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 >

Lynn and Amanda with Union's mascot, Mack the Bulldog, all wearing caps and gowns on Union's campus.

Lynn Smith & Amanda Hensely — Like Mother, Like Daughter

By Rachel Dorroh • June 5, 2025

This past fall, Lynn Smith was appointed as Executive Vice President of Union Commonwealth University. She draws on her nearly 25 years of service and three Union degrees to oversee operations including business & finance, information technology, and human resources, among other responsibilities.

Summer Brings Improvements and Guests to Union’s Campus

By Maisie Nelson • June 4, 2025

Union Commonwealth University is proud to share several exciting updates as work gets underway on key campus improvement projects this summer. These initiatives, made possible through successful fundraising efforts, reflect Union’s commitment to creating a welcoming, well-maintained environment for students, visitors, and the broader community.

Eight Bell County Seniors Commit to UCU, Over $190,000 Awarded in Scholarships

By Maisie Nelson • June 4, 2025

Union Commonwealth University is proud to celebrate the accomplishments of seniors from Bell County High School who have committed to continue their academic journeys at Union. Together, these students have been awarded over $190,000 in scholarships, recognizing both academic excellence and athletic talent.

Union Offers Free Swim Days for Local Youth This June

By Maisie Nelson • June 2, 2025

Union Commonwealth University is inviting school-aged children to enjoy free swim days every Saturday in June, beginning June 7 at the Center for Health & Learning’s Stivers Aquatic Center. These open swim opportunities are a way to give back to the community and celebrate the start of summer with local families.

Miller standing beside the sign for Conway Boatman Chapel.

The Rev. David Miller retires after 21 years of ministry at UCU

By Rachel Dorroh • May 30, 2025

After 21 years as the chaplain of Union Commonwealth University (UCU), the Rev. David Miller is retiring this month. Since his first ministerial appointment in 1984, he has served as the pastor of several Kentucky congregations, has taken on leadership roles in multiple Kentucky organizations, and has led countless campus programs and groups dedicated to student development. He says supporting students to find their personal calling, however, has been the highlight of his career.

Union Celebrates Another Ten Honorees in its “50 Under 50” Recognition Program

By Maisie Nelson • May 27, 2025

Union Commonwealth University proudly announces the next ten distinguished alumni honored as part of the university’s inaugural “50 Under 50” recognition program. Celebrating alumni who are making an impact before the age of 50, the program continues to highlight exceptional leaders across diverse industries — from public service and business innovation to healthcare, marketing, education, and law.

Leadership Tri-County class of 2025 with Andra Butler and Tori Doyle standing at the far right end.

The essence of leadership at UCU

By David Saylor • May 22, 2025

Leadership is about more than a title, it's a commitment to personal growth, professional excellence, and something greater than yourself. For many, this may mean embracing new challenges or simply striving to make a meaningful impact. At Union Commonwealth University, however, leadership also means investing in the potential of others by creating opportunities for growth, mentorship, and collaboration at every level.

Dr. Christine Marley-Frederick holding a mounted camera.

Dr. Christine Marley-Frederick to retire after 31 years at Union

By David Saylor • May 21, 2025

As Union Commonwealth University (UCU) sends off its new 2025 class of graduates, another farewell is underway. After 40 years of teaching, researching, and mentoring — 31 of them at Union — Dr. Christine Marley-Frederick, Professor of Communication, will retire this May. During her time at UCU, Marley-Frederick has had a profound influence on the Union community. She led the communication program through years of growth and change, served a decade as a department chair, became a faculty trustee, produced ten years of yearbooks, won several teaching awards, and even ran a coffee shop in the basement of Centennial.

photo shows coaches painting in the athletic complex

UCU Coaches Rally for Summer Service and Giving

By Maisie Nelson • May 19, 2025

Although student-athletes may be away for the summer, Union Commonwealth University’s athletic staff is staying busy—committed to building stronger programs both on and off the field.

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.