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. 

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.