Charles Stanley delivered the commencement address for North Greenville University.Charles Stanley, founder and president of In Touch Ministries, delivered his commencement address before family and friends of 194 North Greenville University graduates in Turner Chapel on May 4. This marks the largest single graduating class in the school’s 114-year history.
Stanley proclaimed that this is a joyful time in their lives and a beginning of a new time. “You have been educated to live a Christian life. God has planned the very best for you. He calls it abundant life,” he said.
“He will bring you ease, comfort, pleasure, difficulty, trial and suffering. We all need these things in our life. If we didn’t, he wouldn’t send it.” He stressed one single guiding principle for their life: to obey God and leave all the consequences to him.
Stanley also gave to the graduates and guests who did not know Christ the opportunity to “step into the center of his will.”
At the conclusion of his address, he was awarded an honorary doctor of divinity degree and was hooded by NGU president Jimmy Epting and college administrators.
“Because you have dedicated your life and ministry to the service of our Lord Jesus Christ, we honor you today,” said Epting.
Stanley’s In Touch Ministries leads people worldwide into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ to strengthen the local church. His program is available to a potential audience of more than 3.5 million, which is now broadcast in 96 languages. Also, he has been senior pastor of the 16,000-member First Baptist Church in Atlanta, Ga., for more than 35 years.
Stanley received a bachelor of arts degree from the University of Richmond, a bachelor of divinity degree from Southwestern Baptist Seminary, and both master’s and doctor’s degrees from Luther Rice Seminary. He has twice been elected president of the Southern Baptist Convention.
A New York Times best-selling author, Stanley has written more than 48 books and hosts The Charles Stanley Institute for Christian Living, an online, interactive center with nearly 87,000 students enrolled from more than 115 countries.
“I consider it to be an honor to be an alumnus of this university,” said Stanley.
Jimmy Epting, NGU president, congratulates Don Ward after awarding him an honorary doctorate. Ward and his wife, Mary June, left, are longtime supporters of the university. Looking on is Charles Stanley, who deliveredthe commencement address.In addition, Donald Earle Ward of Columbia was presented with an honorary doctor of humanities degree.
Ward is a 1958 honor graduate of North Greenville Junior College. He is president of Benefit Controls of the Midlands, Inc. He has served on the NGU council of advisors and board of trustees.
“I love this school. I found people here who looked after me and lifted me up when I needed it,” said Ward. “I am who I am today because of the foundation I received here.”
Ward and his wife Mary June are members of First Baptist Church, Columbia. They have four children: Kay, Linda and Ken, two of whom graduated from NGU. They also have six grandchildren.