Gordon College graduated 452 students during ceremonies May 16, including 28 members of the school's first-ever baccalaureate class.
Erroll Davis, chancellor of the University System of Georgia, delivered the commencement speech. Davis extended congratulations not only to the graduates but to "those who got our honored guests here ... parents, spouses, friends, significant others, relatives, associates, mentors, professors, advisors, and on and on - that whole panoply of intricate support relationships upon which so many of us depend.
"To you I say well done and thanks. You have helped to deliver to society 452 spanking brand-new graduates. Wish them well and challenge them to make you proud, to make us all proud, of their achievements and in all of their future endeavors and journeys."
Davis also noted the historic aspect of the day.
"... among you are the first group of baccalaureate degrees to be awarded by Gordon College - 28 bachelor's degrees in Early Childhood Education. For these, you represent the first fruits of Gordon College's status as a state college."
Kyle Henson was among Saturday's graduates. He received an associate of arts degree with highest honors and is continuing his education at Georgia State University. He hopes to earn a degree in education and eventually teach middle school math and science.
He celebrated the day with his 13-year-old son Jared, his wife Beth and his mother, Georgellen.
Henson, 51, spent 20 years in the information technology field but decided he "wanted to make a difference" and become a teacher.
Wanting to "make a difference" was a recurring theme among members of the 157th graduating class of Gordon College.
At 40, Sherron Johnson is entering a new phase of his life and will soon begin work as a nurse at Grady Memorial Hospital - a bit of a leap from the more than 10 years he spent at Ford Motor Company.
Johnson was one of more than 90 students who were awarded an associate of science degree in nursing.
"This gives me an opportunity to explore my love of people and science," Johnson said. "I can work and give a little back to society at the same time."
Kenneth Vaughn will begin work as an elementary school teacher in the Upson County School system in the fall. He was one of 28 graduates who were awarded a baccalaureate degree in early childhood education.
"This is the start of a new adventure for me," he said after receiving his McGuffey's Reader and a hand bell during a special ceremony Saturday. "It's a new adventure and an opportunity to make a difference."