Full house attends Wayland Baptist graduation

STAFF WRITER

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link Staff photo: Brittney Cannon

Ashley Dawn Allen was among graduates Friday morning from Wayland Baptist University, one of 13 who earned a master’s degree.

Almost all of the seats at Central Baptist Church were filled Friday morning with friends and family members waiting eagerly to see the newest graduates from Wayland Baptist University.

Graduates were from all different backgrounds — some were active or retired military members, some had young families, some were young and some were old. But despite their differences and backgrounds, they all had one thing in common: education is a priority.

“All of our graduates have worked extremely hard to achieve their educational goals,” said Gary Mitchell, executive director and dean of Wayland’s Clovis campus in his welcoming speech.

“To succeed, they’ve had to learn how to balance the requirements of their jobs, their families, their church and all the distractions that life has given them. … This balance often required a lot of teamwork between the graduates and their families, and great commitments on both parts.”

According to Wayland Baptist University's mission, the university “exists to educate students in an academically challenging, learning-focused and distinctively Christian environment for professional success, and service to God and humankind.”

Desiree Langford, who received her master’s degree in education Friday morning, said her 15-month journey was a great experience.

“It was a great spiritual education that I’ve never had before, and I highly recommend it for everybody,” Langford said.

Thirteen graduates received their master’s degrees Friday morning, followed by 13 more graduates receiving baccalaureate degrees.

Six certificates in Christian ministry were awarded, one of which was given in memory of Billy E. Askew, 50, who died in March just a few classes short of his degree.

Askew’s widow accepted the certificate after an emotional word from Mitchell.

“He will be greatly missed,” Mitchell said, handing the certificate to Bernadette Askew.