Peter Greer of HOPE International Addresses December 2017 Graduates

Faculty, staff, trustees, families, and friends, joined the graduates receiving undergraduate and graduate degrees on Saturday, December 16, 2017.
A total of 81 men and women from various fields of study entered the gym to graduate. After the processional, University President Dr. Todd Williams opened up the morning in prayer. Following his prayer was a musical selection and Scripture reading which highlighted fall graduates Megan Strait ’17 and Lisa Pfeiffer ’17 respectively.
Following the awarding of degrees, Dr. Williams introduced the graduates to Peter Greer, President and CEO of HOPE International.  
HOPE International is a global, Christ-centered, microenterprise development organization serving throughout Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Eastern Europe. Fueled by the hope of the Gospel, Greer and his team provide biblically based training, savings services, and loans that restore dignity and break the cycle of poverty.
In his address to the graduates, Greer noted the danger of applying brands to our life direction and work. While it is okay to prefer Pepsi over Coke, it is not beneficial to apply this mindset to Kingdom work. When sides are taken, the potential to work together and double the efforts is destroyed. This is a lesson Greer learned in his early years as CEO and President. He felt the pressure to make HOPE International great rather than the God they represent.
In keeping with the University’s motto to serve the church, society, and the world, Greer implored the graduates to live not to make a name for themselves or even for their now Alma-mater. He instead set the goal to be telling the story of the great God that they serve in whatever they do after graduation. Greer encouraged the students to live one life for God and for the mission of Christ and His Kingdom.
Equipped with a biblically integrated education and professional experience, these graduates are ready to bring Christ to the world.
Congratulations to the Class of 2017!