May 21, 2022 - Five history majors were among 611 students who received degrees from Union University during the school’s spring undergraduate commencement ceremony on May 21, 2022. Anne Adams, Sandra Allen, Walker Beasley, and Nicholas Terra earned bachelor of arts degrees while Dalton Lefave was awarded a bachelor of science degree. As members of Phi Alpha Theta History Honor Society, Adams, Allen, Beasley, and Terra wore PAT honor cords at graduation. Terra was also recognized in a special hooding ceremony at commencement for successfully completing the discipline-specific honors program in philosophy.
The commencement speaker was United States Senator Ben Sasse of Nebraska. He told the graduates that in spite of the “terrible stuff” occurring in the world, they lived in extraordinary times filled with virtually limitless opportunities. He read extensively from the Old Testament book of Ecclesiastes, stating that the wisdom of history assists in putting the present in perspective. He concluded by telling the graduates that “as you leave this room today, whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might. Commence.” Sasse holds a Ph.D. in American history from Yale University.
Union's history major graduates stand together prior to the undergraduate commencement ceremony at the Oman Arena on May 21, 2022. They are (left to right) Nicholas Terra, Sandra Allen, Anne Adams, Walker Beasley, and Dalton Lefave. Terra, Adams, Allen, and Beasley wear Phi Alpha Theta honor cords as members of that national history honor society.
Union University President Dr. Samuel W. "Dub" Oliver leads the administrative side of the academic processional for Union's undergraduate commencement at the Oman Arena on May 21, 2022. Immediately behind him is United States Senator Ben Sasse of Nebraska, the commencement speaker.
Graduating history major Dalton Lefave (lead student in photo) participates in the academic processional for the undergraduate commencement on May 21, 2022. Photo by Suzanne Rhodes
Graduating history majors are among those standing during the academic processional at the undergraduate commencement on May 21, 2022. They are (starting with the second student on the left and moving right across the front row) Anne Adams, Sandra Allen, and Walker Beasley. Photo by Kristi Woody
Union University's President Samuel W. "Dub" Oliver welcomes attendees to the school's undergraduate commencement on May 21, 2022.
United States Senator Ben Sasse of Nebraska delivers the commencement address at the undergraduate graduation at the Oman Arena on May 21, 2022.
Anne Adams accepts congratulations and her bachelor of arts diploma from President Samuel W. "Dub" Oliver at Union's undergraduate commencement ceremony on May 21, 2022.
Sandra Allen shows delight after receiving her bachelor of arts diploma at Union's undergraduate commencement ceremony on May 21, 2022. Photo by Kristi Woody
Walker Beasley accepts congratulations and his bachelor of arts diploma from Union President Samuel W. "Dub" Oliver at the school's undergraduate commencement ceremony on May 21, 2022. Photo by Kristi Woody
Dalton Lefave accepts congratulations and his bachelor of science diploma from Union President Samuel W. "Dub" Oliver at the undergraduate commencement ceremony on May 21, 2022.
Nicholas Terra is hooded at Union's undergraduate commencement on May 21, 2022, by Dr. Scott Huelin and Professor Joy Moore of the Honors Community for completing the discipline-specific honors program in philosophy. Terra had a double major in history and philosophy.
History major Nicholas Terra expresses delight after receiving his bachelor of arts diploma at Union University's undergraduate commencement ceremony on May 21, 2022. Photo by Kristi Woody