Barnhill to Speak at Spring Commencement

Friday, April 1, 2011
by Beth Sowers

Hannibal, MO - Hannibal-LaGrange University will hold our May commencement ceremony at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 7, in the Mabee Sports Complex.  Approximately 180 graduates will receive degrees.

This year’s commencement speaker will be Julie Barnhill. Born in Torrance, CA, Barnhill was raised in Brunswick, MO, and graduated from Hannibal-LaGrange in 1987 with a bachelor’s in elementary education.  Barnhill is a persuasive and efficient communicator who is able to affect positive life-change in those she leads, melding wit, humor, intellect, and practical biblical teaching and application through print, audio, social media, television, and radio. Barnhill has written 11 books, and been featured on numerous radio shows as well as speaking engagements, and was a guest on the Oprah show in 2002.

Barnhill is married and has three children. Her daughter, Kristen, is in the graduating class that Barnhill will be addressing.

During the graduation ceremony, the Parkway Distinguished Professor will be announced.  This award is given by Parkway Baptist Church in St. Louis.  Selection for the award is based on professional and personal outstanding contributions to Christian education.