'You have a dream that God placed in your heart'

Ohio Christian University celebrated graduation Saturday with Dr. Ron Smith, President of the University, serving as the Master of Ceremonies.

Smith started the Commencement Ceremony by greeting all of the attendees, saying, “Welcome to Ohio Christian University’s 74th Commencement. What a great day to celebrate and honor the accomplishments of our graduates. At Ohio Christian University, Commencement recognizes both academic achievement and the spiritual growth of our students. We are passionate about and proud of the educational experience received by every student at Ohio Christian University.”

Smith continued, “Our focus is not just on the head, but also on the heart. An OCU education is a combination of intellectual growth, spiritual development, practical experience and progress as leaders. servants, saints and scribes. Family and friends of our graduates, members of the Board of Trustees, community members and OCU faculty and staff, we are grateful for your support and your prayers for each of these graduates here today. We thank you for your attendance to witness this special time of recognition and celebration. Graduates, this day has finally arrived. We congratulate you; we honor you; we celebrate you. You deserve it.”

To view a livestream version of commencement, go to https://www.ohiochristian.edu/myocu/live-stream/

Smith introduced Dr. Michael Holbrook, Chair of the Board of Trustees, who gave the Invocation. A scripture reading of Proverbs 3:1-9 and 13-14 was given by Lane Hufford, a graduate with a Bachelor of Arts degree. Then, Dr. Diane Bennet, Associate Professor of Music directed the Ohio Christian University Chorale in a beautiful rendition of Then Sings My Soul.

Bennet and the choir are a wonderful part of the Circleville community, as many have witnessed at their annual Christmas pageant and other concerts, including a multi-congregational choir concert last April 20th at Trinity Lutheran Church.

Smith invited the Commencement speaker, Ohio State Senator Michelle Reynolds to the podium for a special honor. Senator Reynolds will serve as the Ohio State Senator representing Pickaway County beginning on January 1, 2025.

Dr. Smith conferred onto Senator Reynolds an honorary degree as Doctor of Civil Law. Senator Reynolds, now Dr. Reynolds, invited her husband, Pastor Uhleric (Rick) Reynolds to the podium to praise him for his support.

In a moment of humor, Dr. Reynolds said, “And I am so proud to share this moment with him. I don’t share much as I’m an only child [laughter], but he has been very supportive, and I could not do all that I have done without him being right there buy my side.”

Reynolds continued, “Thank you, Dr. Smith for that amazing introduction. I want to give greetings to the faculty, to the Board of Trustees, the staff. our friends. our family, our honored guests and the illustrious class of 2024. It is truly an honor and a privilege to be here, to stand before you to deliver the commencement address to the Ohio Christian University’s Class of 2024. My name is Dr. Michelle Reynolds, and I have the distinct privilege of serving as your State Senator in the Ohio General Assembly representing the Third District for the 135th General Assembly. In addition to being a state senator, I’m known for many roles. As you’ve heard, I’m a pastor’s wife, I’m a proud mother and grandmother, an executive pastor, a non-profit CEO, a business owner of several businesses, a licensed real estate agent and, last but not least, I am a student myself in my third year of Law School at the University of Dayton working on my 6th college degree.”

Word of God means all things are possible.

“While I might be slightly an overachiever, the biggest question that people always ask me is , ‘How in the world are you doing all these things?’ My answer is generally easy: ‘I’m Jamaican!’ [laughter] “But no, seriously, the true answer comes from the Word of God in Matthew 19:26 which tells us that with man this is impossible but with God all things are possible.”

Reynolds continued, “Why is a college degree so significant? I do have three reasons. First because your college degree recognizes you for all your hard work. Second, because it promotes you into the world of academic scholarship and distinguishes you from among your peers. and third, it opens doors for you to live in the realm of possibilities and future leadership opportunities. When I reflect back on my own personal journey, little did I know that my first college degree, in 1998, would lead me on my path to be the first African American woman to serve in the Ohio Senate.”

Reynolds said you have a dream that God placed in your heart.

“Many of you have chosen the path to higher education and you decided to attend the Ohio Christian University because you have a dream that God placed in your heart,” she said. “You stepped out in faith; you sacrificed time away from your families; you worked hard and persevered. But did you know that while you’ve been waiting for this moment, that this moment has been waiting on you? Jeremiah 29:11 tells us: ’For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

A newly minted graduate stands on the precipice of a new adventure.

“So, I invite you to picture, if you will, a young woman by the name of Sarah, who much like you today, but many years ago, was at her own graduation day, standing at the precipice of a grand adventure, armed with her freshly minted national degree in education,” Reynolds said.

Reynolds proceeded to tell the story of Sarah’s post-college adventures, a career full of challenges and successes. Sarah became a teacher and one day spoke at a graduation ceremony for her own students.

“And years later, Sarah stood and watched over the students she had taught,” she said. “As she addressed her students, she shared the lessons that she had learned along the way. She told them to trust in God’s plan and have the courage to proceed, no matter how daunting they become. She told them that they have the power to change the world, knowing that they too could face the twists and turns of life.”

Reynolds continued, “Like Sarah’s students, you have been blessed with a unique opportunity to make a difference in the world for Jesus Christ. Go forward with confidence knowing that God is with you every step of the way. And as Dr Seuss once said, ‘You’ll move mountains.’ You are on your way to living in the realm of possibilities. It is not about achieving perfection; it’s about cultivating a mindset where you can live up to your fullest potential.”

Reynolds concluded her speech by offering a few words of wisdom.

“I have just a few pieces of advice. Number One, surround yourself with people who support your dreams, like mentors, family and leaders who will challenge you to grow and support your aspirations,” she said. “Two, don’t be afraid to take risks and be open to unexpected opportunities. Number Three, embrace a growth mindset by viewing challenges and setbacks as opportunities for learning.”

Reynolds continued, “And last but not least , let your faith be your compass, your dreams be your pure, and your actions forever shine. Remember, there’s no limit to what you can do because with God all things are possible. And with that, I’d like to extend my sincere congratulations to the class of 2024. May God bless you and guide you in your credible journey that’s truly yet to come.”