May 18, 2019 - Two history majors were among the undergraduates who received Bachelor of Arts degrees at Union University’s spring commencement on May 18, 2019. They were Lauren Butler and Avery Parks. Butler was also one of three Phi Alpha Theta members to graduate; the other two were Marylee Barker and Will Choate. In all, some 625 students received diplomas at the school’s two graduation services, one for Associate, BSOL, and graduate degrees and the second for all other undergraduates.
The commencement speaker was Dr. Brent Ellis, president of Spring Arbor University in Michigan, who urged students to remain firm in their educational preparation and Christian faith.
Drs. Stephen Carls (left) and Keith Bates (right) stand with the graduating Phi Alpha Theta student members prior to Union's spring undergraduate commencement on May 18, 2019. The students are (left to right) Will Choate, Marylee Barker, and Lauren Butler.
Dr. Stephen Carls (right) stands with graduating history majors Avery Parks and Lauren Butler prior to Union's spring undergraduate commencement service on May 18, 2019.
Drs. Keith Bates (left) and Henry Allen of the history department wear their caps and gowns in preparation for Union University's spring undergraduate commencement on May 18, 2019.
A sign along the processional route of the undergraduate commencement participants on May 18, 2019, offers congratulations to the graduating seniors.
Faculty members participating in Union University's spring undergraduate commencement make their way toward the the graduation site during the processional on May 18, 2019.
Dr. David Thomas of the history department makes his way toward the graduation site during the processional of Union's undergraduate commencement service on May 18, 2019.
Graduating history major Lauren Butler touches the bronze statue of Buster the Bulldog during the processional of Union University's undergraduate commencement service on May 18, 2019. Photo by Kristi Woody
Graduating seniors pass by The Logos during the processional of Union University's undergraduate commencement on May 18, 2019. Photo by Kristi Woody
Participants in Union University's spring undergraduate commencement program stand on the graduation stage during the processional on May 18, 2019.
Union University President Dr. Samuel W. "Dub" Oliver welcomes attendees to the school's undergraduate commencement on May 18, 2019. Photo by Kristi Woody
Dr. Brent D. Ellis, president of Spring Arbor University in Michigan, delivers Union's spring undergraduate commencement address titled "Announcing Charlie" on May 18, 2019. Photo by Kristi Woody
History major Lauren Butler receives her diploma from Dr. Samuel W. "Dub" Oliver during Union University's undergraduate commencement service on May 18, 2019. Photo by Kristi Woody
Phi Alpha Theta member Will Choate waits in line to receive his Bachelor of Arts diploma at Union University's undergraduate commencement on May 18, 2019.
Phi Alpha Theta member Will Choate (front row, fourth from left) joins his classmates and others in singing Union's Alma Mater at the end of the spring graduation on May 18, 2019. Photo by Kristi Woody
History major Lauren Butler (front row, fifth from right), along with many of her classmates, throws her cap into the air at the end of Union University's undergraduate commencement service on May 18, 2019. Photo by Kristi Woody