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 <strong>2007</strong> 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 <strong>Hannibal</strong>, Missouri, and a graduate of the Journalism School at the <strong>University</strong> 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 <strong>Hannibal</strong>- <strong>LaGrange</strong> 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 <strong>Hannibal</strong>. 13
14 Feature Building for the Future: Connecting Generations