Sharon Watkins Press Release -- May 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 1, 2009
Contact: Carla Aydelott, caydelott@northwestchristian.edu, 541-684-7241
Northwest Christian University Commencement
Speaker Announced
EUGENE, Ore. — The Rev. Dr. Sharon E. Watkins, currently serving a six-year term as general minister and president of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), will be the featured speaker at Northwest Christian University’s 110th Commencement, Saturday, May 9 at 10:00 a.m. in the Morse Event Center. Dr. Watkins will also receive the honorary doctor of divinity during the ceremony. Also participating in the program will be Dr. Watkins’ parents, Dr. H. Keith Watkins ’53 and Mrs. Billie Watkins ’53. Dr. Keith Watkins is professor emeritus of practical parish ministry at Christian Theological Seminary, where he was a member of the faculty from 1961 to 1995.
Dr. Sharon Watkins was recently selected to preach at the National Prayer Service on January 21 (the day after President Obama’s inauguration). The prayer service is a tradition that dates back to President George Washington. Dr. Watkins was the first woman ever selected to give one of these sermons. Even more recently, Dr. Watkins was named to President Obama's Advisory Council on Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships. A former pastor, she is an inspirational preacher, teacher and facilitator who shares her considerable skills in a variety of religious and ecumenical settings.
At Commencement, two other honorary degrees will be awarded. The honorees are Gerald “Jerry” Rudberg, western representative for Emmanuel School of Religion in Johnson City, Tennessee for nearly 40 years; and George Russell, superintendent of Eugene School District 4J since 1998.
More information is available on the NCU website at http://www.northwestchristian.edu/news/040809_Watkins.htm.
Dr. Watkins will also be speaking on “The Work of the Disciples of Christ in Today’s World” at First Christian Church, 1166 Oak St., Eugene, on Sunday morning, May 10th at both the 9:30 a.m. New Celebration service and the 11:00 a.m. traditional service.
About Northwest Christian University
Northwest Christian University is a liberal arts institution dedicated to developing competent, ethical leaders for service in the workplace, community, Church and world. Accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, the University was founded in 1895 and is affiliated with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and the Christian Churches/Churches of Christ. Northwest Christian University offers 15 traditional undergraduate degree programs, four master's degree programs, and a professional studies program for working adults. More information about the University is available at www.northwestchristian.edu.###
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