FHU Spring Graduates Take the Next Step

On a beautiful, sunny day in mid-May, Freed-Hardeman’s campus welcomed friends, family and supporters to celebrate years of study, determination and sacrifice as 334 students took one final walk across Dryden Auditorium’s stage, officially becoming FHU alumni.

Words of Wisdom

In his opening remarks, FHU President David R. Shannon addressed an auditorium full of smiling graduates and guests, reminding them of the significance of the moment. “Commencement is a time to stand on a bridge where we have the wonderful opportunity to reflect back on what you have enjoyed over the past few years and what you have achieved,” he said. “But it is also a time to point forward, hopefully with optimism and excitement.”

The morning’s keynote address was delivered by FHU Board of Trustees member Jay Dryden, a university alumnus, philanthropist and co-founder of Vector Wealth Strategies in Huntsville, Alabama. As a Certified Financial Planner®, Dryden partially credits his entrepreneurial spirit to his great-grandfather David Thomas Dryden, namesake of the newly renovated campus auditorium.

President David Shannon welcomes guests and graduates to the 2025 Spring graduation.

Dryden shared personal stories—ranging from mission trips to mentor advice—that inspired him to be generous with both his time and resources. From early in his career, he set out to succeed not for status but to support causes close to his heart.

He encouraged graduates to see every chosen life path as a chance to spread their faith. “One thing I believe that God has really been teaching me is that my work, your work, the career that you’re about to launch out into—that is your greatest ministry opportunity.”

Additionally, Dryden reminded his audience to listen to God’s direction and to join Him in what He is already doing in their lives. “God never promised to be a spotlight on your destination,” Dryden shared. “He only promised to be a light to your path.”

FHU Board of Trustees member Jay Dryden delivers the keynote address.

Many Paths, One Purpose

Among the hundreds of graduates hoping to make a positive difference in the world, Carlen Whirley, from Marshall County, Kentucky, was proud to receive her degree in nursing. “I’ve always been drawn to the medical field,” she said. “I have a drive and a passion to help people and be there in their time of need.”

Whirley plans to move to Florence, Alabama, to become a labor and delivery nurse at North Alabama Medical Center. She shared that her time at FHU well equipped her with the skills to excel in her new career. “FHU’s nursing program is exceptional, so it has prepared me with that confidence to know that I will do my job safely.”

Graduates pose in front of the Bucy Bell Tower.

Graduate Elliott Harris, from Hornsby, Tennessee, also hopes to make a positive impact with his decision to reenlist in the U.S. Army after earning his Bachelor of Science in cybersecurity. “I have promotion points for my bachelor’s degree which help me get promoted to sergeant. I was in the National Guard after high school for six years, and I got out last October. I figured this was just the right thing for me.”

Elliott and his family had extra reason to celebrate at this year’s ceremony because, amazingly, both his younger sister and his grandfather were also among the graduates—a first for Freed-Hardeman commencements. His sister, Piper Harris, received her Bachelor of Arts in law and politics, while his grandfather, Dr. Robert Bruce Lewis, received his Doctor of Ministry degree.

Lewis, also of Hornsby, Tennessee, could be described as a lifelong learner, spending 34 years in education and earning numerous advanced degrees during his lifetime. After his retirement at age 66, he decided to fill some of his time with further biblical studies in order to aid his own personal church ministry. His latest doctoral degree was conferred on his 75th birthday.

With two of his grandchildren now also FHU graduates, Lewis proudly shared that the eight members of his immediate family have amassed a total of 18 academic degrees from Freed-Hardeman. “It was quite wonderful to see them growing up, doing well and staying faithful to the Lord,” he said

Recognizing Outstanding Achievement

Within the morning commencement ceremony, additional graduates were also highlighted for special recognition. Dr. LeAnn Davis, vice president for academics, announced the recipient of the 2025 Faculty Scholarship-Leadership Medal, awarded annually to “the student in the graduating class who possesses, to the highest degree, the following attributes: ability, quality of work, accuracy, love of knowledge and leadership.”

Dan (Jeong-Won) Chang is the recipient of the 2025 Faculty Scholarship-Leadership Medal.

The recipient of this year’s award was Dan (Jeong-Won) Chang. Dan, a summa cum laude pre-med graduate from December 2024, was recognized for “his outstanding scholarship, his leadership in research and service, and his embodiment of the mission of Freed-Hardeman University.”

In a historic moment for the university, the ceremony also celebrated the first-ever commissioning of an Army officer through FHU’s partnership with the University of Tennessee at Martin’s Army ROTC Skyhawk Battalion. In addition to earning his Bachelor of Arts in law and politics, Cody Goodwin officially transitioned from student to second lieutenant in the United States Army.

Graduate Cody Goodwin is commissioned as a second lieutenant in the United States Army.

Cody expressed pride in his new responsibility and is looking forward to the good he hopes to accomplish in the world. “Commissioning is one of the first steps that allows a leader to prioritize the needs of others before themselves,” he said. “The core of the oath we take is a selfless commitment to becoming an advocate and bearer of truth while continuing the traditions and values we hold so dear in a country we love. The world is always so set on tearing itself apart, but taking a step like this has the ability to put some good back into it.”

As graduates spread out across the country and the world, they carry with them a foundation built on knowledge, wisdom, service and faith—trusting that God will continue to work through their talents and gifts to accomplish great things.