Emmanuel University Celebrates Fall 2023 Graduates

On December 8th, 2023, Emmanuel University celebrated several firsts as the fall graduating class walked across the stage at the Charles F. Stanley Chapel.

This class of approximately 32 students marked the first graduating class of Emmanuel University. Thirteen of the graduates were from the Emmanuel Graduate programs with Master of Education and Master of Exercise Science degrees awarded, another first for the institution.

The 2023 Fall Valedictorians were George Nathan Perkins (Cornelia, Ga.) and Kaleigh Nichole Fowler (Bowersville, Ga.). Perkins graduated with a degree in Mathematics and hopes to serve as a missionary specializing in Bible Translation. Fowler graduated with a degree in Kinesiology and plans to attend PA School.

This year’s commencement speaker was retired VP for Academics, Dr. G. Earl Beatty, who served Emmanuel in various roles from 1981-2006.

He shared his testimony and encouraged the graduating class to allow God to write their story and finish their race well.

Dr. Beatty first emphasized the importance of building a strong foundation.

“Foundations are crucial to whatever happens next,” he said. “Jesus said that faulty foundations affect the whole house when storms come. Storms will come. Until now you’ve studied, memorized, and passed the test. But if all that does not affect how you build from now on, you may have a faulty foundation.”

He encouraged students to center their foundation around their faith because life is full of choices.

“Choose wisely,” he said. “When you’re facing a choice that might change your life forever, don’t be afraid to think about it. Whether it’s personal or career, pray about it with someone you trust.”

He closed by sharing the story of Triple-Crown winner, Secretariat and encouraged the graduates to finish their race well.

“You don’t know how far you can run until you run,” he said. “I’ve pretty much run my race, now you run yours.”