By Brian Tyson
BIG SANDY--After 50 years of operation, Ambassador University conducted its final commencement May 19.
More than 350 students received bachelor's and associate's degrees from Russell K. Duke, university president.
"This day marks the end of an era," Dr. Duke said. "Fifty golden years climax today in Ambassador's final spring graduation ceremonies. It is a day in which we celebrate a rich history, but it is also a day when we face the sadness that comes with the loss of a loved one. And that's exactly what Ambassador is."
In its Dec. 29 meeting the university's board of regents decided to close the university based on a lack of sufficient external financial support, the end of financial subsidy from the Worldwide Church of God, declining enrollment because of decreased membership in the church, and the effect of increasing tuition on the present student body.
The board placed the university for sale. If the university is not sold as a going institution, it will be closed Aug. 31 and the physical plant sold.
In his commencement address, Joseph Tkach, chairman of the board of regents, spoke of the closing of Ambassador and the changes being faced by the university community.
"Graduation exercises are called a commencement because it is both an ending and a beginning. The fulfilling of one chapter and the beginning of another." "Today, we are grieving and at the same time celebrating," Mr. Tkach said. "We are grieving the loss as we experience the closure of AU.
"We are celebrating the laboratory of experience it provided to many. We are celebrating graduation of those who have completed the requirements for an accredited degree. We are celebrating with those who are transferring to institutions to complete those requirements. And we are celebrating what God has done here and will do in the future."
Commencement exercises capped a weekend of graduation activities and a semester of transition for students, faculty and staff.
Graduation Ball with the theme "The Ties That Bind" took place May 18 in the Field House Auditorium. Graduation Brunch took place in the morning before commencement exercises, and after graduation a reception took place on Tkach Plaza in front of the Joseph Tkach Hall of Administration.
KBAU-FM, 90.7, the public radio station based at Ambassador, went off the air shortly after 6 p.m during the reception on Tkach Plaza. KBAU, which called itself The Breeze, played a mixture of acoustic and smooth jazz and broadcast National Public Radio programs such as "Morning Edition," "All Things Considered" and "Performance Today."
University administration and staff were greatly reduced after May 22. Faculty and staff who qualify receive severance pay upon termination of employment. The university worked closely with students to aid them in transferring to other schools to complete their degree plans.
During the summer Ambassador will offer a limited number of courses and will be host to a three-week Summer Educational Program camp for teens.
Ambassador is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
June 24, 1994, WN, page 1
| WCG Home | Issues | Contents |
Copyright © Worldwide Church of God,1997