Students encouraged to leave legacy at Judson commencement

His red gown a bright spot onstage, his booming voice rising and falling with the cadence of a seasoned preacher, the Rev. Dr. William Calhoun exhorted graduates of Judson University to make their mark in the world at commencement on Saturday.

“What are you going to do in establishing your legacy? What kind of impact will you leave in time, in history?” he said. “I pray that you will take this mantle forth from graduation, and be those persons that promote peace and good service.”

Calhoun, a 1971 graduate of what was then called Judson College, is a Baptist pastor in Baltimore who serves as the president of the Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance of Metropolitan Baltimore, and as the dean of new pastors and churches of the Progressive National Baptist Convention.

He addressed the 179 graduates of Judson University, and hundreds of their relatives and friends, in the Robert D. Lindner Fitness Center of the Elgin campus.

Quoting from the Old Testament, Charles Dickens and even actor Kevin Costner, Calhoun told students that “all times are the best of times, and the worst of times.”

“Let nothing lessen you from your faith in getting it done even when you’re pulling up the rough side of the mountain,” he said. “Even though the storms may roll, we encourage you to walk with hope in your heart.”

During the ceremony, four Judson students received awards.

Catherine Bagnell, of South Elgin, was the recipient of the 2011 Ames Leadership Award, given to a master’s in organizational leadership student who has given back to the community.

Bagnell, who works as volunteer coordinator for Delnor Hospital in Geneva, was so happy with her experience at Judson University that she wants her husband to tackle a master’s program too, she said.

Kellie Ann Miller, of Loves Park, who majored in management and leadership, received the president’s scholar award for an adult undergraduate.

Natalie Kay Albers, of St. Charles, who majored in secondary education and mathematics, received the president’s scholar award for a traditional undergraduate.

The student service award went to Cassaundra Eden, of Freeport, who majored in communication studies.

Among Judson’s best qualities is its low student-teacher ratio, said Sven Möller, a native of Frankfurt, Germany, who graduated summa cum laude with a degree in management information systems.

Möller chose Judson because of its proximity to Chicago and its soccer program, but adapting to life away from home was difficult at first, he said. “People were really encouraging and supportive,” he said. “They did an outstanding job in encouraging international students.”

A total of 157 students were awarded bachelor’s degrees, and 22 got master’s degrees.