Summer 2007 - Hannibal-LaGrange University

Graduation
and the limitations of government in respect to service.
“Service requires passion. Service requires compassion.
The perfect example of passion and compassion, and that
perfect example of a servant, is Jesus Christ,” said Hulshof.
“Government has a part in providing and protecting the
most vulnerable in our society, but government cannot put
hope in anyone’s heart. Government cannot provide a sense
of purpose in someone’s life. The reality is that when there
is a broken life, it takes a personal interaction—a meeting
of the hearts.” Hulshof continued, “Yes, you have been
armed with knowledge and yet that knowledge requires
something over and above that--that being service. Because
it is in the hardship of our neighbors that we find our calling,
our willingness to serve others, relying on the goodness of
this great land, and the boundless grace of God.”
Congressman Hulshof challenged the class of 2007
to make the most of their education by living a life of
service. “Milestones like this are important and yet it is
what we do from this milestone forward that really makes
the difference,” said Hulshof. “So let us make the most of
this moment. This moment has given you an opportunity
that some never have the chance to have. Let us then live
lives that are not just rich in goods but lives that are rich in
goodness. Let us then go from this day to live lives that are
not just the envy of a few, but an inspiration for the many.”
Members of Hulshof’s district and regional offices
including HLG alumnus Scott Callicott, who serves
as Hulshof’s northern regional director, accompanied
Hulshof. Callicott was instrumental in securing HLG’s
commencement on the congressional representative’s
calendar. A native of Bertrand, Missouri, Hulshof is married
to Renee (Howell) Hulshof, of Hannibal, Missouri, and
a graduate of the Journalism School at the University of
Missouri. Residents of Columbia, Missouri, the Hulshofs
have two daughters, Casey and Hanna.
At commencement, the Parkway
Distinguished Scholar award was
given to Dr. David Pelletier, professor
of Christian education and associate
dean of academic affairs at HLG. The
$1,000 award is given by Parkway
Baptist Church in St. Louis. Selection
for the award is based on outstanding
professional and personal contributions
to Christian education.
Dr. Pelletier holds a Bachelor of
Arts degree from Union College in
Schenectady, New York, a Master of
Divinity degree from Westminster
Theological Seminary in Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania, and Master of Religious
Education and Doctor of Philosophy
degrees from Southern Baptist
Theological Seminary in Louisville,
Kentucky. He has also taught science at
the junior high and high school levels,
served numerous churches in pastoral
roles, and been an advocate for the use
of technology in ministry. Pelletier has
written several articles for publication
and leads workshops and training
events.
Dr. Pelletier has served at Hannibal-
LaGrange College since 1986 and
exemplifies a servant-leader as he
serves as both a professor of Christian
education and as associate dean
of academic affairs. In addition to
teaching, he is responsible for course
scheduling, college catalog revisions,
and other administrative tasks. He and
his wife, Jane, reside in Hannibal.
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