MOC plans winter graduation ceremony for December 16
By News-Argus Staff
Published in News on December 5, 2006 1:45 PM
MOUNT OLIVE -- Nearly 400 students are expected to graduate from Mount Olive College during its 53rd fall commencement Dec. 16 at 2 p.m. in Kornegay Arena.
Dr. Murphy Osborne, a motivational speaker who has spent his career in higher education, will deliver the commencement address. Born and raised in Elkin, he received a full athletic scholarship from High Point University, where he earned his bachelor's degree. He received a fellowship from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and earned his master's degree before attending University of Tennessee in Knoxville and earning his doctorate in education.
Osborne's career has included serving as a professor at the University of South Florida, assistant to the president at both the University of Tennessee and High Point University, administrative vice president at Catawba College and working with Meredith College as vice president of Institutional Advancement before retiring in 2001.
Since his retirement, Osborne has worked with more than 30 colleges and universities as a consultant.
Prior to the graduation ceremonies, Mount Olive College will hold a special worship service at 10:30 a.m. in the Southern Bank Auditorium in Raper Hall. Marci Rollins-Smart, a 2002 graduate of Mount Olive College, will be the guest speaker.
Ms. Rollins-Smart earned a bachelor's degree in religion and received several awards, included the W. Burkette Raper Award for Excellence in Ministry, the Founders Leadership Award and the Freshman of the Year Award. Later this month, she will complete her Master of Divinity degree from Campbell University Divinity School, where she received a full-tuition scholarship.