Sasse to address graduates at Union’s May 21 commencement
JACKSON, Tenn. (BP) – Sen. Ben Sasse of Nebraska will deliver the commencement address as part of Union University’s spring graduation ceremonies May 21 on the Great Lawn.
A fifth-generation Nebraskan, Sasse graduated from Harvard University and earned his doctorate in American history at Yale University. He served as president for five years at Midland University, transforming the college into one of the nation’s fastest-growing schools in just three years. Sasse was elected to the U.S. Senate in 2014 and re-elected in 2020.
He is a member of the intelligence, judiciary, finance and budget committees. Sasse is also the author of two books, “Them” and “The Vanishing American Adult.”
Sasse’s pastor, Kyle McClellan at Grace Church in Fremont, Neb., is the father of graduating Union senior Gabrielle McClellan.
“Sen. Sasse has been a powerful advocate for religious freedom and the First Amendment during his time in the Senate, and he is someone who understands and values the importance of Christian higher education,” Union President Samuel W. “Dub” Oliver said. “We are delighted to welcome him to campus and look forward to hearing from him as we celebrate our graduating class.”
The ceremony for graduate and adult studies students, including MCUTS, BSOL and associate degrees, will begin at 2 p.m. The ceremony for all undergraduates (excluding BSOL students) will begin at 6 p.m. Both ceremonies will take place on Union’s Great Lawn and will be shown live at livestream.com/uu/commencement.
Mission:Dignity recipients in Texas to receive 13th Check in 2022
By Roy Hayhurst/GuideStone
DALLAS (BP) — Mission:Dignity recipients in Texas will receive an extra check – a 13th check – in 2022, thanks to efforts from churches and the Southern Baptists of Texas Convention.
The SBTC marks the seventh state convention to offer such an arrangement between Mission:Dignity/GuideStone and state conventions.
“It’s an honor and a privilege to bless those who came before us and served our Lord faithfully and sacrificially,” said Nathan Lorick, executive director of the Southern Baptists of Texas Convention. “The Executive Board of the Southern Baptists of Texas Convention unanimously and enthusiastically approved the motion to grant a 13th check to Texas recipients of the Mission Dignity ministry. We trust the Lord will use this gift to meet a need and provide encouragement at just the right time.”
In 2022, Mission:Dignity will help more than 2,500 individuals with extra money needed for housing, food and vital medications. It also ensures a well-deserved dignity, independence and, often, the ability to continue serving the Lord. In May, some 275 Texas recipients will receive a 13th check – equal to a normal monthly check. Just over 2/3 of the Mission:Dignity recipients in Texas are pastor’s widows. Texas is home to more Mission:Dignity recipients than any other state.
“We are so thankful for the partnership, now with seven state conventions, to provide an extra check to each participant in the Mission:Dignity ministry,” GuideStone President Hance Dilbeck said. “The men and women we serve through Mission:Dignity are truly deserving of a double honor, which Mission:Dignity certainly is. That so many state conventions have caught this vision is a blessing to those we serve. I am reminded of Paul’s remarks about another offering to help the poor – ‘For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God.’” (2 Corinthians 9:12 CSB)
Mission:Dignity expressed its thankfulness for the efforts of SBTC churches.
“All of us at Mission:Dignity are thankful for Nathan Lorick, the executive board of the SBTC and their churches across Texas,” said Aaron Meraz, director of Mission:Dignity. “The pastors and widows we serve are truly deserving of these gifts. Because of the SBTC’s ‘whole life’ initiative to care for the most vulnerable among our churches, Texas recipients will be receiving an extra blessing this year.”
For more information on Mission:Dignity, to give, to apply for assistance or to refer someone in need, visit MissionDignity.org.
