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North
Greenville University graduates record class
In Touch Ministries Founder, Dr. Charles
Stanley, brings commencement address
Tigerville, SC - Dr. Charles F. Stanley, founder and president of In Touch
Ministries, delivered his commencement address before family and friends of
194 North Greenville University graduates in Turner Chapel on Thursday, May
4th. This marks the largest single graduating class in the school’s 114 year
history.
Stanley proclaimed that this is a joyful time in their lives and a beginning
of a new time. “You have been educated to live a Christian life. God has
planned the very best for you. He calls it abundant life,” said Stanley.
“He will bring you ease, comfort, pleasure, difficulty,
trail and suffering. We all need these things in our life. If we didn’t He
wouldn’t send it.” He stressed one single guiding principle for their life; to
obey God and leave all the consequences to Him.
Stanley also gave an opportunity for graduates and guests
who did not know Christ the opportunity to “step into the center of His will.”
At the conclusion of his address, Stanley was awarded an
honorary Doctor of Divinity degree and was hooded by NGU President and college
administrators.
“Because you have dedicated your life and ministry to the
service of our Lord Jesus Christ, we honor you today,” said NGU President Dr.
Epting.
Dr. Stanley’s In Touch Ministries leads people
worldwide into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ to strengthen the
local church. His program is available to a potential audience of more than
3.5 million, which his now broadcast in 96 languages. Also, he has been Senior
Pastor of the 16,000 member First Baptist Church in Atlanta, GA for more than
thirty-five years.
Dr. Stanley received his Bachelor of Arts degree from the
University of Richmond, his Bachelor of Divinity degree from the Southwestern
Theological Seminary and his Master’s and Doctor’s degrees from Luther Rice
Seminary. He has twice been elected President of the Southern Baptist
Convention.
A New York Times best selling author, Dr. Stanley has written
more than 48 books, hosts The Charles Stanley Institute for Christian Living,
and online, interactive center with nearly 87,000 students enrolled from more
than 115 countries.
“I consider it to be an honor to be an alumni of this
university,” said Stanley.
In addition, Donald Earle Ward of Columbia was presented with
an honorary doctor of humanities degree. 
Ward is a 1958 honor graduate of North Greenville Junior
College. He is president fo Benefit Controls of the Midlands, Inc. He has
served on the NGU Council of Advisors and NGU Board of Trustees.
“I love this school. I found people here who looked after me
and lifted me up when I needed it,” said Ward. “I am who I am today because of
the foundation I received here.”
Ward and his wife Mary June are members of First Baptist
Church, Columbia. They have four children: Kay, Linda and Ken, two of whom
graduated from NGU. They also have six grandchildren
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