Bob Schipper (left) with NGU president Jimmy Epting.Robert Jay Schipper told the 156 December graduates at North Greenville University that “the most important thing today is not your graduation; the most important thing is whether or not you know Jesus Christ.”
Carter Taylor (second from right) with fellow MBA graduates from NGU’s T. Walter Brashier Graduate School.Schipper is special assistant to Charles Stanley with In Touch Ministries at First Baptist Church, Atlanta, and was the keynote speaker for NGU’s commencement exercises Dec. 8.
“God has a blueprint for your life,” he told the graduates. “When you follow it, you will be successful.”
Schipper is the son of missionary parents and grew up on the mission field. He and his wife Tracey have two adult sons. Their oldest, Jay, is currently serving in England with Operation Mobilization as a videographer. Tyler is a senior at NGU and will finish his Christian studies degree in May 2012.
At the conclusion of Schipper’s address, the university awarded him an honorary doctor of Christian leadership degree.
It was also a big day for one MBA graduate, Carter Taylor, a 74-year-old retired American Airlines pilot who decided to go back to school at age 72.
After graduation, he will be sending out résumés to find a job that will utilize his considerable aviation experience, customer service skills, get-it-done attitude, positive outlook, and MBA training to help an organization achieve its goals.
“My experience with this graduate program has been exceptionally positive,” Taylor said. “The other ‘kids’ and the professors have all been great.” – NGU