It is the season for graduation ceremonies, and I delivered my last commencement address as Dean of Boyce College just last week. I titled it “The Gospel and the Gods of the Copybook Headings.” It was based on 1 Corinthians 15:1-2 and a poem by Rudyard Kipling. I know, I know. Rudyard Kipling is a throwback fixture of British imperialism, and he’s often considered quite passé today. What can I say? I’m an old timey kind of a guy, and I love the poem nevertheless. I think it has a great message about holding onto old truths that won’t go away no matter how hard people try to suppress them. You can listen to the address below, download the audio here, or read it here.
I am grateful for the students the Lord has brought to Boyce College, and I am proud of those that are now going out from us to serve the Lord in various settings. These students are the best of the best, and it has been a blessing to serve them over these years as Dean. Congratulations, graduates!
6 Comments
Pete
Where are you headed, Denny?
Pete
Oh, and were you born Dennis, and now you prefer the nickname? Or were you actually named after a restaurant? 😉
Denny Burk
Pete, I’m not going anywhere. I’m just changing hats. Here’s a page from our campus paper that explains it all: click here.
yankeegospelgirl
That poem is wonderful! Classic! I join you in the celebration of old timeyness. 🙂
Kelley Kimble
An outstanding address, and a poem that I will print and stick to the wall. My knowledge of Kipling’s work is somewhat limited, but I think I shall get to know him better now.
Kelley Kimble
In fact, I will link this to my own (new) blog.