Shorter University graduates charged to move forward and maintain momentum

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ROME, Ga. — “A lot has changed in 150 years. One thing, however, remains constant; Shorter University continues to provide an excellent Christ-centered education equipping the next generation of nurses, teachers, pastors, musicians, actors, historians, journalists, scientists, business leaders and more… men and women ready to step into their God-given calling,” said Dr. Dana King, dean of the College of Education, in her commencement address.

Dr. Kyle Conkle, assistant professor of Sport Management, gave the opening invocation. Dr. Donald Dowless, president of Shorter, then welcomed the candidates for degrees, their family and friends, faculty, and staff as they gathered for two commencement ceremonies held in Shorter University’s Winthrop-King Centre on Thursday, May 4.

The following degrees were conferred in a morning ceremony: Associate of Science, Bachelor of Business Administration, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Master of Accountancy, Master of Management, and Master of Business Administration. The afternoon ceremony saw the conferring of Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Fine Arts, Bachelor of Music, Bachelor of Science, and Master of Teaching degrees.

Celebrating Shorter’s 150th academic year, vocal performance major Emily Wilder offered a beautiful rendition of “How Can I Keep from Singing?” with additional music provided by the Shorter University Brass Ensemble.

In celebration of Shorter’s 150th academic year, Dr. King shared that she was “both humbled and elated to have the opportunity to address this class, celebrating a historic landmark in the life of our university.” Her address was titled “Harnessing the Power of the Big Mo”; a concept that leadership expert John Maxwell dubbed. King stated that “not willing to compromise your biblical worldview may result in a collision that will slow your momentum; but the Apostle Paul gives us a perfect reminder in Philippians 3, to press toward the mark for the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”

King charged candidates to sustain momentum, being willing “to direct momentum instead of letting it direct you; by the grace of God, we are equipped to step into our calling. By remembering (that) our work is important we keep the momentum going… it’s not time to go with the flow, it’s time to steer!”

Dr. John Reams, provost of the school, presented the candidates for degrees. Shorter conferred 107 graduate degrees and 254 undergraduate degrees for its 150th academic year. Of those, 116 degrees were conferred with honors.