Commencement Highlights


High Point University celebrated a highly successful 84th Graduation Ceremony on May 3, 2008. The University honored the extraordinary achievements of the graduates, and families and friends joined in the celebration, which was held on the front lawn of Roberts Hall.


Following an invocation by Dr. Hal Warlick, Dean of the Chapel at HPU, and a special welcome by Marsha Slane, Chairman of the HPU Board of Trustees, Senior Class President Paul Hannam greeted the graduates, their guests, and the faculty and staff. Dr. Christine Allred was presented with the Meredith Clark Slane Distinguished Teaching-Service Award, and Dr. Peng Deng received the Ridenhour Scholarly and Professional Achievement Award.


U.S. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, the featured speaker, gave an inspiring and thought-provoking commencement address, encouraging students to always do their best and to show appreciation for those who have shared wisdom with them. He shared with the graduates a quote that has provided him with inspiration: "Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might."


Following the conferring of degrees, Lee Greenwood, a Grammy Award-winning musician, performed his hit song "God Bless the USA" at the ceremony. Challenger, a bald eagle, soared over the graduates and their guests as Greenwood performed - the eagle is named in honor of the Challenger space shuttle crew. The nonprofit American Eagle Foundation, headquartered in Tennessee, cares for Challenger, who was blown from a wild nest during a storm when he was a baby.