1. Anthony Sparks
Media Writing (309 words)
Prof M.E. Gamble
September 9, 2011
Fall Convocation
The 2011 Fall Convocation, every Convocation at Bethany College is special, but it always kicks
off the new year with the proper environment and traditions of the school by bringing its students
together. Bethany College graduate Greg Jordan, global managing partner at Reed Smith, one of the
world’s largest law firms, gave the address to start the event in Commencement Hall on Thursday,
September8th. Also, Ogden Nutting, long-time member of Bethany College’s Board of Trustees, was
given an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters. Nutting serves as publisher of The Ogden Newspapers, in
Wheeling, W.Va.
Back to Greg Jordan, he encouraged students not to let themselves be worried by the news, the
economy, or the crisis of the high employment. He talks more about students being themselves, learning
more, transforming themselves into someone they want to be because the bad news is a part of life.
“Enjoy every minute of this opportunity,” Jordan says.
Dean of Students Gerald Stebbins announced the recipients of the Anna Ruth Bourne Award, the
W. Kirk Woolery Award and the Richard B. Kenney Freshman Leadership Award.
The Anna Ruth Bourne Award is given each semester to the sorority obtaining the highest
scholastic standing and it was awarded to Alpha Xi Delta. This semester’s W. Kirk Woolery Award, given
to the fraternity obtaining the highest scholastic standing, was presented to Beta Theta Pi. Plus, The
Richard B. Kenney Freshman Leadership Award went to sophomore Amber Ridings. It is given annually
to a student who has demonstrated outstanding scholarship, leadership and character at Bethany.

2. This ceremony hopefully reminds students how traditional and special Bethany College is every
year. Bethany is a college like none other, so students should feel proud and inspired while being
enrolled and involved with such a small, but nationally known atmosphere.