MOUNT VERNON – Mount Vernon Nazarene University applauded the accomplishments of 480 graduates during commencement ceremonies in the R.R. Hodges Chapel Auditorium May 6.
Graduates included traditional on-campus students and those completing online programs through the School of Graduate and Professional Studies. Graduates represented the U.S., Bermuda, Costa Rica, Lithuania, Puerto Rico and Trinidad and Tobago.
“You have worked hard over the last several years for this day,” retiring President Dr. Henry W. Spaulding II said. “We celebrate your achievement as we look forward to all the ways you will put your education to work. This day signals your commencement into the next phase of your life, whether it is a job, graduate school, medical school, law school or marriage. We wish you well whatever your next mountain to claim turns out to be in your life.”
Commencement speaker Dr. J.K. Warrick, general superintendent emeritus of the Church of the Nazarene, encouraged both traditional and GPS graduates to continue pursuing God’s plan for their lives.
“My prayer is that for which you have prepared here at Mount Vernon Nazarene University will be your life passion, your calling and that you will never grow weary in pursuing God’s plan for your life in the context of that calling,” Warrick said. “I would hope that as you leave this campus, you will go with purpose, imagination, passion and confidence. Follow your calling and your passion. Go — still farther from home than ever in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ!”
Service Above Self
Cassandra “Cocoa” Petrey, a biology pre-med and chemistry double major, and Hunter Winey, a Christian ministries major, were presented the Service Above Self award. The accolade recognizes students who have distinguished themselves in their college career through service to others both on and off campus. Recipients represent the highest ideal of the university motto: "To seek to learn is to seek to serve."
Petrey was nominated for giving her time and talents in service to others. She was a member of the Student Government Association, a Belong Group leader and participated in the CoSMO group Lunch Buddies, offering care to local elementary students. She also volunteered outside of MVNU with a crisis textline for those experiencing a wide range of difficult circumstances.
Winey was acknowledged for his extensive research project in the classroom evaluating the Crossing-Cultures General Education Curriculum and a research project centered around community development in partnership with the Area Development Foundation. He also served as a Student Mentor, participated in various CoSMO groups and was part of a service-learning trip to the Dominican Republic.
Other students nominated include Genesis Mena Cruz, School of Christina Ministry; MacKenzie Holder and Ryan Wolfe, School of Arts and Humanities; Brittany Miller and Jenson Thompson, Jetter School of Professional Studies; and Katie Cundiff and Liam Near, School of Nursing and Health Sciences.
Excellence in Teaching
Dr. Michael VanZant, professor of Biblical literature in the School of Christian Ministry, was presented the 2022-23 Excellence in Teaching Award. Faculty receiving this honor have distinguished themselves for their dedication to excellence in the classroom and as mentors of Christian virtue. They are selected by the students and faculty.
“Dr. VanZant, thank you,” Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Amy Kovach said. “Thank you for your dedication to excellence in the classroom. Thank you for teaching MVNU students how to understand and engage the Bible. Thank you for modeling the love of Christ to all of us. While we are excited for you and your retirement, the next phase in your journey, we mourn our loss here at MVNU. However, we know you will bring this same excellence to those you serve next.”
Baccalaureate
The baccalaureate worship service was held May 5 and featured a sermon from VanZant. He reminded graduates to “embrace both your diploma and the God who has brought you this far” as they crossed the commencement stage.
“God’s desire for the Hebrews was to walk into the future looking backward. Not yearning for the past but seeing all the places God had met them in life,” VanZant said. “I tell you, if God was there in your pain of broken relationships, there in the dark night of the soul when life was too much, there when you celebrated and when you cried. God will be here tomorrow as you cross this stage and will be in all the unknown tomorrows ahead.”
For photos of all MVNU’s commencement activities, visit flickr.com/photos/mvnumarketing/albums.
Commencement ceremonies are available for viewing on demand at mvnu.tv. A complete program, including a list of graduates and degrees, is available at mvnu.edu/commencement.
