Class of 2008 Celebrate Graduation

On Thursday, May 1, at 5:30 PM, FC’s Conn Gymnasium was filled to capacity for the 2008 commencement exercises. The familiar ring of the chapel bell signaled the ceremony’s start. President Caldwell led in faculty members, dressed in their black regalia with the class of 2008 filing in on their heels. David Bunting, father of two graduating students, led the invocation, while Rich Leggatt closed the evening with a benediction.

Sophomore class president Jason Dickey (Temple Terrace, Fla.) addressed his classmates for the final time with a message out of Ecclesiastes, reminding them of the futility of all things that are devoid of God.

Senior Dominic Venuso (Leland, Ill.) reminded his classmates of the year’s theme of building. He encouraged his audience to thank the people who had contributed to their lives, and to always build the faith of others.

Several graduating students were recognized for outstanding achievements. Among Associate of Arts graduates, the honor of valedictorian went to Benjamin Bingham (Seffner, Fla.). Class salutatorian was Kimberley Murray (Dublin, N.H.).

President C.G. “Colly” Caldwell introduced the President’s Award, which went to seniors Sarah Hunsicker (Cypress, Texas.) and Meghan McClister (Temple Terrace, Fla.). Dr. H.E. “Buddy” Payne gave the Dean’s Award to Ira Glover (Tampa, Fla.).

Dr. Mark Bingham, chair of the Liberal Studies program, delivered the keynote address to graduates. He encouraged his audience to not be discouraged by what he called “stale news,” which reminds us that there really is nothing new under the sun.

He went on to draw life lessons from each of the major news items in our world today.

“Save first, buy later,” he advised in regard to the state of the economy.

Regarding global warming he said, “Trust the One who created the globe and will someday destroy it in ‘accelerated global warming.’”

He refuted the myth that college years are the best years of our lives. “Life after college,” he remarked, “once most of the unsettling questions have been settled, can be-should be-better.”

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