Steiner Ball: ‘You can be the light’

Rachel Dorroh • January 26, 2024

A new semester is officially underway at Union College, marked by the Spring Convocation held Thursday morning in the John M. Robsion Jr. Arena. The annual tradition serves to welcome back students and also reaffirm CIRLCES – Union’s core values of celebration, integrity, responsibility, civility, lifelong learning, engagement, and spirituality. Bishop Sandra Steiner Ball delivered this year’s address.

“What an exciting time this is in your life,” Steiner Ball told students. “What an opportunity you have to bring hope, to bring healing, and to be a witness of good news to this world that struggles immensely with many things.”

Steiner Ball is one of roughly 60 active bishops in the United Methodist Church and is currently assigned to the West Virginia Conference. She has held several committee positions with the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry, was one of three moderators of the Commission on the Way Forward, and co-chairs a task force working to address substance abuse and addiction in and around West Virginia.

In her talk, she stressed that each person is loved and valued by God and can make a positive difference in the lives of others.

“You can be the light that breaks through the fear, that breaks through stigma and hopelessness, that breaks through the wide variety of isms and the abuse, the oppression or the violence that paralyzes,” Steiner Ball said.

“You can make a difference. You can impact this world for good. Let this convocation, this celebration of new beginnings, be a challenge to each one of you,” she continued. “You are here, yes, to learn how to work with each other and as a team, but you are also here to bring good news to the poor, to proclaim liberty to the captive, to give sight to the blind, and set the oppressed free.”

Carlos Sainz Barroso, Dr. Marisa Greer, Dr. Marcia Hawkins, Bishop Sandra Steiner Ball, and the Rev. David Miller standing on stage.

President Dr. Marcia Hawkins, Executive Vice President & Provost Dr. Marisa Greer, and Student Government Association President Carlos Barroso Sainz also shared words of welcome and support.

[PHOTO: Carlos Sainz Barroso, Dr. Marisa Greer, Dr. Marcia Hawkins, Bishop Sandra Steiner Ball, and the Rev. David Miller]

“You are not alone,” Sainz reminded students. “This campus is more than buildings and bricks. It's a vibrant community.”

The convocation also included a processional and recessional featuring Assistant Professor of Music Dr. Yukiko Fujimura on piano; an invocation and sending forth led by College Minister & Executive Director of Spiritual Life and Social Justice Initiatives, the Rev. David Miller; and the National Anthem and Union alma mater, led by choir group Union Harmony.

Located in Barbourville, Kentucky, Union College is a private, liberal arts-based institution affiliated with the United Methodist Church. With a student-faculty ratio of 15 to 1, Union provides personal, individualized education and promotes the intellectual, spiritual and physical enrichment of students, faculty, and staff as well as the economic growth of our Appalachian community.

Carlos Sainz Barroso, Dr. Christine Marley-Frederick, Dr. Marisa Greer, Bishop Sandra Steiner Ball, Dr. Marcia Hawkins, and Rev. David Miller.

Union's freshman students standing in the audience.

Union's faculty lined up and marching to Spring Convocation.

< Older Post

Newer Post >

UCU Honors Knox Central Teachers for Teacher Appreciation Week

By Maisie Nelson • May 7, 2025

In celebration of Teacher Appreciation Week, Union Commonwealth University’s Office of Undergraduate Admissions provided 120 meal vouchers to teachers at Knox Central High School on Wednesday, May 7. The vouchers were redeemable at The Grub Hut food truck, which was set up on-site as a special thank-you to educators for their dedication and impact.

Union partners with LMU & UK to expand pre-professional program

By Rachel Dorroh • May 6, 2025

The pre-professional program at Union Commonwealth University (UCU) is growing. New partnerships with Lincoln Memorial University (LMU) and the University of Kentucky (UK) create clear pathways and unique advantages for students wishing to pursue osteopathic medicine, physician assistant studies, and engineering.

Superintendent Tom Gambrel and President Dr. DJ Washington.

Celebrating a new chapter for Superintendent Tom Gambrel

By David Saylor • April 30, 2025

Following the recent retirement of Superintendent Waylon Allen ’93, another dedicated Bell County leader and Union alumnus is preparing to close a meaningful chapter in his career. Tom Gambrel ’98, Superintendent of Bell County Schools, has announced his upcoming retirement. Known for his unwavering commitment to students and educators, Gambrel leaves behind a legacy defined by perseverance, student-focused leadership, and lasting impact on the Bell County community.

UCU Announces First Honorees in Inaugural “50 Under 50” Recognition Program

By Maisie Nelson • April 29, 2025

Union Commonwealth University proudly announces the first ten distinguished alumni honored as part of the university’s inaugural “50 Under 50” recognition program. Celebrating the accomplishments of alumni who are making an impact before the age of 50, the program highlights leaders across industries, from healthcare and education to business, finance, and public service.

Regan Nantz receiving an award from President DJ Washington.

Outstanding students recognized during Union’s 2025 Honors Convocation

By Rachel Dorroh • April 25, 2025

Union Commonwealth University celebrated the annual Honors Convocation Thursday morning in Conway Boatman Chapel. Thirty-six students, one professor, and one athletic team were honored for their achievements.

Student awardees stand with grant committee members and advisors behind them.

Union students win ‘Circles of Purpose’ grants for summer projects

By Rachel Dorroh • April 23, 2025

Real-world career experiences, educational travel adventures, and immersive arts exploration await Union Commonwealth University (UCU) students this summer. Funded by the Network for Vocation in Undergraduate Education (NetVUE), a program of the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC), ten students have been awarded Circles of Purpose grants to support their self-designed enrichment projects. Named after Union’s core values of celebration, integrity, responsibility, civility, lifelong learning, engagement, and spirituality – abbreviated CIRCLES – the microgrant program supports students in discovering and developing their unique vocational paths.

students taking a selfie with Bulldog mascot

UCU sees record growth in freshman applications & commitments

By Maisie Nelson • April 21, 2025

Union Commonwealth University is celebrating exciting momentum in its undergraduate enrollment, as highlighted in the latest report from the Association of Independent Kentucky Colleges and Universities (AIKCU). According to AIKCU’s March snapshot of all 18 member institutions, Union ranked near the top in several key categories.

Bart Osborne returns to Union

By Maisie Nelson • April 17, 2025

A well-known name in Union Commonwealth University athletics is making a welcome return. Bart Osborne has rejoined the university as Associate Athletic Director for Development and Fundraising.

Montage of Lena, Tia, and Union's Centennial Hall framed by leafy green tree foliage

Tia Cobb & Lena Visarius — Spreading their wings at Union

By Rachel Dorroh • April 17, 2025

UCU students Tia Cobb and Lena Visarius and their professor Libby Megna are building on a body of knowledge tracing back to Darwin’s observations of differences in bird beaks that led to his insights about natural selection. As co-authors on a paper they will submit to academic journals, the three hope to contribute to the scientific community’s understanding of trait evolution and biodiversity. Both students want to continue their studies after graduation – Lena in forensic anthropology and Tia in biology – and experiences like this are part of how UCU is preparing them for these chosen paths.

Cody, Conner & Macy Saylor — Giving thanks

By Rachel Dorroh • April 9, 2025

This school year, Cody, Conner, and Macy Saylor are attending Union Commonwealth University, are grateful for where they’ve landed, and are focused on making the most of their opportunities and giving back to make things better for others.