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Point University welcomed its newest alumni during a commencement ceremony held Saturday at the Convention and Trade Center in Columbus, Georgia. Two hundred two students earned associate, bachelor’s and master’s degrees.

This spring’s commencement speaker was Khalilah Cooper, a Point trustee and vice president of brand strategy, advertising and media at Chick-fil-A.

“I encourage you to embrace the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead,” Cooper said to the graduates. “The world is full of possibilities waiting for you to seize them with courage and ambition. Let love be your guiding principle and service be your mission.”

Cooper reflected on this year’s spiritual life theme at Point, “Faith Beyond,” encouraging the audience to think about how Scripture defines faith in Hebrews 11 and elsewhere.

“God knew that this life would be filled with uncertainty and turmoil,” she said, “but through faith in an omnipotent and all-powerful God, we can rest assured that our future is secure, even when we don’t know what to do or what will happen next.”

Cooper recalled a time during her own college years when she faced hardship, and her faith was tested – but she turned to the Lord for help. She encouraged the graduates to do the same as they face difficult times. “Lean into your faith in the Lord, draw strength from his love, and find solace in the community of local believers around you,” she said. “In our moments of doubt, we find our faith strengthened and renewed.”

Finally, Cooper urged graduates to follow a few guiding principles as they begin their lives post-college: to embrace uncertainty, pursue their God-given passions, look for ways to serve others, practice gratitude, and keep God first.

“Each and every one of you has the power to make a positive impact in the world,” Cooper said. “Embrace your call to be the light in this world. We need it.”

Each year, the University recognizes an outstanding graduate from both the residential and online bachelor’s degree programs with the Hathcock Award, the highest honor given to a graduating Point student. Named for the University’s founder, the award is given based on academic achievement, character, and servant leadership. This spring’s Hathcock Award recipients are BreAnna Yarbrough, an elementary education major from Opelika, Alabama, and Annamaria Gibbs, a child development major from Grovetown, Georgia.

Family and friends of graduates who were unable to attend in person may access the recorded commencement ceremony on the University’s YouTube page; visit point.edu/commencement for more details.