University of Mount Olive Celebrates the Class of 2016
University of Mount Olive Celebrates the Class of 2016
MOUNT OLIVE- University of Mount Olive President and First Lady Dr. and Mrs. Philip P. Kerstetter celebrated the graduating class of 2016 with a dinner on Sunday, April 24, in the Holmes & Lois Murphy Center. Over 100 graduating seniors joined the Kerstetters and the Senior Gift Committee to revel in memories and accomplishments from the past four years.
Dr. Kerstetter opened the evening and stated, “Tonight we celebrate you. You will forever be a part of the University. This journey started at the alumni crosswalk with the candle lighting ceremony and will end there shortly at graduation. We have greatly appreciated the music, art, academic, and athletic events that you have all participated in over the past four years.”
Students, faculty, and staff then joined in eating a catered steak and lobster meal.
Dr. David Dommer, assistant vice president of Academic Affairs, and graduating senior Justine Tejada were nominated by the students to be the guest speakers at the dinner.
Dommer provided the students with inspirational words to take into their futures. “Four short years ago, you did not know the person you would be or the education that you would receive. I have seen a lot of you transition from young adults to adults, and I hope you all stay true to yourselves as you take the next steps in your lives.”
Tejada added, “Taking the chance to attend UMO gave me so many opportunities. I wanted to get involved, and this University gave me so many opportunities to do so. I hope we all look for such opportunities as we move forward past UMO.”
Mrs. Kerstetter concluded the evening by sharing some heartfelt memories and chocolate chip cookies with the senior class. “The love we have for this class will transcend for many years. You’ve all seen so many transitions, and remember, all that we do, we do for you. Without you, there is no University of Mount Olive. Always remember that. We will miss you all.”
The University of Mount Olive is a private institution rooted in the liberal arts tradition with defining Christian values. The University, sponsored by the Convention of Original Free Will Baptists, has locations in Mount Olive, New Bern, Wilmington, Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, Research Triangle Park, Washington, Jacksonville, and in Smithfield at Johnston Community College. For more information, visit old.umo.edu.
