Nashville, Tenn. (TN Tribune)–American Baptist College students, faculty, and staff came together on September 13 to formally celebrate the academic year at Fall Convocation. The Convocation theme was “Engaging Social Justice, Equity, Advocacy, and Leadership.”
In his opening remarks, President Forrest Harris encouraged everyone to think big. “Thriving is our goal for the 2022-2023 academic year,” he said. “We will not think of ABC as too small to implement big ideas.”
The keynote address was delivered by Rev. Dr. Johnny Flakes III, senior pastor of Fourth Street Missionary Baptist Church in Columbus, Ga., and a member of the ABC Board of Trustees. The Flakes family was thanked at Convocation for their recent $10,000 gift to the College – part of a $100,000 pledge made by his later father, Rev. J.H. Flakes Jr.
Flakes also had a challenge for students: “As we begin this new academic year, I encourage each of you to engage, to recommit. You are not to withdraw from your responsibilities. I challenge you in this academic year to trust in the Lord.”
The Convocation exercise concluded with a new tradition, the new student pinning ceremony, as well as the lighting of the flame.
“So much has tried to put this flame out in the history of the world,” said President Harris. “Every student who has joined or returned to our learning community this year represents this light never being burned out.”
Watch the entire Fall Convocation here.
Fifteen ABC students were recognized during Convocation for their academic achievements in the Spring 2022 semester. Congratulations to the following: PRESIDENT’S HONORS
Students who completed 12 or more credit hours and achieved a grade point average of 3.75 or above.
—Yvonne Equakun, Terrence Hailey ,Hamonie Hall, Danielle Nelson, Reginald Williams, and Cyrus Wilson
DEAN’S HONORS
Students who completed 12 or more credit hours and achieved a grade point average of 3.50-3.74.
—Sydney Arnold, Keith Bell, Caleb Fernander, Dominick Holland, Jeremiah Jackson, Justin Jackson, Lamon Jackson, Krinson Robinson, and LaShondria Snipes
