Judson announces its commencement speaker

The Baptist World Alliance General Secretary Neville Callam will speak at Judson University's Spring 2010 commencement Saturday, May 1, at the Robert D. Lindner Fitness Center, 1151 N. State St. in Elgin.

Callam was elected General Secretary of the BWA in July 2007 during the general council meeting in Accra, Ghana.

Callam attended the United Theological College of the West Indies, the University of the West Indies and Harvard Divinity School. His major areas of academic interest are Christian ethics and ecumenical theology. Callam became pastor for Grace Baptist Church in May Pen, Clarendon, Jamaica, in the mid-1970s.

In addition, Callam planted the Mineral Heights Baptist Church before moving to Kingston, Jamaica, where he served as pastor of the Tarrant and Balmagie Baptist churches.

Callam's association with BWA began in 1985 when he was elected the president of the Jamaica Baptist Union. He was the youngest president of BWA, and since that time he has served the BWA in several capacities, including another stint as president from 2000-2002.

As a broadcaster and educator, Callam founded The Breath of Change, one of only two religious broadcasting companies in Jamaica, and has served in leadership roles for other major broadcasting corporations on the island. Callam also taught at the United Theological College of the West Indies and the Jamaica Theological Seminary.

More than 192 students will graduate during the 62nd graduating class of Judson University. During the ceremony, Judson will also recognize more than 10 returning alumni who graduated with the classes of 1965 and 1970, marking 40 and 45 years, respectively, since their graduation.