Dec 17, 2016 - Three history majors received bachelor’s degrees at Union University’s fall commencement services on December 17, 2016, at West Jackson Baptist Church. Luke Adkins, Byron Elam, and Gideon Ragland were among the approximately 140 undergraduates who participated in the morning graduation exercises. Ragland, winner of the fall semester Academic Excellence Medal in History, wore that recognition at graduation.
United States Senator Bob Corker, Republican from Tennessee, was the commencement speaker. He encouraged students to master a skill and become indispensable practitioners of it, dream boldly in their undertakings, and give back to their communities.
Drs. Stephen Carls (left) and Terry Lindley (right) stand with graduating history majors Gideon Ragland (second from left, moving right), Byron Elam, and Luke Adkins at Union's fall commencement services on December 17, 2016. Photo by Kristi Woody
Phi Alpha Theta members Luke Adkins and Gideon Ragland stand together prior to Union University's fall commencement services on December 17, 2016.
Union University President Dr. Samuel W. "Dub" Oliver welcomes attendees to the school's fall graduation exercises at West Jackson Baptist Church on December 17, 2016.
United States Senator Bob Corker, Republican from Tennessee, delivers the commencement address at Union University's fall graduation on December 17, 2016. Photo by Kristi Woody
History major Byron Elam accepts his bachelor of arts degree from Dr. Samuel W. "Dub" Oliver at Union's fall graduation on December 17, 2016. Photo by Kristi Woody
Dr. Samuel W. "Dub" Oliver congratulates history major Luke Adkins at Union's fall graduation on December 17, 2016, on Adkin's successful completion of a bachelor of science program in history. Photo by Kristi Woody
History major Gideon Ragland accepts congratulations from Dr. Samuel W. "Dub" Oliver while receiving his bachelor of science degree at Union's fall commencement exercises on December 17, 2016. Photo by Kristi Woody