by Rebecca Sneed
Beautiful weather reflected the bright spirits of more than 200 graduates as they walked across the stage in ceremonial regalia to shake the hand of HLGU’s President, Dr. Anthony Allen, and receive their diplomas on Saturday, May 7. Among this year’s graduates was the first class to complete HLGU’s new Master of Arts in Leadership degree.
“Today’s events are celebratory and serve to mark the beginning of the rest of your life,” said Dr. Anthony Allen, HLGU President, as he welcomed the graduates.
This year’s graduating class of seniors was the first class to enter HLGU when Dr. Anthony Allen’s presidency began in 2012, making him a fitting speaker for the commencement address.
“I had the great joy of welcoming you as a new president four years ago,” he said, “and today I have the great privilege of being able to hand you your diploma, a completion of a job well done. The greatest joy I have as president is to see you discover, develop, and to demonstrate God’s purpose for your life.”
Following the presentation of graduates, Ashley Neeley and Reid Echelmeier, nominated Who’s Who Among Seniors at HLGU, led the graduates in the graduate pledge and in giving a standing ovation to thank all friends and family for their support.
Also at commencement, the Parkway Distinguished Professor Award was presented to Mrs. Julie Andresen. The award is given by Parkway Baptist Church in St. Louis, and selection is based on outstanding professional and personal contributions to Christian education. Mrs. Andresen has devoted 26 years of full-time service to Hannibal-LaGrange University where she serves as the library director and holds the rank of assistant professor. Mrs. Andresen earned her Bachelor of Science in English with a minor in library science from Missouri Baptist College and a Master of Science in Library Science from the University of Illinois. During her time at HLGU, Mrs. Andresen has greatly assisted both students and faculty in educational technology and library resources for research while also greatly increasing the availability of those resources. Mrs. Andresen has distinguished herself in her service to Hannibal-LaGrange University while serving on numerous committees in addition to her duties at library director. Notably, Mrs. Andresen has helped oversee the transition into the Roland Library in 2012, and the Carroll Science Center in 2015. Her servant-leader attitude allowed for the large and complex transitions to be completed in extraordinary fashion.
In addition, HLGU also honors one staff member each year. The staff member of the year has been awarded since 2010. The selection process includes nominations by fellow staff members with a vote of affirmation by the administration. This year, the award went to Mr. Jeremy Wallace. In addition to earning a degree in Bible from HLGU, he has graduate work in theology and business administration. Jeremy joined the staff at HLGU in the spring of 2012, in the position of assistant registrar. In 2013, he transitioned to Cams manager with the computer services department. Jeremy and his wife Rachel met at HLGU and are celebrating their tenth anniversary this month. They have one daughter, three-year-old Zoey, and are expecting their second child, a son, this summer. Outside of his HLGU and family life, Jeremy has ministered in Hannibal, and the surrounding communities, as a supply and interim pastor. He is currently the interim pastor at Second Baptist Church in Bowling Green.
Special music during the ceremony was presented by graduates Roane Dalo and Travis Black. Accompanied by Mrs. Lori Scott, the duet performed the song “More Than Wonderful.”
Prior to the ceremony, the graduates processed through the HLGU arch on the University’s traditional Walk of Honor, symbolizing the end of their schooling and their entrance into the world as college graduates.