The SEGway News Issue 33, 25 May 2017

ABC The SEGway News Volume 1, Number 34 Serving South East Grant County A Good News Ventures publication May 25-31, 2017 Taylor hands out 24,000th diploma, honors Habecker by Linda Taylor For most of Grant Coun- ty, it was just another rainy Saturday that threatened thunderstorms, but for 426 students and over a thou- sand family members and friends, Saturday, May 20, was filled with celebration, joy, laughter, and tears as Taylor conferred degrees and said goodbye to the graduating class of 2017. Taylor’s new president, Lowell Haines, offered the welcome and invocation. Samuel M. Moore, senior class president, also wel- comed his fellow graduates. Jessica E. Schulte gave the senior address. Board of Trustee member Richard W. Gygi introduced Schulte— describing how he had first met her when she was in sixth grade and had planted the idea of her one day at- tending Taylor. Gygi com- mitted to praying regularly for her, having her name inside his Bible. Schulte, now from Brentwood, Ten- nessee, graduates with hon- ors with a major in Theatre Arts. She described the strong power of relation- ships in believers’ lives. Dr. Jeff Groeling, vice provost, offered special fac- ulty recognitions to: Ron Benbow (mathematics, 28 years); Ken Boyd (univer- sity instructional designer, six years); Faye Checho- wich (faculty member, dean of faculty development, director of Bedi Center for Teaching and Learn- ing Excellence, 28 years); Lee Erickson (economics, 38 years); Roger Jenkinson (geography, 52 years—the longest-serving faculty member in Taylor history); Mary Muchiri (English, 16 years); Mike Saunier (com- munication, nine years); Don Taylor (kinesiology, 26 years). Taylor’s former first lady, Marylou Habecker, received an honorary degree in rec- ognition of her service to Taylor University. Habeck- er graduated from Taylor in 1968 and holds a master’s degree in education from Ball State University focus- ing on the needs of gifted children. In introducing her, Taylor provost Dr. Jef- frey Moshier, described her actions of prayer, disciple- ship, teaching and encour- agement, noting that she was “renowned for hospi- tality.” Habecker explained that she simply was doing what she loves. In accept- ing the degree, Habecker reminded the students that our purpose as believers is to love and our calling is to serve. Commencement speaker Chris Holtmann graduated from Taylor in 1994 with a degree in psychology and received his master’s in ath- letic administration from Ball State (2000). He cur- rently serves as head coach for the Butler Bulldogs bas- ketball team. The 2016-17 season included a 25-9 re- cord, leading the team to the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2011. Using his expe- rience in basketball coach- ing, Holtmann encouraged the graduates to pursue ex- cellence in their calling and resist making comparisons; to manage all the disap- pointments that will inevi- tably come in life; and to share and give, which will lead to their greatest fulfill- ments. “This world needs people of faith who do their job well and pursue excel- lence,” he said. During the conferral of degrees, Taylor’s 24,000th graduate crossed the stage. The honor went to Wilson Hunter Alexander, summa cum laude graduate in so- GROCERY AND VARIETY STORE CALL: 765-998-1111 Photo by Jim Garringer During the conferral of degrees, Taylor’s 24,000th graduate crossed the stage. The honor went to Wilson Hunter Alexander, summa cum laude graduate in social studies, education, and Spanish, from Wichita, Kansas cial studies, education, and Spanish, from Wichita, Kansas. After the 426th name was read, President Haines ad- vanced to the podium. At that moment, a thunderbolt cracked, shaking the build- ing. Haines didn’t miss a beat, noting the well-timed thunderclap and telling the audience, “Well, Someone is very pleased with this graduating class!” The Taylor University class of 2017 represents 31 states in the United States and 21 foreign countries. Photo by Jim Garringer Former Taylor first lady Ma- rylou Habecker received an honorary doctorate Saturday at the commencement. $ OPEN 7 DAYS MON - SUN 8-9 80 E BERRY AVE IN UPLAND PLAZA