Ashley Judd is hooded by Tom McFarland, vice president for academic affairs, and Paul Isaacs, chair of the Board of Trustees, after being presented with an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters by President Edward D. de Rosset during Union’s 116th commencement.

Ashley Judd Joins Union for 116th Commencement

Union College conferred degrees on 401 new graduates Saturday as hundreds gathered for the school’s 116th commencement.
 
Nearly 1,800 guests were on-hand to celebrate with graduates and hear the words of actor Ashley Judd, who delivered the commencement address and accepted an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters.  
 
With several members of her family looking on, including mother Naomi Judd, Ashley Judd told the class of 2009 that “true ambition is the deep desire to live usefully and walk humbly under the grace of God.”

Naomi Judd bows her thanks after being welcomed by President Ed de Rosset in his opening remarks.

She encouraged graduates to care for themselves, though, before they can be useful to others.

Ashley Judd looks on as Daniel Vickers, co-valedictorian, addresses the class of 2009 at the 116th commencement.

“I am suggesting to you that, in this heyday of your youth, as you develop career goals, dream perhaps of having a family, and strive to make your way in the world, that you not forget the single most important thing you can do is to take care of your precious self,” Judd said.

Judd also spoke of service, telling students, “I know you are up to the task of making poverty history, of alleviating suffering, and manifesting peace in your lifetimes.”

Author Silas House, who introduced Judd, emphasized her ability to listen to the stories of those affected by injustice, and said the Emmy and two-time Golden Globe nominee is “just like us.”

Dr. Rebecca Pettys receives the 2009 Excellence in Teaching Award.  From left to right: Tom McFarland, vice president for academic affairs; Dr. Pettys, professor of theater; Paul Isaacs, chair of the Board of Trustees; and President Ed de Rosset.

Following Judd’s remarks, 2009’s co-valedictorians and co-salutatorians were the first graduates to be presented with degrees.  

Justin Smith, Heidrick, Ky., and Daniel Vickers, Barbourville, Ky., were this year’s co-valedictorians. Carrie Bistline, Frankfort, Ky., and Michael Payne, Barbourville, Ky., shared salutatorian honors.

Co-salutatorian Carrie Bistline embraces a faculty member following the commencement ceremony on May 9.

The commencement ceremony included the annual presentation of the Excellence in Teaching Award, given this year to Rebecca Pettys, Ph.D., professor of theatre, and a commissioning ceremony for new U.S. Army officer Terry Lynn McMillan, 2nd Lieutenant.

Union College is a private liberal arts college related to The United Methodist Church and located in Barbourville, Ky.

May 12, 2009

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