DBU REPORT 8 SPRING 2022 COMMENCEMENT On Thursday, May 12, and Friday, May 13, Dallas Baptist University celebrated Spring Commencement with four ceremonies honoring this year’s 508 graduates: 317 undergraduate, 174 master’s, and 17 doctoral students. During the Thursday morning and afternoon Commencements, the honorary Doctor of Divinity degree was awarded to two recipients and long-time friends of DBU, Rev. Chris Simmons and Rev. John Durham, followed by their sharing of inspiring remarks for the graduates. At Thursday morning’s 10:00 a.m. Commencement service Rev. Chris Simmons delivered the address. He has served as Pastor of Cornerstone Baptist Church in the inner-city community of South Dallas/Fair Park since 1989. Nicknamed a “war zone” because of gang violence and other social problems, Rev. Simmons established the Cornerstone Community Development Corp., Inc., to focus on community development and revitalization of this region in partnership with the City of Dallas. Rev. Simmons has received numerous accolades for his commitment to community building, including nomination for the 2009 Dallas Morning News Texan of the Year, recognition as a Community Hero by KRLD 1080 AM, and as an innovator in mission by the Texas Baptist Missions Foundation. Rev. John Durham, Lead Pastor of Highland Baptist Church in Waco, Texas, since 2013, gave the Thursday afternoon address to graduates at the 3:00 p.m. Commencement service. Rev. John Durham Rev. Chris Simmons being hooded for his Honorary Doctorate by Dr. Norma Hedin and Dr. Gail Linam
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