FHU Alumni Impart Professional and Life Lessons During Annual ALUMination Day

Freed-Hardeman University’s annual ALUMination Day brought a diverse group of alumni back to campus to share invaluable professional insight and life lessons with current students.

Some of the returning alumni were: Tony Barham, Alan Groves, Amy and Joey Greene, Jennifer and Danny Ellis, Joseph Horton and David Falkenheim. Students also heard from FHU supporter Patsy Loden, wife of the late Woody Loden, alumnus and longtime board member, during chapel. Loden issued a challenge to students to develop the same love for the university that her late husband had and to “give freely to FHU so that others coming after can receive an education while learning how to learn and serve God more.”

The central message from the alumni to current students was to remain resilient in faith, work hard and have a willingness to learn.

Edwin Groves, class of 2015, was the keynote speaker for FHU’s ALUMination Day activities. He is the Assistant Solicitor General at the Tennessee Attorney General’s Office.

During Dr. Leah Gray’s class, students in HR management and Business Capstone heard from married couples and alumni Amy and Joey Greene as well as Jennifer and Danny Ellis. Amy, class of 1996, works in human resource management at Baker-Tilly while Joey, class of 1995, works in stone manufacturing. The couples told students to figure out their goals in life but to be ready for life’s challenges.

When a student asked for their advice when searching for their first job after college, the couples advised, “Pray, network and when you find something, do your best and work as though unto the Lord.”

Jennifer and Danny Ellis, both members of the class of 1997, encouraged the students to build a strong sense of character, which they described as “what you do when no one is watching, or when you’re alone and it’s just you and the good Lord.”

FHU supporter Patsy Loden (sitting), wife of the late Woody Loden, alumnus and longtime board member, during chapel. Loden issued a challenge to students to develop the same love for the university that her late husband had and to “give freely to FHU so that others coming after can receive an education while learning how to learn and serve God more.”

Their advice for students when they land their first job was: “You want to become irreplaceable,” Danny said. “And learn everything you can about the company that you’re working for across the board and not just in your area,” Joey added.

After listening to the couples, Jack Zondervan, a senior studying Spanish, accounting and financial planning, highlighted his key takeaways. “Be yourself, be authentic, go above and beyond in your work, keep God first and give the first fruits of your income,” he said. “It’s important to stay in prayer because the Lord has plans for our lives.”

Alumnus Tony Barham, class of 1986, is a retired Lt. Col. with the Tennessee Highway Patrol. He encouraged students to move forward, trust yourself, build inner joy, own your strength and avoid comparing yourself to others.

Alumni Tony Barham and Alan Groves shared inspirational messages during Homecoming and ALUMination day. Barham, class of 1986, is a retired Lt. Col. with the Tennessee Highway Patrol. He encouraged students to move forward, trust yourself, build inner joy, own your strength and avoid comparing yourself to others. He also emphasized avoiding destructive things such as doubt, fear, negativity, excuses, jealousy, hopelessness and hate.

Groves, class of 2015, currently serves as Assistant Solicitor General at the Tennessee Attorney General’s Office and was the keynote speaker for FHU’s ALUMination Day activities. In addition to speaking in chapel, Groves also participated in a Q & A session with law and politics students. “I identify with the students a lot. I see their passion and I try to do anything I can to be helpful to them,” he said.

Falkenheim, class of 2002, spoke in Joe Deweese’s biochemistry class about his career path from FHU to where he is now in food quality control with Bongards Creamery, a cheese factory in Humboldt. He discussed what happens when your initial dream does not come to fruition, and he noted how it is important to follow God’s leading when He opens certain doors for you.

Joseph Horton, class of '07, spoke in Mark Blackwelder’s Life of Christ classes on the topic “What Following Jesus Means.” Horton is a minister for Winchester church of Christ. He led discussions about discipleship and learning to walk in Jesus’ footsteps; being a true follower of Jesus.

Now in its eighth year, ALUMination Day is hosted by academics, alumni engagement and the president's office.