As 2018 inches closer, several Milligan College’s students took the next step in pursuing their dreams.

Milligan saw 99 students walk across the stage of the Mary B. Martin Auditorium inside Seeger Chapel Friday night for the school’s annual commencement Friday night.

The weekend ceremony was part of a new chapter in the graduates’ lives, according to Milligan President Dr. Bill Greer., who encouraged graduates to move forward in the future with success and to help the world by serving as a servant leader.

“I am proud of each of you and want to congratulate you on this accomplishment,” Greer told attendees.

Milligan graduates Lindsay Moore and Thomas Arbaugh, both receiving their master’s degrees, were the student speakers for the ceremony. Both congratulated their peers, encouraged the students to continuing following their dreams and spoke about their time at the school.

Greer added that Friday’s commencement was dedicated to Dr. Robert “Bob” Hall, an instrumental part of Milligan’s success who passed away Sunday, Dec. 3. From his time as a chaplain with the National Guard and US Army Reserve, serving with Washington County Schools, a Sunday school teacher at Grandview Christian Church, Hall embodied the passion of a Milligan Buffalo, according to Greer. Hall was also the recipient of the school’s highest accolade, the Fide et Amore, in 2001.

Hall’s reception of friends and memorial service was also held at Grandview Christian Church Friday.

“We dedicate tonight’s ceremony to him,” Greer told attendees.

Prior to the distribution of degrees and hoods, Dr. Jeff Snodgrass with Milligan’s Occupational Therapy Department provided the renewal of charges to students.

During the night, 69 students received the master’s degrees: 17 Master of Business Administration, 14 Master of Education, 10 Master of Science in Counseling and 28 Master of Science in Occupational Therapy. 30 students received their bachelor’s degrees: four Bachelor of Arts and 26 Bachelor of Science.