Union College News

Union’s Spring Convo Honors Mary Alice Lay

Union College marked the beginning of its spring semester on Thursday by conferring an honorary doctorate on Mary Alice Lay, honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and with a rousing keynote address by talk show host Hallerin Hilton Hill.

The annual Spring Convocation drew hundreds to Conway Boatman Chapel. Mary Alice Lay, who has been part of the Union College community for half a century, was presented an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters by President Ed D. de Rosset. In his presentation, President de Rosset cited Dr. Lay’s work as an educator, engaged citizen, and “champion of opportunity.”

President de Rosset noted the far-reaching influence of Dr. Lay’s years of involvement at Union and in the community: “She is a leader whose grace, integrity, sense of justice, and quiet confidence offer guidance while encouraging others to grow, stretch, and reach their full potential. Initiatives related to literacy, education, healthcare, local history, historic preservation, diversity, and volunteerism have all received her attention and benefited from her dedication, leadership, and professionalism.”

In her remarks following the presentation, Dr. Lay thanked Union College for “the relevant and powerful role” it has played in the life of her family. She also took the opportunity to praise former students, saying that, “today, when I visit the local public schools, I am especially pleased that most of the principals and teachers are my former students. I am so very proud of these Union College graduates and the important contribution they are making to our community.”

Since Union’s Spring Convocation serves as an annual occasion to remember Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Dr. Lay shared her father’s memories of his visits to Zion Baptist Church in Louisville, KY, where he saw Dr. King preach. She recalled her father’s prediction that the “young man would someday make a real mark on the world.”

Hallerin Hilton Hill, a radio and television talk show host, motivational speaker, and author gave the keynote address. He echoed the message of Dr. King in his presentation, which encouraged the audience to “become excited, enthusiastic evangelists about your dreams.” Mr. Hill emphasized the importance of vision, action, and passion to success, and shared memories of people and events that helped him accomplish his goals.

The full citation honoring Mary Alice Lay can be read on Union’s website at www.unionky.edu/News/07/012907_MALay_Citation.asp

January 22, 2007

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