Lee University held its centennial graduation ceremonies Saturday with Distinguished Professor Emeritus Dr. Ollie Lee delivering the commencement address. Graduates, faculty, family, and friends filled the festively decorated Conn Center for the event where 267 degrees were conferred.
Through stories of his own journey, Dr. Lee reminded graduates that anything is possible.
“The journey you commence today is ordered of the Lord,” said Dr. Lee. “Your alma mater has sought to equip you to fulfill your calling, your part to the mission which Christ calls His disciples. The journey ahead will include triumphs and setbacks, moments of joy and pain, successes and disappointments, but remember that God specializes in the improbable. No matter how likely the prospects with past circumstances, God can infuse the possibilities of your future journey with power and purpose. That journey begins today.”
Dr. Lee’s career at the university began with the goal of helping the school transition from a junior college to a four-year liberal arts program. In 1968, he taught sociology to the first class to graduate from the new program.
During his time at the university, Dr. Lee served as chair of the Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, dean of the Division of Arts and Sciences, associate dean, and academic vice president. In 2002, he was promoted in rank to distinguished professor of sociology.
Saturday's ceremony was preceded by a pinning for School of Nursing graduates, a hooding for students earning master's degrees, and a commissioning service on Friday night, which featured six student speakers sharing their “Lee experience.”
To view the graduation events in full, visit https://livestream.com/leeu.