Houghton College Celebrates Commencement

HOUGHTON, N.Y. —Houghton College celebrated its commencement on Saturday, May 10.

The class of 2008 consisted of 305 graduates – 295 undergraduates, five associate of applied science degree graduates from PCMP (Pastoral and Church Ministries Program), and five graduates with a master's in music. The class included 59 graduates with double majors and one – Sarah Paige of Houghton, N.Y. –who earned a triple major.  

Fifty-two students graduated summa cum laude (GPA of 3.8 or above); 72 graduated magna cum laude (GPA of 3.5); and 52 graduated cum laude (GPA of 3.25).  

Graduation speaker J. Brady Anderson, former United States Agency for International Development (USAID) ambassador, challenged the graduates to look for hope in the world. “America has found strength in diversity,” said Anderson, “and it is up to you to find out what the values are that draw us together in spite of our differences and make us Americans.”  

Focusing on examples of poverty, disease and trafficking of children, Anderson stressed the importance of loving God and loving one’s neighbor. “In the world today 29,000 kids die from curable diseases. Are they your neighbors? Are the boys and girls who are forced into sex trafficking in Cambodia your neighbor? It is up to your generation to answer these questions."

“Do not let there be a barrier in your mind that you cannot make a difference, because one person can make a difference. With your liberal arts education from Houghton College you are well prepared to handle situations around the world. You have not only learned how and what, but are equipped with the knowledge to answer the question of why. Invest yourself in the lives of other people, for their good and God’s glory. Look for ways to instill hope in others,” said Anderson.   

Houghton President Shirley Mullen, who presided over the ceremony, presented Anderson with an honorary doctor of humane letters degree.  

During the ceremony Amory Houghton Jr., retired New York state congressman, was presented with the first Houghton Medal. This medal is presented to a person who has lived a life in the spirit of Houghton College’s founder Willard J. Houghton— “yours for fixing up the world.”

“Amory Houghton, you were chosen for this award because you have shown us what is possible in the world when one seeks to be an agent of change,” said President Mullen.

The 2008 class valedictorian was Naomi Christensen, who earned a bachelor’s in business administration. Co-salutatorians were Ashley Casey, who earned a bachelor’s in education, and Sarah Garber, who earned a bachelor’s in English.  

To view more photos of baccalaureate and commencement click here.