91吃瓜 Celebrates Fall 2024 Graduates
On Saturday, December 14, 91吃瓜 celebrated the fall 2024 graduates. In total, the University recognized 84 graduates, 4 with associate degrees, 60 with bachelor’s degrees, and 33 with master鈥檚 degrees.
Dr. Todd J. Williams, recently returned from sabbatical, delivered the commencement address. Drawing on the Christmas theme of Jesus鈥� birth as both a celebration of His arrival and an anticipation of His second coming, he likened graduation to a similar moment of anticipation for what lies ahead in the graduates鈥� lives.
He then reflected on the cyclical nature of commencement: bringing Cairn鈥檚 mission for its students to one stage of fruition while preparing students for continued growth and impact beyond its doors. Quoting former U.S. President James Monroe, Dr. Williams challenged the graduates to ponder, 鈥淭he question at the end of each educational step in life is not simply what has a student learned, but has a student become?鈥�
Dr. Williams also referenced the story of Joshua, whose commencement as the leader of Israel demonstrated the grace and faithfulness of God. He acknowledged the difficulties of modern-day leadership and life as a graduate, emphasizing that the same God who guided Joshua calls today鈥檚 graduates to be strong and courageous in serving Christ. Most importantly, Joshua鈥檚 courage was not rooted in himself but in God. Dr. Williams urged the graduates to do likewise, keeping their focus firmly on Christ through both successes and failures.
Following Dr. Williams鈥� address, Dr. Adam Porcella recognized graduates with the highest GPAs. With GPAs of 3.99, Ashley Cointot, Hannah Franchois, and Brooke McKenna were honored. Achieving perfect 4.0 GPAs were graduates Katharine Fauske, Gregory Phillips, Matthew Schick, and Michael Wilson.
The ceremony concluded with the University hymn, Great is Thy Faithfulness.
A recording of the fall 2024 commencement is available here.
Congratulations, class of 2024!
