Ouachita Baptist confers 325 degrees on class of 2012 grads

Trennis Henderson
Ouachita Baptist University

ARKADELPHIA — Quoting founding President John W. Conger’s words, President Rex M. Horne, Jr., told Ouachita Baptist University’s 2012 graduating class that “knowledge is no blessing unless it is used well and wisely.”

Marking Ouachita’s 125th annual spring commencement, a copy of President Conger’s inaugural commencement address from 1888 was carried in the academic processional along with the university mace.

“We’re in a world that has great challenge and great opportunity, and we believe that the hope for change rests in you,” Dr. Horne told the graduates. “All of us are most impressed with you and your generation and the commitment that you have.”

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Williams Baptist graduation set for May 5

WALNUT RIDGE – Williams Baptist College will hold its combined baccalaureate and commencement exercises on Saturday, May 5. The graduation ceremony will begin at 10 a.m. in WBC's Southerland-Mabee Center.

Some 100 graduates will receive their diplomas during the ceremony. The speaker will be Dr. Bill Steeger, recently retired pastor of First Baptist Church, Paragould. Steeger will also be honored as the college's 2012 Distinguished Baptist Minister.

Swaim named president emeritus at WBC

Jerol and Virginia Swaim share a laugh with WBC Board Chair Ken Brunt (right) as Brunt makes presentations to the retiring Williams president.

WALNUT RIDGE – Jerol Swaim will carry a new title with him when he retires as president of Williams Baptist College (WBC) in June. The board of trustees at WBC has voted to make Swaim the president emeritus. He was surprised with the designation at a retirement reception last week.

"We decided that we didn't want to let you go altogether from Williams, so we just changed your title," said Board Chair Ken Brunt of Bryant. "We are pleased to announce that, after June 30, we will be able to introduce this man as Dr. Jerol Swaim, president emeritus of Williams Baptist College."

It was one of several presentations made to Swaim at the reception. Brunt also gave Swaim and his wife, Virginia, a travel voucher to take a trip of their choosing around the world. The voucher was paid for by personal donations from the trustees.

Andrea Allen of U.S. Rep. Rick Crawford’s office presented the retiring Williams president with a certificate showing the congressman’s address on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives last month commending Swaim’s service at WBC.

Arkansas Rep. James Ratliff presented Swaim a framed proclamation from state government commending his efforts.

Additionally, Swaim was presented with about 100 letters, messages and cards from well wishers, which were compiled into a book for him. 

Several hundred people attended the retirement reception, which was held in the rotunda of WBC’s Swaim Administration Building. 

Swaim is retiring after 48 years at the college, including 17 years as president. He will be succeeded by Thomas Jones, who was named last month as the next president of the four-year, liberal arts college.

Magic Springs announces Youth Pastor Summit

HOT SPRINGS – Youth pastors from around the state will gather in Hot Springs on Friday, May 11, for a morning of inspiration from renowned Christian speakers at the first Youth Pastor Summit presented by Magic Springs.

Held at the Hot Springs Convention Center, the Youth Pastor Summit will feature Christian illusionist Brock Gill; Mark Merrill, founder and president of Family First and author of “All Pro Dad – Seven Essentials to Be a Hero to Your Kids”; and Scott Dawson, founder of the Scott Dawson Evangelistic Association. Following the speakers, the contemporary Christian group Cory Lamb Band will perform.  

The summit is an official kick-off event for Celebrate The Word, a Christian faith-inspired event held over three weekends during the summer. Celebrate The Word features some of the top artists in Christian contemporary music along with nationally renowned speakers focusing on family and youth.

 “Magic Springs is a special place for families,” said Steve Honeycutt, the park’s general manager. “We want to play a strong role in strengthening community ties by bringing these youth pastors together and providing more events at the park with an inspirational focus.”

Following the morning summit, pastors and their families are invited to enjoy Magic Springs with a Picnic in the Park buffet lunch and an afternoon of great rides and attractions with the opportunity to return on Saturday at no charge.

Youth pastors will receive free admission to the summit, Magic Springs and meals. Participants must register online at MagicSprings.com by April 29.

Bloomer concert helps injured church pianist

BLOOMER – Bloomer Baptist Church, Bloomer, hosted a benefit concert March 3 for church pianist Susie Shaw, who along with her two grandchildren, was injured in an automobile accident.

Proceeds from the concert went to offset Shaw’s medical bills, said Rick LaMie, music director at the church. He said that during the accident Shaw suffered a broken ankle, which required extensive surgery.

The concert featured Common Thread, a local bluegrass band, and Jerry and Vickey Walker. Jerry Walker is former music director of Bloomer Baptist Church.

“We had a great evening of bluegrass gospel music, … refreshments and fellowship, raising nearly $1,000,” said LaMie.

LaMie said Shaw, along with various family members, attended the concert. Also among those in attendance was Pastor Emeritus Richard Goodrum, who had returned from a mission trip to India less than 24 hours before the concert.

LaMie said Shaw is now able to walk with a walker and has returned to playing piano at the church.