NGU Graduates Challenged to Blaze Trails for Christ at Spring Commencement
Posted on: May 9, 2025
Tigerville, SC—Encouraged to enter their next chapter with courage, compassion, and conviction, nearly 300 North Greenville University students had their degrees conferred during Spring Commencement Friday night at Melvin and Dollie Younts Stadium in Tigerville.
“Christ makes the difference in our lives, and he can work through you to make a difference in this world,” said Dr. Brian Autry, who delivered the commencement address.
“You have a foundation that will serve you long after the fireworks and the applause fades. That foundation is Jesus Christ,” he said.
Spring Commencement opened with a welcome from NGU President Dr. Gene C. Fant, Jr., and an invocation from NGU Board of Trustees Chair Rev. Joshua Powell.
“The trustees of this institution love you and care for you,” Powell told the graduates. “We are excited about how you will be used by God in the future he has for you. We are praying for you.”
A special music selection was performed by Dwayne S. Milburn, and graduating seniors Esperanza Williams and Chase Wilburn read passages from Jeremiah 29 and Matthew 5.
Autry, who serves as the executive director of the Southern Baptist Convention of Virginia, used his address to encourage graduates to remember three essentials for their future: relationships, growth, and impact.
Autry referenced Mark 12, in which Jesus commands that we “love the Lord your God with all our heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength,” and “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
“This world is going to measure you by what you do: your job title, your income, your achievements,” Autry said. “In a culture obsessed with self-promotion, Christ calls us to humility. In a world chasing influence, Christ calls us to servanthood. In an age of uncertainty, Christ gives us purpose and peace. In every season, success or struggle, Christ makes the difference.”
Applauding graduates for the growth that led them to their milestone accomplishment, Autry encouraged them to continue growing.
“It’s God’s will for us to love him with all of who we are,” Autry said. “You’ve grown physically, emotionally, and academically, but you’re not done yet. You’re going to face new challenges and new opportunities. You’re going to have more decisions to make, but loving God gives you purpose and mission in life.”
Autry concluded with a challenge for the graduates to blaze their new paths for Christ.
“A Trailblazer is someone who pioneers a new path,” he said. “Now that you’ve met the requirements for your degree, you’re getting ready to blaze a new trail. Blaze your trail with courage. Go with compassion. Go with conviction. But most of all, go with Christ.”
Following Autry’s speech, President Fant conferred the degrees and diplomas were presented by academic deans Dr. John Duncan, Dr. Jeffrey Rankin, Dr. Web Drake, Dr. Nancy Caukin, Dr. Paul Thompson, and Dr. Larry McDonald, and by NGU Provost and Dean of the Faculty Dr. Hunter Baker.
Dr. William Beacham led a blessing of the graduates and the Hymn to Alma Mater was led by graduating seniors Meghan Frady and Matthew Blanton. NGU Professor of Language Dr. Liliane Toss concluded the ceremony with a benediction.
Alumni Spotlight
Karah Barry (’25)
“NGU created a space where I could ask big questions, wrestle with real issues, and grow into someone more grounded and confident. I’m leaving with deep gratitude for this community and all the ways it’s shaped me.”
These are the reflections of Karah Barry (’25) who graduated from North Greenville University (NGU) on May 9. Barry, a double major in criminal justice and psychology, described her time at NGU as “meaningful.”
“My time at NGU has been incredibly meaningful – more than I ever could have expected when I first arrived. I’ve grown not only academically but spiritually, emotionally, and personally,” she said. “Some of my most formative experiences happened outside of the classroom – through conversations with professors who genuinely cared about me, late-night study sessions that turned into heart-to-hearts with friends, and opportunities to lead and serve in ways that pushed me outside my comfort zone.”
During her time at NGU, Barry was recognized for several academic achievements, including the 2024 McLean-Smith SCICU Student of the Year award, which she said was a great honor to her.
“Receiving awards like the SCICU Student of the Year was incredibly humbling. I felt and still feel deeply grateful – because none of those accomplishments were mine alone,” Barry said. “They reflect the investment of so many people in my life: professors who pushed and encouraged me, friends who challenged me to grow, and family who supported me every step of the way.”
“Every recognition has reminded me of how much I’ve been given and how important it is to pay that forward. I don’t take it for granted, and I hope to keep living in a way that honors the people and experiences that helped me get here,” she said.
As Barry looks to the future and embarks on the next chapter in her life, she is excited to begin law school in the fall.
“In August, I’ll be starting law school at the University of Alabama, and I’m looking forward to diving into a field that I’ve become increasingly passionate about during my time at NGU,” she said.
Her decision to attend the University of Alabama was significant, as she was accepted into nine respected law schools.
“After a lot of reflection and prayer, I’ve decided to attend the University of Alabama School of Law. Their program aligns really well with both my academic interests and professional goals, and I felt a strong peace about moving in that direction,” she said.
After law school, Barry hopes to pursue a career that involves legal research and advocacy, and make a positive impact on the world around her through her future career.
“While I have a few different career paths in mind – whether that’s working in the court system, shaping policy, or eventually teaching – I’m most excited about finding meaningful ways to pursue justice and serve others through the law,” she said. “My goal is to keep learning, stay humble, and use whatever opportunities I’m given to make a real impact.”
