Gordon in the News: last updated 02/15/2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 19, 2007
MEDIA CONTACT:
Ashley Hopkins
Office of College Communications
978.867.4569
WENHAM, MA - Today Gordon College celebrated its 115th Commencement with College President R. Judson Carlberg presiding. More than 370 bachelor's degrees of the liberal arts and sciences were presented, along with 19 master's degrees in education and music education. Due to inclement weather, the Commencement ceremony was held inside the Bennett Athletic Center with roughly 3,000 audience members.
Special guest speaker Dr. Lauren F. Winner, acclaimed author of Girl Meets God, Mudhouse Sabbath and most recently Real Sex: The Naked Truth About Chastity, addressed the graduating seniors with a message of sincere enthusiasm and promise for the future. "We are living in a time of great social transformation, a time of great geopolitical change and technological change. On top of that we are living in the middle of one of the great revolutions of social history. That is the revolution of how we think about gender, how we think about men and women and their roles."
Dr. Winner shared many thoughtful words with the class of 2007 about her life after college and explained that she'd often wished for a "road map" to guide her through her 20's. "It takes time, leisure and faith to settle into adulthood," she said. "Gaze deeply at the things that matter." Dr. Winner added that "terrific challenges await you on the other side of this Commencement ceremony...," and concluded with what she considered to be the greatest piece of advice she'd received over the years. "Your job is to figure out what to pay attention to (in life) and pay attention to it!"
Other highlights of the 115th Commencement ceremony included the presentation of two distinguished faculty awards by Gordon Provost Mark L. Sargent. Jennifer Hevelone-Harper, associate professor of history at Gordon was presented with the Junior Distinguished Faculty Award for her successful teaching performance, scholarly and professional endeavors, and service to the College and community. Stephen Smith, professor of economics & business at Gordon received the Senior Distinguished Faculty Award for his gestures of collegiality and his dedication to his service and scholarship at Gordon.
The 115th Commencement weekend also included a Baccalaureate service on the evening of Friday, May 18 that featured a special farewell address by Senior Minister for Boston's Park Street Church, Dr. Gordon F. Hugenberger.
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Gordon College is a Christian college of the liberal arts and sciences on Boston's North Shore. The college offers majors in 36 fields and has graduate programs in education and music education. Leading the way in Christian college merit, Gordon is nationally ranked for its excellence in academics and its role in character building. These achievements recognize Gordon as one of the nation's top Christian colleges.
