JACKSON, Tenn. — Nov. 5, 2025 — A concert by Christian recording artist Steven Curtis Chapman and a celebration of the 10-year anniversary of Union University’s EDGE program highlighted the 27th annual Union Scholarship Banquet Nov. 5 at the Carl Perkins Civic Center.
FirstBank and Elite Contractors were the lead sponsors for this year’s Scholarship Banquet.
“The Scholarship Banquet is always a key event at Union every year we celebrate the generosity of donors and invest in the dreams and future success of our students,” said Catherine Kwasigroh, Union’s vice president or institutional advancement. “Every gift given helps transform lives, making it possible for more students to pursue their calling and education at Union. We are grateful for each donor’s belief in our mission and for their friendship to Union.”
The EDGE program began in 2015 to give students with intellectual and developmental disabilities the opportunity to attend Union and live on campus. The two-year certificate program focuses on developing communication, employment and independent living skills.
Since its launch, 73 students in 10 cohorts have enrolled in the EDGE program, which stands for “employment training, daily living skills, godly focus and educational enrichment.”
“Those students have been a blessing to us, just as we pray we’ve been a blessing to them,” Union President Samuel W. “Dub” Oliver said. “In Psalm 139 we’re reminded that we are fearfully and wonderfully made. Each human life bears the image and likeness of God, and the Union EDGE program allows us as a university to more fully live out and demonstrate that truth to the world.”
Oliver interviewed current EDGE student Hope Hixson and her parents, Pete and Hollie, about their experience at Union.
“I love being in a sorority,” Hope said.
Her parents expressed gratitude for the way the EDGE program has helped in Hope’s development and growth.
In his concert, Chapman sang some of his songs that have become favorites among Christian music fans since his career started in the 1980s, such as “Speechless,” “The Great Adventure,” “I Will Be Here,” “My Redeemer is Faithful and True” and “Cinderella.” Chapman is the most awarded artist in Christian music history, with 60 Dove Awards, five Grammy Awards, an American Music Award and a historic 50 No. 1 singles. He has sold more than 16 million albums.
He shared stories about growing up in Paducah, Kentucky, and how God had been faithful to him and his family during his life. His father, an aspiring country music singer, gave up on his dreams of one day performing at the Grand Ole Opry to focus on providing for his family.
Last year, when Chapman was inducted as a member of the Grand Ole Opry, he brought his father on stage to sing with him.
“And we got to sing of God’s faithfulness,” Chapman said. “We got to sing of God's goodness.”
Chapman has been involved in Union’s story at different points over the years, and he said he was glad to be back again.
“I’m so thankful for this university. It is very near and dear to my heart because some of my favorite people on the planet have spent time here,” Chapman said. “I’ve very grateful for the heartbeat of this school, this community, and for the impact that it has had in the world, is having, and is going to have – in part because of us gathered here tonight.”