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BPC’s External Programs graduates 72 in Savannah

A new BPC graduate receives a congratulatory lei from a friend following the May 12 External Programs Commencement ceremony at Calvary in Savannah.

By Kelley M. Arnold

Director of News and Public Information

Dr. Bill Faw, dean of Brewton-Parker College's External Programs, delivers the 2007 External Programs Commencement Address. (Photos by Kelley M. Arnold)

SAVANNAH—Brewton-Parker College’s External Programs held commencement exercises for 72 graduates from three of its six satellite sites – Liberty County campus, Savannah and Newnan – May 12 at Calvary in Savannah.

Dr. Bill Faw, dean of the college’s external programs, gave the commencement address, highlighting six “benefits” of a college degree in a motivational-style speech. Starting by stating that the average salary of a college graduate versus that of a high school graduate is “half a million dollars” more over a lifetime, Dr. Faw outlined the six benefits of receiving higher education: “Big Bucks”, “Neat Jobs”, “Cognitive Maps”, “Critical Thinking”, “Love of Learning” and “Life of Integrity”.

Dr. Faw, who also serves the college as a professor of psychology, challenged the Class of 2007 to “cherish the fact that you stand for something.”

“Developing your character is the most important of all (benefits), and is based on a few Biblical terms, such as ‘Standing for what is right.’ You see this in Jeremiah and in Jesus’ life. ‘Speaking the truth in love,’ as Paul did,” said Dr. Faw. “There are so many people who are ‘yes’ men in this world, who do what they are told to do even if it’s not right. Use your education to discover and do what is right. You will be more treasured as an employee, as a citizen.”

Several students, faculty and staff were also presented awards during the ceremony.

BPC professor Dr. Susan Kinsella receives an appreciation award from the Student Action Committee at Brewton-Parker College's Liberty County campus.

Dr. Faw and Jim Beall, director of the Savannah external programs site, presented the following awards to the 2007 Outstanding Graduates in their respective divisions: Charles E. Teel (Business), Julie H. Hinton (Social and Behavioral Sciences), Alvin Judge (Social and Behavioral Sciences), Blanca Iris Irons (Religion and Philosophy) and Katina Fennell (Education). Fennell was also presented the 2007 Outstanding External Programs Student Award.

Cathy Stephens, external programs office manager, was presented the 2007 External Programs Staff Award.

Taylor Hereford, director of marketing at the college, sang the special song, “It is Well With My Soul”, accompanied by BPC music student Jared Register on the piano. Dr. John S. Connell, senior pastor at Calvary in Savannah, gave the invocation.

Brewton-Parker College’s External Programs includes satellite sites in Savannah, Liberty County, Newnan, Norman Park, Glennville and Baxley.

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