Seniors celebrated their time at Milligan together one last time before graduation at the senior banquet on Friday, April 16. Gathered upstairs from Southern Craft in downtown Johnson City, SGA organized a feast of food and dessert for those who were able to join. One special highlight of the evening was a message from Curtis Booher, who spoke to this class of students at their first ever Vespers gathering at Doe River Gorge in 2017.
Booher spoke about the mission of Milligan: As a Christian liberal arts university, Milligan University seeks to honor God by educating men and women to be servant‑leaders. Booher asked us if this mission is really being accomplished at the end of our four years, and what that looks like after walking across the stage and throwing the cap.
He then reached into a basket and pulled out a bib that would fasten around a child before eating. After the bib he held up an apron. These two items represented a choice to be served or to be a servant. He emphasized the role of Jesus as a servant who spreads the Kingdom of God, as Milligan graduates are called to do as well.
Booher asked the seniors, “Who is your someone, and what is your something, that you will serve?” He urged the graduating class to put on their aprons, and focus on finding a someone and something to serve in the spirit of Jesus.
Sarah Baker, music education major and trumpet player, reflected on Booher’s message to the class. “I hope for all the seniors that they will leave this mission after four years feeling complete, and ready to start the next mission,” she said “We’re counting down, and it’s exciting but I’m also very nervous.” Looking forward to graduation day, Sarah said, “I hope everyone feels really proud.”
Seniors who attended the banquet were grateful for the communion at their last gathering before graduation. Kasey Moore, four-year soccer player and nursing student said, “I’m so grateful to go to a school that allows the seniors to gather one last time before graduation, to eat together, talk together, take pictures together and just see where everybody is after the last four years.”
“The senior banquet is a really good way to end my four years here at Milligan. It’s a celebratory and memorable occasion,” said Megan Kent, four-year choir, soccer player, and first-year flag football player.
As graduation approaches for the 2021 class, moments like those shared at the senior banquet will serve as some of their final memories as Milligan students. The commencement ceremony will be held outdoors, for the first time in half a century, on May 1 at 10 a.m.
Headline photo: SGA organized a stellar get-together for the seniors before heading off to That Big Party.