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Commencement 2008: The Beginning of Something New
Over 600 students received degrees ranging from the bachelor's to the doctorate. The keynote address was given by Kelly Wright, a FOX News Channel correspondent and co-anchor of American Election Headquarters. Wright attended ORU in the 1970s and left early to serve in the U.S. Army, but recently completed his degree and shared in the honor of graduating with the Class of 2008. At the close of the ceremony, the graduates were met with applause and fanfare as they left the Mabee Center floor.
| An inspiring response. Class of 2008 member Jamie Weathers gave the student response address on behalf of her class. She elicited laughter, applause and perhaps a few tears with her words. Read and/or watch her address here. | Click Photo to Enlarge |
| A word of prayer. Clifton Taulbert, a 1971 graduate, gave the invocation for the ceremony. | Click Photo to Enlarge |
| A stirring speech. Kelly Wright gave a Commencement address peppered with inspiring stories, biblical principles and humor. | Click Photo to Enlarge |
| Standing ovation. Board Chair Mart Green stands to applaud during the Commencement ceremony. | Click Photo to Enlarge |
| Well-loved professors. Dr. Robert G. Voight, along with Nina L. Tucker, were presented with faculty emeritus awards by Interim President Dr. Ralph Fagin (at R) during the ceremony. Dr. Voight, currently the director of Faculty Records, began teaching at ORU in the 1960s. Tucker teaches in the behavioral sciences department. | Click Photo to Enlarge |
| Raise high the banner. Academic standard bearers were chosen from each department. From front to back: Gabriel Griffin from the School of Science and Engineering, Hannah Rosenberger from the Anna Vaughn School of Nursing and Michael Folmer from the School of Lifelong Education. Other standard bearers (not pictured) included: Nikole Michaelson from the School of Arts and Cultural Studies, Vijay Masillamoni Karlsson from the School of Business, Rachel Young from the School of Education and Nicole Duncan from the School of Theology and Missions. | Click Photo to Enlarge |
| A stunning view. People from all over the country, and even the world, gathered at the Mabee Center to witness their loved ones graduating. | Click Photo to Enlarge |
| A well-earned honor. Jim Stovall, a 1981 graduate who serves as president of the Emmy Award-winning Narrative Television Network, received an honorary doctor of laws degree from ORU. He also took a moment to speak and expressed his gratitude to God and to ORU. | Click Photo to Enlarge |
