STAFF REPORTS
ALLIANCE, Ohio — On May 13, Michael Jackson of Ashville, New York graduated from the University of Mount Union. Jackson graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sport Business.
More than 487 graduate and undergraduate students participated in the University of Mount Union’s 171st Commencement Ceremony held in the Peterson Field House of the McPherson Academic and Athletic Complex.
This year’s commencement speaker Rev. Dr. Kenneth W. Chalker ’72 currently serves as the senior pastor at University Circle United Methodist Church, is a graduate of Leadership Cleveland, a member of the Board of Trustees of the University of Mount Union, and an active member of the Board of Trustees of University Circle Inc. Chalker is a graduate of Garrett-ETS at Northwestern University (D.Min.), Duke University Divinity School (M.Div.) and the University of Mount Union.
During his speech, titled “Avoid Stepping in It”, Chalker focused on the pursuit of passion and avoiding falling victim to the status quo. Chalker concluded his speech by urging graduates to spread their gifts across the country, to different communities and families, and to not become comfortable with ‘the way things are’. He pressed the idea that they are needed, that they are powerful, and that they have the tools to make great things happen.
Following Chalker’s address, Dr. Patricia Draves, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the University, began the presentation of the candidates for degrees.
University of Mount Union The University of Mount Union, founded in 1846, is a four-year, private institution grounded in the liberal arts tradition. The University is located in Alliance, OH, 80 miles of both Cleveland and Pittsburgh. Mount Union offers an array of broad-based and career-specific undergraduate and graduate programs to its 2,200 students who experience outstanding opportunities for success after graduation. Among members of the 2014 graduating class, 99% of those self-reporting started a degree-required career or were accepted to graduate school, all in an average of 20 days after graduation. The University is committed to providing a student-centered approach and an exceptional educational experience. For more information, visit mountunion.edu.
