Bethel University Holds Winter Commencement

McKENZIE (December 13) — Bethel University held its December Commencement ceremony on Saturday, December 13 at 10 a.m. in the Rosemary & Harry L. Crisp, II Arena. President Perry Moulds presided over the ceremony.

The event celebrated 214 graduates from Bethel University’s College of Arts & Sciences and the College of Professional Studies. This semester’s graduating class represents 17 associate’s degrees, 140 bachelor’s degrees, and 57 master’s degrees. Each graduate now joins the growing community of Bethel alumni who carry their experiences, growth, and accomplishments into the world beyond campus.

Brad Hurley, President of the Carroll County Chamber of Commerce, gave the Commencement address.

Hurley said, “Today we gather to celebrate a triple milestone, a day that marks the culmination of years of dedication, hard work, and perseverance. This commencement celebrates commitment, confidence, and success, and honors the challenges overcome. Each one of these women and men was led to this place today, and we come together to celebrate the remarkable accomplishments of all our graduates.

“Each individual here has achieved something significant, completing a journey marked by long hours of study, tests, and late nights. Your commitment to personal and academic growth deserves our recognition.

“Your success is a testament to your strength, vision, and unwavering commitment. At commencement time, we also express gratitude to your professors and mentors. Thank you for inspiring, guiding, and challenging these graduates to reach their fullest potential. To the families and friends who have supported each graduate on this journey, your encouragement has been invaluable.

“And to the graduates, today is your day, and you have truly earned this moment. As a soon-to-be alumnus of this great institution, I encourage each graduate to show their appreciation to Bethel University by considering annual donations. Your generosity helps sustain scholarships and provides Bethel with new opportunities that make our institution a beacon of action. In addition, I urge you to promote the Bethel University professional and personal network, ensuring that its legacy continues to flourish for generations.

“Commencements are a time of excitement. Today is not the end, but it is the beginning. Today is filled with dreams, potential, and a future of hope and prosperity.

“Your potential is truly unlimited. Go forth and do great things. The world you are stepping into is filled with both challenges and opportunities. You may face uncertainty, but let the experiences you’ve earned here embrace change. Continue to learn, remain curious, and be willing to take risks. Pursue your passion, and forge your own path.

“Commencements are a time in which you receive advice. So if I didn’t do that, I wouldn’t be doing my job. So, never forget to say thank you. Saying thank you may seem like a very small act, but its impact is truly far-reaching. It strengthens relationships, improves mental health, and creates a more positive and cooperative environment. Making gratitude a regular part of your interaction enriches everyone’s lives, especially the lives of those around them.

“As Alex Haley told a group of college seniors, the world does not owe you anything but an opportunity. You will be given opportunities in your life. Your task is to accept the challenge and do your best. We should never fear failing, because we have all failed.

“But the real question is, how do you handle it? The world is not fair, but your challenge is to make lemonade out of lemons. You will never know when the next opportunity will arrive. Be ready and take the challenge. Every journey, if it’s one hundred feet or twenty-six miles, begins with the first step. We must never fear to take that first step” concluded Hurley.

Following the Commencement Address, each graduate crossed the elevated platform to receive his or her diploma from Dr. Moulds.

Bethel University is a four-year higher education institution located in McKenzie, Tennessee. It is a Christian university, affiliated with the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.