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BPC’s External Programs graduates 74 in Hinesville

Brewton-Parker College’s Class of 2008 considers Dr. Skaruppa’s commencement address charge to “be a role model” during the college’s External Programs Commencement.

By Kelley M. Arnold

Director of News and Public Information

HINESVILLE—Brewton-Parker College’s External Programs held commencement exercises for 74 graduates from four of its six satellite campuses – Liberty County, Savannah, Norman Park and Newnan – May 10 at the First Baptist Church of Hinesville.

Dr. Cindy L. Skaruppa, vice president for enrollment services at BPC, delivers the commencement address to the Class of 2008 during the External Programs Commencement Ceremony at the First Baptist Church of Hinesville May 10.

The college graduated a total of 190 students and conferred 192 degrees from the Class of 2008 Saturday when combined with another commencement ceremony held on the main campus in Mount Vernon earlier in the day.

Dr. Cindy L. Skaruppa, vice president for enrollment services at BPC, delivered the commencement address to the Class of 2008. Her inspirational words challenged the students, who are largely non-traditional or returning professionals, to continue to “fight the good fight”.

“Like Apostle Paul, you fought the good fight; you finished your course; you kept the faith, and the tangible representation of your success is your degree from Brewton-Parker College,” said Dr. Skaruppa. “Well, it’s not over. This is the beginning… a commencement, remember? To commence, to begin. I call on you … to accept a mission to mentor, to encourage others in similar circumstances not to give up, but rather to continue their educations through those same words I used earlier – perseverance, commitment, tenacity. That is what you can give back to your communities, families and all who helped you along the way. Be a role model.”

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

Dr. Bill Faw, dean of external programs, and Jim Beall, director of the Liberty County and Savannah external programs sites, presented the following awards to the 2008 Outstanding Graduates in their respective divisions: Jennifer M. Sariana (Business), Latoya Cannon (Social and Behavioral Sciences) and Jessica L. Scott (Education). Alicia C. Wood was presented the Outstanding External Programs Award medallion.

Wood, Cannon and Delia H. Blackmon were recognized with the Dean’s Scholar Award.

Rosemary Russell, a former external programs office manager, was presented the 2008 External Programs Staff Award. Her sister, Elizabeth Adams, associate registrar at the college, accepted the award on her behalf. Russell had recently stepped down from the position for health reasons. Joseph Killingsworth was presented the 2008 Adjunct Faculty Award.

Alicia C. Wood, right, is congratulated by Dr. Bill Faw, left, dean of external programs, as the Outstanding External Programs Student. Jim Beall, director of the Savannah Center and the Liberty County Campus, looks on.

Kelley M. Arnold, interim director of marketing and director of news and public information at the college, sang the special song, “Beyond the Cross”, accompanied by Barbara McKinley, pianist of McRae United Methodist Church. Rev. Chuck Owens, pastor at First Baptist Church of Hinesville, gave the invocation. Robert C. Kent, a Class of 2008 graduate from the Savannah center, gave the benediction.

Brewton-Parker College’s External Programs includes satellite sites in Savannah, Liberty County, Newnan, Norman Park, Glennville and Baxley. BPC is the only accredited four-year Christian college in south Georgia.

Jessica L. Scott receives the Outstanding Student Certificate for the Division of Education from Dr. Bill Faw, left, and Jim Beall, right.

Latoya Cannon, left, receives the Outstanding Student Certificate for the Division of Social and Behavioral Sciences from Dr. Bill Faw, center, and Jim Beall, right.

Dr. Bill Faw, dean of external programs, presents the External Programs Staff Award for Rosemary Russell, former external programs office manager, to her sister, Elizabeth Adams, BPC associate registrar. Russell recently stepped down from the position due to health reasons.

Members of Brewton-Parker College’s Class of 2008 congratulate each other following the External Programs Commencement Ceremony at the First Baptist Church of Hinesville. (Photos by Kelley M. Arnold)

Members of BPC’s Class of 2008 pose for pictures following the ceremony.

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