BLUEFIELD — One hundred fifty-seven Bluefield College seniors received diplomas and three retired BC professors earned distinguished titles during the school’s 87th spring commencement, Saturday, May 16.
President David Olive welcomed the nearly 1,000 family and friends gathered outside in the campus quad against the backdrop of East River Mountain. The president congratulated the seniors and wished them a “meaningful life.”
“As you go forth from this place, our prayer is that you have been prepared not only for a successful career, but also a meaningful life,” said Olive. “We pray that you have a sense of calling that will direct your life with purpose.”
Dan Grabeel, chair of the board of trustees, offered the traditional charge to graduates. He encouraged the graduates to stay connected to their alma mater and spoke also about the integration of faith and learning at BC.
“Don’t forget the hand that led you this far,” said Grabeel. “Don't leave a Christ-centered college here, but take it with you.”
Two outstanding graduating seniors, selected by their professors from both the traditional and degree-completion programs, offered commencement addresses. Laura Kerr, a history major from North Tazewell, Va., encouraged her fellow graduates to see life as a scavenger hunt.
“When we ask ourselves what are we to do with the rest of our lives, we don’t have all the answers,” said Kerr. “God doesn’t work that way. We have successfully followed one clue to the finish, and we’re on our way to the next, but we must trust in the Lord to give us the next clue.”
Phillip Withers, a retired U.S. Navy chief warrant officer and current computer systems analyst for L-3 Communications Corporation, spoke as the outstanding graduate from the adult degree-completion program. Withers, who majored in management and leadership, thanked professors who “taught us valuable lessons.”
“The most important lesson for us,” said Withers, a husband, father and grandfather from Chesapeake, “is that we never let anyone tell us we’re not good enough when we know God has a specific plan for us. Don’t let anyone hold you back, pull you down, or tell you it’s too late. You can do all things through Christ who strengthens you.”
Wayne Massey, a Bluefield College professor of English celebrating his 50th anniversary as a graduate of BC, offered a faculty address. Using anecdotes, literature and memories from the past, Massey spoke about the path to happiness, knowledge and love.
“To find true happiness, knowledge and love,” said Massey, “you must first seek God and hunger and thirst for righteousness.”
The program also included the presentation of three faculty emeritus awards to retired professors David Armbrister, Gerald Clay and Will Gordon. Together, the BC pillars gave more than a century of service to the school.