Sixteen Receive Graduate School Degrees
September 14, 2010
Sixteen students celebrated the completion of master's degree studies through the OBU Graduate School during luncheons and a Commencement ceremony Saturday, Sept. 11, in OBU's Raley Chapel.
Graduates receiving master of science degrees in nursing included: Cecelia Anne Armstrong, Ladora Sue Buchanan, Janet L. Chance, Debora Sue Dahl, Barbara Hall, Brenda Gayle Lindsey Head, Sonya Hill, Angilena Jo Kolb, Robin LeEtta Riley, Angela Jeanette Smith and Sheila Raye Kennedy-Stewart.
The nursing graduates received a unique pin specifically designed for OBU MSN graduates during a luncheon hosted by Dr. Stan Norman, provost and executive vice president for campus life. The pins were presented by Dr. Lana Bolhouse, dean of the school of nursing; Dr. Claudine Dickey, director of residency programs; and Wanda Robinson, associate professor of nursing.
Graduates receiving master of science degrees in nursing from the OBU Graduate School on Saturday, Sept. 11, included (back row, from left) Angela Smith, Barbara Hall, Ladora Susie Buchanan, Sheila Kennedy-Stewart, Brenda Head and Robin Riley. Also receiving degrees were (front row, from left) Sonya Hill, Debbie Dahl, Cecelia Armstrong, Janet Chance and Angilena Kolb.
OBU's first cohort of MSN graduates designed a distinctive pin to recognize its wearer as a graduate of OBU Graduate School. The oval pin includes the school colors of green and gold and a budded cross.
Graduates receiving master of business administration degrees included: Christina Lynn Balmer, Alisha Marie Bennett, Patricia S. Eneff, Yiquiong Kong and Josephine Nasambu Mangoli.
A luncheon especially for the business graduates featured remarks from OBU President David Whitlock and remarks from Dr. David Houghton, dean of the university's Paul Dickinson School of Business. The luncheon also included reflections from a student's perspective, presented by Christina Balmer, and reflections from a professor's perspective, presented by Dr. Rich Rudebock, Cargill associate professor of business. Dr. Scott Harris, director of the OBU graduate school, hosted the luncheon.
In his Commencement address to the students, Dr. Mark McClellan, dean of the Joe L. Ingram School of Christian Service, challenged the graduates to pursue a global vision, a call to discipleship, and a commitment to engage the truth.
"If you do not see your life with some connection to a global vision, in a matter of years, what you do may become largely irrelevant to God's mission and to the daily realities of life on planet Earth," McClellan said. "You have unique professions that give you open doors all over the world. Develop a global vision of your impact on the world in Christ. Being missional is as much a matter of who you are as where you are."
McClellan told the graduates it is essential they see health care, economics and, most importantly, the church in a global perspective. He charged them to continue to learn and to serve God as a part of His church.
"There is no greater priority for your life and mine than to hear and know God and grow in our relationship with Him," McClellan said, urging the graduates forward in personal discipleship. "You must seek the nurture of your soul. Attempting to change the world without a transformation of our soul is risky at best."
McClellan also charged the graduates to be intentional in sharing their faith intentionally and persuasively.
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"It is an intellectually disciplined Christianity that requires intentionality and commitment," he said. "You have been exposed to academic discipline. Will you make serious disciplined thinking a part of your life as a Christian disciple? This intellectual Christian commitment is seen in the apologists who seek to engage the world with the Gospel and its truth."
During the ceremony, the graduates were inducted into the OBU Alumni Association by Lori Hagans, executive director of the association, and received a charge from Whitlock.
The OBU Graduate School offers the master of business administration degree and master of science in nursing degree. The graduate school campus is located at 111 Harrison in Oklahoma City.