At the luncheon, Leslie and Dave were surrounded by trustees, deans, cabinet members, faculty, staff, commencement speaker Cherie Harder, and Cairn’s President, Todd J. Williams. Dr. Williams welcomed the group and opened with prayer.
Dave spoke for a few minutes about his experience in flight school (graduating first in his class) and how well prepared he was upon entering University of North Carolina Chapel Hill. He spoke of the need for believers to be in all kinds of business to minister to the needs of hurting people.
Deeply emotional, Leslie spoke earnestly about what receiving the award meant to her. She shared how Cairn University gave her a chance to experience a cultural context she was completely unfamiliar with and taught her about the impact her faith should have on work and life. She also stated her belief that other students ought to come to Cairn and experience the benefit and blessing of a Cairn education. It is this passion that has motivated her to push for deep political reform. She has been reelected and looks forward to continued service in the House.
Cairn University is delighted to host a commencement luncheon every year in which faculty, staff, new graduates, and their friends and families gather to fellowship and celebrate a wonderful example of God’s goodness and faithfulness.


Matching Gift Week Raises a Total of $215,000 To Support Students
This year, friends, alumni, faculty, and others affiliated with Cairn University were able to raise $115,000 during Matching Gift Week, a time dedicated to raising support for The Cairn Fund. $100,000