Hannibal-LaGrange honors 180 grads

By Staff

HANNIBAL — A chilly, windy, and wet spring morning May 3 did not dampen the excitement as Bagpiper James Hopkins led the administrators, faculty, and 180 graduates along the traditional Walk of Honor through the iconic arch to the commencement ceremony of spring graduating class at Hannibal-LaGrange College (HLG).

Graduates, along with a few thousand family and friends, celebrated the record-breaking number of 253 graduates for the 2007-2008 academic year. In December 2007, 73 completed their requirements and moved their tassels during the mid-year graduation ceremony. The class of 2008 is the first class that began the tradition of beginning and ending their college years with the Walk of Honor through the college’s archway.

HLG President Woodrow W. Burt welcomed guests and praised the graduates on their accomplishments. “It would be an understatement to say that this is a highly significant occasion on our campus, because in a very large part, this is what we are all about,” said Burt. “We are delighted that you are here to celebrate with us and to honor these fine students.”

Burt then addressed the families of the graduates.

“We recognize that in many instances it has taken a tremendous sacrifice and a great deal of effort on your part to help bring this occasion about for the person you are here to see graduate today,” he said. “On behalf of these who are graduating, we thank you for all that you have done to help bring their dreams to reality.”

Burt acknowledged the HLG board of trustees and continued his introductory remarks.

“Graduates, William J. Bryan once wrote, ‘Destiny is not a matter of chance, it is a matter of choice. It is not a thing to be waited for, it is a thing to be achieved,’” he said. “You sit here today because years ago you made a significant choice and in turn you have achieved an important goal in your life. On behalf of the entire HLG family we commend you and congratulate you, and we pray that God will truly bless you.”

The speaker for this year’s commencement was Missouri State Rep. Rachel Bringer, D-Palmyra. She graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor of arts with honors in English from the University of Missouri and received her juris doctorate from the university’s law school, where she served as a member of the Missouri Law Review.

In addition to her legislative duties, Rep. Bringer is an attorney. She served as the assistant prosecutor for Marion County from 2000-2002, and was a law clerk with the Missouri Court of Appeals, Eastern District, from 1995-1997. A member of the South Union Baptist Church in Maywood, she teaches Sunday School and is a pianist. She also holds memberships with the American Red Cross, Palmyra Kiwanis, and Palmyra Chamber of Commerce, and has served on the HLG board and executive committee.

“I am so very honored to be part of your graduation ceremony,” she said. “I also want to take this opportunity to thank the HLG family for all of your support and encouragement and friendship over the years.”

Bringer grew up in a small country church in northeast Missouri, with HLG administrators, faculty, and staff ministering to her throughout her life. Bringer noted HLG assistance with a personal science project and a speech contest, and members of the HLG family served as her chaperone on a college-sponsored trip to Europe.

“They’ve prayed for me, they have celebrated with me and they have encouraged me every step of the way,” she said. “The entire HLG family has been a key part of my spiritual growth.”

She then spoke to the students.

“Well, graduates, at this point you just want to hurry up and get your diploma,” she said. “Your families want you to hurry up and get a job. But before you hurry up and leave here today, I just want to pause and remind you of all that you’re going to be taking with you as you leave HLG.”

Using the college letters “H-L-G,” Bringer went on to challenge and encourage the class of 2008 that whatever the chosen career path, the spiritual growth achieved at HLG will help bring H-onor to their profession, L-eadership to their community, and G-lory to God.

“HLG graduates, you are the pride of ‘America’s Hometown’ today,” she said. “As you leave HLG, all of us here today look forward to celebrating with you as you bring HLG to the world.”

Also at commencement, the Parkway Distinguished Scholar Award was presented to Jane Griffen, assistant professor of music at HLG. The $1,000 award is given by Parkway Baptist Church in St. Louis. Selection for the award is based on professional and personal outstanding contributions to Christian education.

Griffen joined the Hannibal-LaGrange College faculty in 1988 as an adjunct instructor in the music department. From 1991 to present, Griffen has served full-time as assistant professor of music. Her teaching responsibilities have included applied voice, vocal diction, advance choral conducting, choral techniques, elementary education methods classes, and student teaching supervision. In addition to directing the HLG Concert Choir and HLG Jazz Choir, Griffen has also been the director of Praise Song, Covenant, and the Hannibal Children’s Choir. Griffen has also served as vocal director/conductor for several HLG theatre and musical productions.