UM starts new tradition, brings graduation back to campus for first time in 41 years

University of Mobile (UM) held graduation on its campus for the first time in 41 years May 13 with more than 3,400 in attendance.

Among those in the audience were members of the 1967 graduating class, the first graduating class of the university, who celebrated their 50th reunion this year.

This year’s class of 250 graduates was the first to start a new tradition of touching the Great Commission Globe, a black granite fountain in the center of the Dr. Fred and Sue Lackey Great Commission Lawn, after receiving their diplomas.

UM President Dr. Timothy L. Smith said the Great Commission Globe “serves as a reminder of our responsibility before God as a university to prepare graduates from various disciplines for their Great Commission calling.”

Touching the globe at graduation, Smith said, signals the graduate telling the Lord, “Here I am, send me,” in the words of Isaiah 6:8.

UM presented its two top awards to graduates who exemplify the mission of the university. The Weaver awards are given to the top male and female graduating students and are chosen by vote of the faculty.

The 2017 Annie Boyd Parker Weaver Excellence Award was presented to Kelli Rae Brown, of Jasper. She also was awarded the College of Arts and Sciences Achievement Award, graduated summa cum laude and was an Honors graduate with thesis.

The 2017 William K. Weaver Jr. Excellence Award was presented to Joshua Thomas Hill, of Huntsville. Hill serves as worship associate for Government Street Baptist Church, Mobile. (UM)

To view a video of graduates starting this new tradition, go to vimeo.com/217507974.