Union College Celebrates Commencement
with Congressman Hal Rogers

Community was the theme of the day as 124 undergraduates and 99 graduates students received their degrees from Union College.

"You are the future of this region and the communities in which you grew up," Congressman Harold "Hal" Rogers told a crowd of 2000 in Union’s Robsion Arena. "We want you to stay and to prosper right here."

Rogers challenged the graduates to give back to the community. "You came to Union College seeking knowledge, friendships, personal growth, and opportunity – all ingredients towards a life of achievement," he said. "But your life will be made more complete if you give back to your community some small part of yourself – your talent, your time and tenacity."

Congressman Rogers was chosen as this year’s commencement speaker because of his distinguished career of helping create opportunities for the people of eastern Kentucky. "Union College was founded upon a dream of uniting the community with education in order to create a better life for the residents of these mountains," said Union College President Dr. David Joyce. "The Congressman exemplifies the values Union seeks to produce in its graduates."

"In the 21 years Rogers has served as congressman from Kentucky’s fifth district, his mission has always been the same," Joyce continued, "to bring more jobs, better education, and greater opportunities to the families in southern and eastern Kentucky."

Examples of the Rogers’ commitment to community and economic development can be seen throughout Union’s campus. "The funding for the soon-to-be-built Edward H. Black Technology Center would not have been possible without his support," Joyce explained. "Union’s participation in the CenterNet teleconferencing center is part of another Rogers project – the Center for Rural Development in Somerset. And for the past six years, Union students, faculty and staff have joined with members of the community during PRIDE events, the Congressman’s initiative to address the serious challenge of cleaning up the region’s rivers and streams."

In 1981, Union honored Congressman Rogers for his service to the citizens of Kentucky by awarding him an honorary doctor of laws degree. "We honor him today by continuing to focus on service to our region, and to create distinctive programs that affect the quality and length of life for our neighbors – goals that have always characterized the life and service of Congressman Rogers," Joyce concluded.

May 28, 2001

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