Judson awards 135 degrees at graduation ceremonies
Judson University in Elgin awarded more than 130 bachelor's and master's degrees to students Saturday during two commencement ceremonies in Herrick Chapel.
Bishop Michael Love, senior pastor of Trinity Baptist Community Church International in Crystal Lake, gave the commencement speech.
Love, who became a minister in 1978, shepherded Trinity church's growth from a home-based Bible study to a 50,000-square-foot campus, which includes a new sanctuary, banquet hall, 10 classrooms and an open Narthex.
He encouraged grads not to question their worthiness or capability, but to define their "who-ness" on their faith.
"When you walk in your purpose, your passion gets inspired and your vision gets increased," Love said.
Trinity has more than 40 affiliated churches in the Dominican Republic, Haiti, India and Kenya. The church counts more than 100 active ministries, including those that provide food, clothing, school supplies and programs for addictions. It also has various broadcast ministries on radio and cable.
Love also serves as the executive chaplain for the McHenry County sheriff's department and the McHenry County jail.
Love's wife, Karen, is a Judson adjunct professor within the School of Business and Professional Studies.