JACKSON, Tenn. — May 11, 2022 — Sen. Ben Sasse of Nebraska will deliver the commencement address as part of Union University’s spring graduation ceremonies May 21 on the Great Lawn.
A fifth-generation Nebraskan, Sasse graduated from Harvard University and earned his doctorate in American history at Yale University. He served as president for five years at Midland University, transforming the college into one of the nation’s fastest-growing schools in just three years. Sasse was elected to the U.S. Senate in 2014 and re-elected in 2020.
He is a member of the intelligence, judiciary, finance and budget committees. Sasse is also the author of two books, “Them” and “The Vanishing American Adult.”
Sasse’s pastor, Kyle McClellan at Grace Church in Fremont, Nebraska, is the father of graduating Union senior Gabrielle McClellan.
“Sen. Sasse has been a powerful advocate for religious freedom and the First Amendment during his time in the Senate, and he is someone who understands and values the importance of Christian higher education,” Union President Samuel W. “Dub” Oliver said. “We are delighted to welcome him to campus and look forward to hearing from him as we celebrate our graduating class.”
The ceremony for graduate and adult studies students, including MCUTS, BSOL and associate degrees, will begin at 2 p.m. The ceremony for all undergraduates (excluding BSOL students) will begin at 6 p.m. Both ceremonies will take place on Union’s Great Lawn and will be shown live at livestream.com/uu/commencement.