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University officials conferred a total of 263 degrees, including 227 Bachelor of Arts degrees, 23 Bachelor of Science degrees, eight Bachelor of Music degrees and five Bachelor of Music Education degrees. The Saturday morning service, held on the lawn of Ouachita’s historic Cone-Bottoms Hall, was part of the university’s yearlong 125th anniversary celebration.
Ouachita’s 2011 graduating class featured more than 100 honor graduates, including 20 who graduated summa cum laude with a grade point average of 3.95 or higher, 39 who graduated magna cum laude (3.75 GPA) and 49 who graduated cum laude (3.5 GPA). University officials also recognized 12 graduates who completed Ouachita’s Carl Goodson Honors Program and 21 members of the Alpha Chi national honor society.
Two graduates of Ouachita’s Pruet School of Christian Studies who earned 4.0 GPAs read Scripture during the commencement ceremony: Caitlin Chapman of Van Buren, Ark., and Leasha May of Spring, Texas.
Dr. Byron Eubanks, professor of philosophy and director of the Sutton Center for Integrity, served as commencement marshal. Dr. Horne also recognized two honorary marshals: Dr. George Keck, professor emeritus of music, and Mrs. Mary Worthen, assistant professor emerita of music, both of whom retired at the conclusion of the academic year.
“We recognize our debt to the two of you,” President Horne told Keck and Worthen. “You have made us better people and you have made this university greater, and we thank you for that.”
In his remarks to the graduating class, Dr. Horne recounted recent news events ranging from the earthquake and tsunami in Japan and tornadoes and flooding in the U.S. to the death of Osama bin Laden. Such events, he acknowledged, “do not give graduates what would seem to be a warm welcome into this world in 2011.”
“So I’m here this morning with several questions on my mind,” he said. “Have we met our stated mission? Have you been prepared? Are you ready to leave here for whatever is next in your life? And as I have pondered these questions, I have come to an enthusiastic ‘yes.’”
Dr. Horne reminded graduates that “you have received a first-rate education. Your minds have been challenged and instructed. You have grown intellectually. Your hearts have been touched and many of you would say your hearts have been changed; you’ve been touched spiritually.
“So I would say you are prepared and you’re ready to face the world as it is in 2011. And I would go further in saying that with all the challenges that you face, what an ideal time to go out and to make a difference.
“May our work always be an act of service and worship,” he concluded. “So class of 2011, I simply say to you, make it so. And may God bless you as you go from this place.”
A video of Saturday’s commencement exercises is available on the university website at www.obu.edu/broadcast.
The following students earned degrees May 14, in order of hometown:
Alexander, Ark.—Jeremy Briggs, Michael Haydon
Allen, Texas—Allison Cornell, Ryan Ellis, Jessica Hensarling, Beau Landers
Arkadelphia, Ark.—Allie Baldwin, Sarah Burgess, Josh Jackson, Eric Mahfouz, Desarae Nelson, Leslie Reynolds, Megan Ruggles, Steve Smith, Sarah Stark, Keli Thomason
Arlington, Texas—Laura Hogue, Jody Lee, Steven Miller, Chris Norcross, C.J. Rice
Ashdown, Ark.—Corey Perkins
Atlanta, Texas—Micah Hazelwood
Batesville, Ark.—Amy Hazelrigg, Kate Shell, Randi Wilson
Bedford, Texas—Robert Peace
Beebe, Ark.—Cortnie DeVore
Bengkulu, Indonesia—Aaron Baker
Benton, Ark.—Brooke Baker, Richard Garza Adams, Amy Harrington, Matt Marsh, Carmen Merrick, Ramsi Richey, Jessica Schleiff, Austin Walker
Bentonville, Ark.—Ana Cameron
Birmingham, Ala.—Jeremy Banks
Blanchester, Ohio—Richard Huber
Blytheville, Ark.—Lindsay Chastain
BonWier, Texas—AnnaLeigh Herrin
Boulder, Colo.—Madison, O’Connor
Brandon, Miss.—Brent Smith
Bryan, Texas—Daniel Karkoska
Bryant, Ark.—Josh Groves, Michael Paulk, Timothy Statton, Clay Trimble, Bethany Whitfield
Burbank, Calif.—E.J. Thrasher, Jr.
Burkburnett, Texas—Leah Jones
Burleson, Texas—Jillian Vire
Cabot, Ark.—Juliana Ragsdale, Cortnee Stewart, Lauren Uhrich
Camden, Ark.—Alex Hargis
Carrollton, Texas—Preston Byrd, Amy Wood
Chiang Mai, Thailand—Renee Garza Adams
Clarksville, Ark.—John Dicus
Colorado Springs, Colo.—Katie Luff
Combine, Texas—Chase Smith
Conway, Ark.—Leslyn Ichter, Lauren Lefler, Kelly Magee, Lindsey Pearson, Andrew Roberson, Callie Stephens
Coppell, Texas—Ashley Dillard, Morgan Fitzgerald, Meg Gosser
Cypress, Texas—Korrie Browning
Dallas, Texas—Scott Nelson
Del City, Okla.—Ali King
Denison, Texas—Erin Flippin
Denton, Texas—Sarah Beth Meyerdirk
DeQueen, Ark.—Callie Miller
DeSoto, Texas—Amy Guiomard, Hillary Stillwell
Dickson, Tenn.—Gray Prichard
East End, Ark.—Kristin Penn
Edmond, Okla.—Anne Bradford
El Dorado, Ark.—Christa Gorz, Tanner Hammond, Sarah Beth Hill, Wes Hymer, Sarah Richardson
Elkins, Ark.—Aspen Grams
Erie, Pa.—Sam McGill
Fayetteville, Ark.—Julielle Sears
Florissant, Colo.—Amy Steeger
Flower Mound, Texas—Kyle Tilley
Forney, Texas—Sarah Bell, Courtney Smith
Fort Worth, Texas—Travis Ball, Kaitlyn Mitcham
Four Seasons, Mo.—Kyle Zimmerman
Frisco, Texas—Jessica Braudrick, Chris Nissen, Kristen Rigsbee, Devin Waters
Gainesville, Texas—Alek Eurich
Garland, Texas—Graham Cole
Geronimo, Texas—Ananda Boardman
Gilbert, Ariz.—Casie Neal
Gillett, Ark.—Molly Johnson
Grandville, Mich.—Heidi Siner
Grapevine, Texas—John Mark Tohlen, Karen Brown
Greenwood, Ark.—Rachel Griffith
Hannibal, Mo.—Christina Albee
Harare, Zimbabwe—Sarah Cearley
Heath, Texas—Hannah Moon
Heber Springs, Ark.—Aaron Frank, Katie Uttley
Hooks, Texas—Jessica James
Hope, Ark.—Joshua Fischer, Keaton Harper, Quincee York
Horatio, Ark.—Jeffery Liggin
Horn Lake, Miss.—Belford Williams, Jr.
Hot Springs, Ark.—Amanda Bryson, Matt Cox, Annie Gerber, Sarah Greeson, Ben Reeves, Haley Scott, Kayla Smith, Julie Tucker
Houston, Texas—Lizzy Bauman, Grant Caskey, Ian Deetz, Katie Edenfield
Indianapolis, Ind.—Rachel Willhoite
Jonesboro, Ark.—Whitney Crews, Natalie Gregory, Katie Osment, Faith Williams
Judsonia, Ark.—Tyler King
Katy, Texas—Blake Burkett
Kaufman, Texas—Blake Mercer
Kennett, Mo.—Lauren Smith
Lancaster, Calif.—Eric Butler, II
Lawson, Ark.—Callie Travis
Litchfield, Ill.—Beth Anne Shrader
Little Rock, Ark.—Amy Berry; Juliana Braswell; Carla Eubanks; Anna Fruchey; Marvin Gilmore, II; Kelly Harris; Hannah Hurn; Greta James; Abby Pate; Michael South; Lauren Stuart; Jasmine Thomas
Longview, Texas—Melissa Collier, Sean Dickard, Chris Hull
Luanda, Angola—Nicolau Nguimbi
Magnet Cove, Ark.—Kelli Beth Bratton
Malvern, Ark.—Brandi George, Brandi Hughes, Hannah Penny, Seth Penny
Mansfield, Texas—Julia Hagar, Michael Happel
Maumelle, Ark.—Ben Clardy
McGehee, Ark.—Colmon Massey
Memphis, Tenn.—Elisabeth Hipp
Mena, Ark.—Nathan Lochala, Nicholas Tinnesz
Mesquite, Texas—Bethany Moss, Evan Park, Jake Stanley, Andrew Yates
Monticello, Ark.—Alana Adams; Lori Hilburn; D.J. Jacks, Jr.
Morrilton, Ark.—Emily Coffman
Mount Holly, Ark.—Zach Sparks
Mountain Home, Ark.—Reid Adkins, Logan Kucginski
Murfreesboro, Ark.—Tami Collins
Nacogdoches, Texas—Sky Howard
Newark, Texas—Sarah Davis
North Little Rock, Ark.—Molly Jo Banks, Drew Harper, Jimmy Turner
Osterholz-Scharmbeck, Germany—Till Heilshorn
Paragould, Ark.—Matt Dillard
Paris, Texas—Aime’e Ragan
Pine Bluff, Ark.—Mark Cain, Sharon Emerson, Trent Schmidt
Plano, Texas—Ryan Gorman, Keeson Martin, Mark Morrison, Alex Tonrey
Pleasantville, N.J.—Ed Keyes, Jr.
Ponta Grossa-Paraná, Brazil—Mariana Divardin
Prescott, Ark.—Colbe Christopher
Raleigh, N.C.—Marc Schreiner
Red Oak, Texas—Bethany Ivie, Elisa Modesto
Redlands, Calif.—Anna Ryan
Rogers, Ark.—David DeYoung
Rowlett, Texas—Molly Brown, Nathan Courtright, Rachael Herrmann, Andrya Smith, Katie Willhite
Russellville, Ark.—Eli Cranor, Ashley Partridge
Ruston, La.—Cassie Harrell
San Antonio, Texas—Katie Patterson
Sao Paulo, Brazil—Nelson Silva, Jr.
Savannah, Texas—Jennifer Miller
Searcy, Ark.—Molly Fincher, Holly Garland, Brandon Knight, Lynley Vire
Sheridan, Ark.—Stephanie Beck, Whitney Moore, Liz Richardson, Ben Thomas
Sherwood, Ark.—Abby Turner
Shreveport, La.—Katie Cresswell, Emilie Gorman
Sibiu, Romania—Radu Badalac
Smackover, Ark.—Becca Watts
Spring, Texas—Daniel Anderson, Leasha May
Springdale, Ark.—Leanne Cushman
Stockton, Calif.—Tony Taylor
Strong, Ark.—Maranda Parker
Stuttgart, Ark.—Kristen Glover, Justin Hodges, Jennifer White
Terrell, Texas—Ryleigh Lay
Texarkana, Ark.—Jacob Harris, Andrea Jones, Justin Magness
Texarkana, Texas—Hannah Dreyer, Alyssa Pickett, Sarah Sparks
The Colony, Texas—Kristi Allen
Tomball, Texas—Mark Sumrall
Tyler, Texas—Sara Hanson
Van Buren, Ark.—Rob Carney, Caitlin Chapman, Stephen Chapman
Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe—Phillip Robinson
Victoria, Texas—Grace Whitaker
Vilonia, Ark.—Brooks Sisson
Waterproof, La.—Jordan Lentz
Wheatland, Mo.—Katie Roam
Whitehouse, Texas—Sarah Howard
Wimberley, Texas—Ruth Bryan
Wynne, Ark.—Jeremiah Nugent
Ouachita Baptist University confers 263 degrees on class of 2011 grads
May 16, 2011 - OBU News Bureau
Challenging Ouachita Baptist University’s graduating class of 2011 to “use what you
have gained here in service of God and humankind wherever you may go in this needy
world,” President Rex M. Horne, Jr., presided over the university’s 124th spring commencement exercises May 14.
University officials conferred a total of 263 degrees, including 227 Bachelor of Arts degrees, 23 Bachelor of Science degrees, eight Bachelor of Music degrees and five Bachelor of Music Education degrees. The Saturday morning service, held on the lawn of Ouachita’s historic Cone-Bottoms Hall, was part of the university’s yearlong 125th anniversary celebration.
Ouachita’s 2011 graduating class featured more than 100 honor graduates, including 20 who graduated summa cum laude with a grade point average of 3.95 or higher, 39 who graduated magna cum laude (3.75 GPA) and 49 who graduated cum laude (3.5 GPA). University officials also recognized 12 graduates who completed Ouachita’s Carl Goodson Honors Program and 21 members of the Alpha Chi national honor society.
Two graduates of Ouachita’s Pruet School of Christian Studies who earned 4.0 GPAs read Scripture during the commencement ceremony: Caitlin Chapman of Van Buren, Ark., and Leasha May of Spring, Texas.
Dr. Byron Eubanks, professor of philosophy and director of the Sutton Center for Integrity, served as commencement marshal. Dr. Horne also recognized two honorary marshals: Dr. George Keck, professor emeritus of music, and Mrs. Mary Worthen, assistant professor emerita of music, both of whom retired at the conclusion of the academic year.
“We recognize our debt to the two of you,” President Horne told Keck and Worthen. “You have made us better people and you have made this university greater, and we thank you for that.”
In his remarks to the graduating class, Dr. Horne recounted recent news events ranging from the earthquake and tsunami in Japan and tornadoes and flooding in the U.S. to the death of Osama bin Laden. Such events, he acknowledged, “do not give graduates what would seem to be a warm welcome into this world in 2011.”
“So I’m here this morning with several questions on my mind,” he said. “Have we met our stated mission? Have you been prepared? Are you ready to leave here for whatever is next in your life? And as I have pondered these questions, I have come to an enthusiastic ‘yes.’”
Dr. Horne reminded graduates that “you have received a first-rate education. Your minds have been challenged and instructed. You have grown intellectually. Your hearts have been touched and many of you would say your hearts have been changed; you’ve been touched spiritually.
“So I would say you are prepared and you’re ready to face the world as it is in 2011. And I would go further in saying that with all the challenges that you face, what an ideal time to go out and to make a difference.
“May our work always be an act of service and worship,” he concluded. “So class of 2011, I simply say to you, make it so. And may God bless you as you go from this place.”
A video of Saturday’s commencement exercises is available on the university website at www.obu.edu/broadcast.
The following students earned degrees May 14, in order of hometown:
Alexander, Ark.—Jeremy Briggs, Michael Haydon
Allen, Texas—Allison Cornell, Ryan Ellis, Jessica Hensarling, Beau Landers
Arkadelphia, Ark.—Allie Baldwin, Sarah Burgess, Josh Jackson, Eric Mahfouz, Desarae Nelson, Leslie Reynolds, Megan Ruggles, Steve Smith, Sarah Stark, Keli Thomason
Arlington, Texas—Laura Hogue, Jody Lee, Steven Miller, Chris Norcross, C.J. Rice
Ashdown, Ark.—Corey Perkins
Atlanta, Texas—Micah Hazelwood
Batesville, Ark.—Amy Hazelrigg, Kate Shell, Randi Wilson
Bedford, Texas—Robert Peace
Beebe, Ark.—Cortnie DeVore
Bengkulu, Indonesia—Aaron Baker
Benton, Ark.—Brooke Baker, Richard Garza Adams, Amy Harrington, Matt Marsh, Carmen Merrick, Ramsi Richey, Jessica Schleiff, Austin Walker
Bentonville, Ark.—Ana Cameron
Birmingham, Ala.—Jeremy Banks
Blanchester, Ohio—Richard Huber
Blytheville, Ark.—Lindsay Chastain
BonWier, Texas—AnnaLeigh Herrin
Boulder, Colo.—Madison, O’Connor
Brandon, Miss.—Brent Smith
Bryan, Texas—Daniel Karkoska
Bryant, Ark.—Josh Groves, Michael Paulk, Timothy Statton, Clay Trimble, Bethany Whitfield
Burbank, Calif.—E.J. Thrasher, Jr.
Burkburnett, Texas—Leah Jones
Burleson, Texas—Jillian Vire
Cabot, Ark.—Juliana Ragsdale, Cortnee Stewart, Lauren Uhrich
Camden, Ark.—Alex Hargis
Carrollton, Texas—Preston Byrd, Amy Wood
Chiang Mai, Thailand—Renee Garza Adams
Clarksville, Ark.—John Dicus
Colorado Springs, Colo.—Katie Luff
Combine, Texas—Chase Smith
Conway, Ark.—Leslyn Ichter, Lauren Lefler, Kelly Magee, Lindsey Pearson, Andrew Roberson, Callie Stephens
Coppell, Texas—Ashley Dillard, Morgan Fitzgerald, Meg Gosser
Cypress, Texas—Korrie Browning
Dallas, Texas—Scott Nelson
Del City, Okla.—Ali King
Denison, Texas—Erin Flippin
Denton, Texas—Sarah Beth Meyerdirk
DeQueen, Ark.—Callie Miller
DeSoto, Texas—Amy Guiomard, Hillary Stillwell
Dickson, Tenn.—Gray Prichard
East End, Ark.—Kristin Penn
Edmond, Okla.—Anne Bradford
El Dorado, Ark.—Christa Gorz, Tanner Hammond, Sarah Beth Hill, Wes Hymer, Sarah Richardson
Elkins, Ark.—Aspen Grams
Erie, Pa.—Sam McGill
Fayetteville, Ark.—Julielle Sears
Florissant, Colo.—Amy Steeger
Flower Mound, Texas—Kyle Tilley
Forney, Texas—Sarah Bell, Courtney Smith
Fort Worth, Texas—Travis Ball, Kaitlyn Mitcham
Four Seasons, Mo.—Kyle Zimmerman
Frisco, Texas—Jessica Braudrick, Chris Nissen, Kristen Rigsbee, Devin Waters
Gainesville, Texas—Alek Eurich
Garland, Texas—Graham Cole
Geronimo, Texas—Ananda Boardman
Gilbert, Ariz.—Casie Neal
Gillett, Ark.—Molly Johnson
Grandville, Mich.—Heidi Siner
Grapevine, Texas—John Mark Tohlen, Karen Brown
Greenwood, Ark.—Rachel Griffith
Hannibal, Mo.—Christina Albee
Harare, Zimbabwe—Sarah Cearley
Heath, Texas—Hannah Moon
Heber Springs, Ark.—Aaron Frank, Katie Uttley
Hooks, Texas—Jessica James
Hope, Ark.—Joshua Fischer, Keaton Harper, Quincee York
Horatio, Ark.—Jeffery Liggin
Horn Lake, Miss.—Belford Williams, Jr.
Hot Springs, Ark.—Amanda Bryson, Matt Cox, Annie Gerber, Sarah Greeson, Ben Reeves, Haley Scott, Kayla Smith, Julie Tucker
Houston, Texas—Lizzy Bauman, Grant Caskey, Ian Deetz, Katie Edenfield
Indianapolis, Ind.—Rachel Willhoite
Jonesboro, Ark.—Whitney Crews, Natalie Gregory, Katie Osment, Faith Williams
Judsonia, Ark.—Tyler King
Katy, Texas—Blake Burkett
Kaufman, Texas—Blake Mercer
Kennett, Mo.—Lauren Smith
Lancaster, Calif.—Eric Butler, II
Lawson, Ark.—Callie Travis
Litchfield, Ill.—Beth Anne Shrader
Little Rock, Ark.—Amy Berry; Juliana Braswell; Carla Eubanks; Anna Fruchey; Marvin Gilmore, II; Kelly Harris; Hannah Hurn; Greta James; Abby Pate; Michael South; Lauren Stuart; Jasmine Thomas
Longview, Texas—Melissa Collier, Sean Dickard, Chris Hull
Luanda, Angola—Nicolau Nguimbi
Magnet Cove, Ark.—Kelli Beth Bratton
Malvern, Ark.—Brandi George, Brandi Hughes, Hannah Penny, Seth Penny
Mansfield, Texas—Julia Hagar, Michael Happel
Maumelle, Ark.—Ben Clardy
McGehee, Ark.—Colmon Massey
Memphis, Tenn.—Elisabeth Hipp
Mena, Ark.—Nathan Lochala, Nicholas Tinnesz
Mesquite, Texas—Bethany Moss, Evan Park, Jake Stanley, Andrew Yates
Monticello, Ark.—Alana Adams; Lori Hilburn; D.J. Jacks, Jr.
Morrilton, Ark.—Emily Coffman
Mount Holly, Ark.—Zach Sparks
Mountain Home, Ark.—Reid Adkins, Logan Kucginski
Murfreesboro, Ark.—Tami Collins
Nacogdoches, Texas—Sky Howard
Newark, Texas—Sarah Davis
North Little Rock, Ark.—Molly Jo Banks, Drew Harper, Jimmy Turner
Osterholz-Scharmbeck, Germany—Till Heilshorn
Paragould, Ark.—Matt Dillard
Paris, Texas—Aime’e Ragan
Pine Bluff, Ark.—Mark Cain, Sharon Emerson, Trent Schmidt
Plano, Texas—Ryan Gorman, Keeson Martin, Mark Morrison, Alex Tonrey
Pleasantville, N.J.—Ed Keyes, Jr.
Ponta Grossa-Paraná, Brazil—Mariana Divardin
Prescott, Ark.—Colbe Christopher
Raleigh, N.C.—Marc Schreiner
Red Oak, Texas—Bethany Ivie, Elisa Modesto
Redlands, Calif.—Anna Ryan
Rogers, Ark.—David DeYoung
Rowlett, Texas—Molly Brown, Nathan Courtright, Rachael Herrmann, Andrya Smith, Katie Willhite
Russellville, Ark.—Eli Cranor, Ashley Partridge
Ruston, La.—Cassie Harrell
San Antonio, Texas—Katie Patterson
Sao Paulo, Brazil—Nelson Silva, Jr.
Savannah, Texas—Jennifer Miller
Searcy, Ark.—Molly Fincher, Holly Garland, Brandon Knight, Lynley Vire
Sheridan, Ark.—Stephanie Beck, Whitney Moore, Liz Richardson, Ben Thomas
Sherwood, Ark.—Abby Turner
Shreveport, La.—Katie Cresswell, Emilie Gorman
Sibiu, Romania—Radu Badalac
Smackover, Ark.—Becca Watts
Spring, Texas—Daniel Anderson, Leasha May
Springdale, Ark.—Leanne Cushman
Stockton, Calif.—Tony Taylor
Strong, Ark.—Maranda Parker
Stuttgart, Ark.—Kristen Glover, Justin Hodges, Jennifer White
Terrell, Texas—Ryleigh Lay
Texarkana, Ark.—Jacob Harris, Andrea Jones, Justin Magness
Texarkana, Texas—Hannah Dreyer, Alyssa Pickett, Sarah Sparks
The Colony, Texas—Kristi Allen
Tomball, Texas—Mark Sumrall
Tyler, Texas—Sara Hanson
Van Buren, Ark.—Rob Carney, Caitlin Chapman, Stephen Chapman
Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe—Phillip Robinson
Victoria, Texas—Grace Whitaker
Vilonia, Ark.—Brooks Sisson
Waterproof, La.—Jordan Lentz
Wheatland, Mo.—Katie Roam
Whitehouse, Texas—Sarah Howard
Wimberley, Texas—Ruth Bryan
Wynne, Ark.—Jeremiah Nugent
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