JACKSON, Tenn. — Dec. 16, 2023 — Abby Lappe came to Union University originally as part of the EDGE program for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. After completing that, she became a student in Union’s School of Adult and Professional Studies.
On Dec. 16, Lappe, who is autistic, received her Associate of Science in Professional Studies, becoming Union’s first EDGE student to complete an academic degree.
“For anyone who is struggling, either mentally or physically, or really having a hard time in life, stay strong and keep going,” Lappe said. “One of these days, you may reach your goals. You may do something amazing. Never give up on that.”
Lappe was one of 215 students to receive degrees during commencement exercises for the university’s 199th graduating class at West Jackson Baptist Church.
Elijah Brown, general secretary of Baptist World Alliance, delivered the keynote address, focusing on nine words from Acts 13:36: “David had served God’s purpose in his own generation.”
That verse, Brown said, provides a formula for success, as it offers a focus for life, a character that transforms and an invitation to impact the world.
“Are the purposes of God enough for you?” Brown asked. “As you graduate, you will have to decide, ‘What purpose will you give your life to?’ You will be offered the purpose of pleasure. Pleasure is a gift. But pleasure as a primary focus for life is corrosive. It will leave a thirst in your soul for something real.”
Graduates will also be offered the purposes of personal comfort and the pursuit of financial security, Brown said. But while wealth is not wrong, far too many pursue wealth at the expense of their wellbeing or the wellbeing of their families.
“The only thing that will last are the purposes of God,” Brown said. “God will do more than you will ever hope or imagine if you will live for the purposes of God.” He challenged graduates to step forward into the future with courage.
“Union has prepared you well,” Brown said. “God is calling. You can make a difference in this generation. So I pray that God raises you up as a Jesus-centered generation and a renewed Pentecost that changes the world.”
For Lappe, the preparation she received at Union helped her be more confident and engaging with others. She worked in the baking aisle of Union’s cafeteria during her time as a student, and she wants to spend the next year focusing on a job before deciding whether she wants to pursue a bachelor’s degree in art.
Her mother, Kathleen Lappe, said Abby’s time at Union was amazing. Joining the EDGE program was Abby’s first time living away from her home in Nashville, Tennessee. “The staff made sure that she was comfortable, made sure that any of her concerns were always addressed, regardless of what her concerns were,” Kathleen said. “She always felt safe. Anytime she needed some tutoring, they made sure that they got her tutoring.
“They met all of her educational needs,” she continued. “With that kind of support, it gave her the ability to grow as an adult within herself and to be independent.”
