HANNIBAL – Hannibal-LaGrange University (HLG) awarded degrees to 97 graduates during commencement ceremonies Dec. 18 in the Mabee Sports Complex.
The keynote speaker for the 2010 December Graduation was David Tolliver, executive director of the Missouri Baptist Convention (MBC). Tolliver received his undergraduate degree from Dallas Baptist University and Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry degrees from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.
Tolliver began by congratulating HLG for its name change to University, and praising the process used to make it official. He also presented the school with a resolution on behalf of the MBC Executive Board praising them on that process.
“Just a couple of weeks ago I received the official document from the State of Missouri declaring this institution Hannibal-LaGrange University,” he said. “This is my first opportunity to publicly acknowledge the gracious and godly way [HLG President Woodrow] Burt and [trustees chairman] Terry Buster responded to the actions at the convention. Thank you for your example.”
Tolliver was a student at Dallas Baptist University when it changed from college to university.
“I remember well the night I graduated from college,” he said. “Like many of you, I was thinking ‘Finally, I made it.’ But may I suggest to you that ‘you’ve only just begun.’”
BY STAFF