Special to The Record
It was a historic year for St. Catharine College, as 175 degrees were conferred — the most in school history — on May 10 during the 82nd commencement ceremony at the college.
Guy Adams, the president and CEO of Christian Appalachian Project, Inc., delivered the commencement address. Adams shared three pieces of advice with the graduating class: embrace your strengths, embrace change and embrace persistence.
He then shared three important elements in his life: God, giving and growing.
“As a Christian, I want to encourage you to put first things first and make God first in your life,” Adams said.
When discussing the importance of giving, Adams asked the capacity crowd to give the philanthropists that have shaped St. Catharine College a round of applause. He mentioned names such as Hamilton, Boone, Spalding and Hundley.
“Become known in your community as a giver,” Adams said. “Give of your time. Give of your talents. Give of your treasure. The amount of your gift is not as important as the action of giving. Give to your ability.”
Adams weaved the St. Catharine College mission statement into his remarks about growing.
“Never stop developing the talents God has given you,” he said. “The education you’ve received at St. Catharine prepared you to become critical thinkers, ethical leaders and engaged citizens. Keep using those tools. Commit today to become a lifelong learner.”
Sixty-eight associate degrees, 98 bachelor’s degrees and nine master’s degrees were conferred at the commencement. An honorary degree was presented to the family of Taylor Conway, a St. Catharine College student who died during the spring semester.
