2007 Commencement

Graduating seniors mark the beginning of their new adventure on May 5 as they walk across the stage to receive their diplomas at the 2007 Commencement in the Ward Fieldhouse. Their four year journey has brought them to yet another jumping off point—one more moment to begin with new hope and new challenges. They began as freshmen signing promissory notes for student loans and dedicating themselves to an exceptional academic program that would test their intellect and will. And now they celebrate a new beginning again: their commencement into the world.

For many graduates, the AU experience has done more than just prepare them for their future careers. It has shaped them personally through relationships and experiences. English major Christine Davey has participated in several campus ministries and the Tri-S program, which helped her gain a better understanding of the world. “I’ve learned what I want my life to be about,” Davey said, “I feel I came into my own… I know what I believe and I know why I believe it.” Nicole Phillips, a Biology major, noted how the university as a whole helped her personal growth. “It was an atmosphere that helped me define who I am and what I believe,” she explained. She attributed this largely to the ability to build close relationships with the faculty. Christian Ministries major Steve Sipka reminisced on the relationships he developed at a local coffee shop while attending AU. “It was a place where we had bottomless cups of coffee and enjoyed many glorious conversations,” he remarked. While studying Business Management, MacKenzie Love found the emphasis of the faculty was not exclusively on business, but also on how to be in business and be a Christian. Her AU experience has taught her to realize the importance of service to the church as well as excellence in the business profession. Though they come from many different fields, the AU graduating class has grown to accept their call to service and commitment to relationships.

Graduates feel quite prepared to face the many challenges before them. “It’s just a confidence factor,” Love said of her future career in business. Her classes taught her, besides the principles of her field, how to prepare resumes and make a good impression. She also met challenges in the classroom from professors who pushed students out of their comfort zones to help them grow in their studies. She’s grateful for the many opportunities she’s had to grow and prepare for the career ahead. Love plans to return to her hometown of Orlando and work for a local business. Davey’s work with campus ministries and trips to aid others through Tri-S led her to pursue work in service. She has applied for an internship with Discipleship Year where she hopes to work in a Washington D.C. residential house for people dying of HIV. Phillips plans to attend medical school at Indiana University. Her work in Biology has prepared her well, and she hopes to further develop a specialty in pediatrics.

Though many of the graduates of the class of 2007 will strike out boldly in their careers, deep down many of them feel a sense of nervousness and uncertainty. Sipka plans to do social work in Anderson, but so far has not had made any definite plans. This new step into the future is a step of faith, even for those graduates who have plans set in stone. Sipka articulated his approach, “I don’t know what I’m doing tomorrow much less next year. But I’m here and doing the best I can.” Though they may not know what lies ahead, they will be able to face many challenges because of the strength of character they developed while at AU.