Members of the graduating class of December 2001 file out of Tusculum College's Alpine Arena between two lines of applauding faculty members at the close of commencement ceremonies held Dec. 15 at the historic college. This "gauntlet" of applauding faculty members is a tradition at Tusculum graduation ceremonies. (Tusculum College photo)

Beautiful weather and a graduating class of nearly 400 brought a large crowd to Alpine Arena at Tusculum College on Saturday morning, Dec. 15. for commencement ceremonies.

Three-hundred ninety-seven degrees were awarded before an audience that filled the arena and even spilled out in the large foyer area beyond it. Eighty-six Master of Arts in Education degrees were awarded, along with 41 Master of Arts in Organizational Management degrees. Twenty-five individuals received Bachelor of Arts degrees, while 245 received Bachelor of Science degrees.

Presenting the sermon was the Rev. Dr. Stephen Weisz, campus minister and associate professor of religious studies at Tusculum College. Entitled "Finding Your Place in God's World," the sermon emphasized that all of the earth ultimately belongs not to man but to God, and God is present in the world at all times and places.

Dr. Weisz noted that this Tusculum commencement was the first to occur since the terrorist incidents of Sept. 11, 2001. "Remember: you are not only the graduating class of December 2001, but also the graduating class of nine-eleven, 2001," he said. Even though the Sept. 11 attacks shattered the illusion of "the relatively safe and secure world we have taken for granted," Dr. Weisz said, it is still true that "God was there" at Ground Zero, and "will continue to be there" in the hearts of those who strive to help others whose lives were affected by that tragedy. Because all the earth is God's, Dr. Weisz said, God is also present with those in Afghanistan whose homes have been destroyed by warfare and bombing in the aftermath of Sept. 11.

He encouraged the graduates to commit themselves to bringing about renewed peace in the world through "individual acts of kindness in every corner of the world."

Giving brief greetings to the graduates was Peggy Brewer, president of the Tusculum College Alumni Association, and DiAnn Casteel, a member of the college faculty who teaches in the Graduate and Professional Studies program.

James B. Winfree provided organ music during the event, and bagpipers Scott McLeod and Jon Shell opened and closed the ceremonies. J. Clement Allison, professor emeritus of art, served as college marshal and led the processional and recessional.

Dr. Dolphus Henry, president of the college, presided over the ceremonies and handed out diplomas. He also presented his charge to the graduates, encouraging them to follow the tradition of other Tusculum graduates before them who have made their communities better places. On the evening prior to graduation, Dr. and Mrs. Henry hosted the upcoming graduates in a reception at the President's Residence on campus.