1st commencement ceremony as Lincoln Christian University

[May 18, 2010]  On Saturday, Lincoln Christian University conducted its first commencement ceremonies under its new name. The Class of 2010 is the 65th graduating class from Lincoln Christian. One hundred twenty-eight graduates participated in the 10 a.m. ceremony for the schools of Undergraduate Studies and Adult and Graduate Studies. At 1 p.m., 57 graduate students participated in the ceremony for the LCU Seminary.

Dr. Gene Harker, an Illinois native and Lincoln Christian alumnus, delivered the commencement address. Harker holds a Ph.D. in counseling psychology and a medical degree from the University of Illinois and currently holds a faculty position at the Indiana University School of Medicine. Speaking on "Love Never Fails," Harker's address compared life in Lincoln when he was a student in the '70s to the life that awaits 2010 graduates. In summarizing his thoughts, Harker said, "I applaud you for your investment in education, for it will determine your future. … When you serve, you are blessed."

President Keith Ray added, "Do what we trained you to do. Live your mission."

In addition to the new name, there were several other significant events to recognize.

The Seminary graduated its first five students to earn Doctor of Ministry degrees: Joseph D. Harvey of Longmont, Colo.; Kari MacKenzie of Brownsburg, Ind.; Michael MacKenzie of Beach Point, Prince Edward Island, Canada; Ezekiel Mbwilo of Dodoma, Tanzania; and Lana West of Jacksonville.

Each master's graduate of the Seminary received a towel after receiving his or her diploma and hood and descending from the platform. The "giving of the towel" is unique to Lincoln Christian University graduates. The practice began 20 years ago at the initiation of Dr. Wayne Shaw, dean emeritus. According to Shaw, "This towel signifies that when our students graduate, it is not for arrogance, honor or prestige, but so that they might go out and wash the feet of the world. That is what we are about." The five graduates who received their Doctor of Ministry also received a basin after receiving their diploma and hood. The "giving of the basin" reinforces the symbolism behind the "giving of the towel."

Among LCU's Seminary graduates were two native Haitians. Evens Sanon and Alein Telcine were both finishing up their final semester of Seminary when they heard the news of the earthquake that hit their home country in January. Both plan to return to Haiti in the near future.

Special guests included 11 of the 24 living members of the LBI Class of 1960 who celebrated their 50th anniversary reunion this weekend. The family of S. Edward Tesh was recognized by the President's Distinguished Service Award in his honor.

Lincoln Christian University changed its name from Lincoln Christian College and Seminary in September 2009. LCU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, a commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools; the Commission on Accreditation of the Association for Biblical Higher Education; and the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada. The university's three schools -- the Seminary, the School of Undergraduate Studies, and the School of Adult and Graduate Studies -- share a mission to nurture and equip Christians with a biblical worldview to serve and lead in the church and the world.

[Text from file received from Lincoln Christian University]