Summer - Lee University

CommissioningSpeakersthe Excellence in Teaching Award, but two more awards—Excellence in Scholarship and Excellence in Advising—have beenadded. Students are still awarded undergraduate diplomas, butthis year there were also 27 students receiving masters degrees.COMMISSIONINGPerhaps the biggest addition since my graduation is the Fridaynight Commissioning service which took place this year outdoorson the soccer field. In President Conn’s welcoming remarks, heshared with the crowd that, “Commissioning is the students’ nightto shine.” Graduating seniors led the invocation and benediction,sang a solo and six speakers shared their take on their time at Lee.In addition, winners of the traditional topstudent honors—F.J. Lee, Zeno C. Tharpand Charles Paul Conn awards—are recognized.The culmination of commissioningis the presentation of embossed NIV Biblesfor each graduate, a tradition begun in thefirst year of Paul Conn’s presidency.Commissioning was even more memorableas Grant led his class in the invocation,followed later by a benedictionfrom Jessica Melendez. Brooke Uptonshared a vocal solo between the third andfourth student presentations of, “The LeeUniversity Experience” (see sidebar).“I have learned so much whilea student at Lee, both insideand outside the classroom.”Sara Dirksen, Cleveland, Tenn.“There is nothing God hasnot had His hand in throughmy Lee experience.”Keaton Bodiford,Old Hickory, Tenn.“I have been amazed to see thechanges in the School of Music;the standards continue to rise.”Michael Land, Bismarck, N.D.“When I got to Lee I discoveredthere were 24 hours in a day;then I discovered there wereonly 24 hours in a day.”Andrew Hudson, Statesville, N.C.“I am ready to take my placeas a Christian business personand corporate missionary.”Katie Johnson,Bountiful, Utah“It’s the people (at Lee)who have influenced mylife and I feel very blessedto have been a part.”Cole Rose, Franklin, Tenn.TORCH • Summer 20089