Freed-Hardeman University

Approximately 120 students participated in the Dec. 13, 2019, graduation ceremony. The total includes 58 baccalaureate degree recipients and 71 who completed graduate degrees. Freed-Hardeman University congratulates all graduates on their accomplishments and offer our prayers and best wishes in their future endeavors!

FHU junior Garrett West met and befriended the Wilson family during their greatest time of need. Mark and Brandi Wilson, along with their sons Luke and Brett, have been warriors throughout Mark's fight against glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer. When Mark passed away in October, West and the social club Xi Chi Delta organized a Fall Festival benefit for the Wilson family. With the support of local businesses, churches and community members, the event served as a reminder of the love and support that surrounds the Wilsons during their painful time.

With more than 30 Scholars' Day presentations and a variety of poster displays, FHU students had the opportunity to attend sessions most relevant to their interests and to learn more about their classmates' and teachers' endeavors. Some of the topics presented included, "A Student Perspective on Seoul: The South Korea Study Abroad Experience" by Sydney Smith, Naomi Racine-Rodriguez and Nolan Combs, "Vlogging for Jesus" by Zach Rominske and Evan Cox and "When They Come for Our Jobs: The Implications of an AI-Dominated Future" by Joshua Steward and Dr. Kenan Casey.

Seven Freed-Hardeman University students were selected for the Young Adult Honors Performance Series in August 2019 at the Sydney Opera House in Sydney, Australia. This year's participating students were Jacob Dowdy, Holden Mobley, Abigail Moore, Jacob Moseley, Parker Pearce, Hannah Weakland, and Alec Wimmer. An eighth student, Summer England, was named a finalist as well but was unable to travel. The FHU students were seven of 70 finalists selected from more than 14,000 auditions submitted from around the world. FHU students spent six days in Sydney working with renowned conductors and musicians to prepare for their group performance. While in Sydney, performers took a day trip to the Blue Mountains and a Finalist Celebration Cruise on Sydney Harbour. Singers worked with Dr. Jeffrey Redding, director of choral activities at West Orange High School in Winter Garden, Florida. As a conductor and clinician, Redding has led choirs in performances at state, regional, and national conventions of the American Choral Directors' Association (ACDA). For the Young Adult Honors Performance Series, Redding selected several songs including "Ave Maria" and "Hallelujah" from the Mount of Olives and "Berusa Er" (Drink Abundantly).