Union College Holds 128th Commencement

Elisha Comer, Class of 2007 Valedictorian, is all smiles as she leaves Robsion Arena following Commencement.

Gabrielle Mellendorf embraces a friend following Saturday’s Commencement ceremony.

Chief Judge Sara W. Combs, the first woman to serve on Kentucky’s Supreme Court and wife of the late Governor Bert T. Combs, delivered a memorable commencement address to 286 graduates and their families on Saturday, May 5 at Union College.

Judge Combs quoted 19th century Danish philosopher Soren Kierkegaard as she reminded graduates that “We live forward, but we can only think backward.” Her parting words to the audience reflected this idea and contained sage advice for new graduates: “My wish for you today is that if you’re conscious of the tracks you leave as you move forward, you will be a force for good in this world.”

Judge Combs, who received an honorary Doctor of Laws degree during the ceremony, has followed her own advice throughout her distinguished career. She excelled academically while a student at the University of Louisville, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in French, a Master’s degree in French Literature, and a Juris Doctor degree. Her legal career includes involvement with the Supreme Court case that resulted in passage of the Kentucky Education Reform Act (KERA). History will also remember Judge Combs as the first woman to serve both on Kentucky’s Supreme Court and as a Chief Judge of the Kentucky Court of Appeals.

Elisha Comer, a Winchester native, delivered the valedictorian’s remarks. Brittany Carter of Radcliff and Melissa Napier of Arjay were class of 2007 salutatorians. Jim Cox, Associate Professor of Sociology, was presented the Excellence in Teaching Award by Dr. Thomas McFarland, Vice President for Academic Affairs.

May 7, 2007

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