly felt God with me also helped me trust more in what He has in store for me next in life ,” said Cochran .
Parker agreed . “ It was a great time to wish each other well and pray that God would use us in our respective occupations for His kingdom ,” he said . | cu
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Sentimental Senior Send-Off
Christian Union at Penn Celebrates First Graduating Class by catherine elvy , staff writer
Christian Union ’ s ministry at the University of Pennsylvania marked a major milestone when its first set of seniors graduated in May .
“ This class of 2017 has been the trailblazer , and every other class that comes through Christian Union at Penn will be standing on their shoulders ,” said Ministry Fellow Tucker Else . “ They ’ ve built this ministry from the ground up .”
In turn , freshly minted grads also paused to reflect upon the impact of the leadership development ministry they helped launch in autumn 2013 . Christian Union “ provided both incredible community and supportive mentors , two things that were vitally important to me during my four years at Penn ,” said James Bessolo , an economics majors from California .
Aimee Knaus , a business management and international studies major , echoed those comments . “ Being involved in a Christian community has been crucial to my spiritual development at Penn ,” she said .
In a remarkable achievement , Knaus , who grew up with her American family in Jordan and the Togolese Republic , just secured the coveted Trustees ’ Council of Penn Women Student Leadership Award .
As for Christian Union ’ s efforts to recognize its inaugural crop of degree recipients , the ministry hosted a conference for seniors in advance of Penn ’ s commencement exercises . About 25 students attended the getaway , which was held May 10 to 12 in Ocean City , New Jersey . s u m m e r 2 0 1 7 : : c h r i s t i a n u n i o n . o r g
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