Henry Smith Presides at First IWU Graduations
By Alan Miller
8/7/06

The 1,200 Indiana Wesleyan University students who graduated on Aug. 12 were the first to receive diplomas signed by Dr. Henry Smith, who became IWU’s eighth president July 1.

Among the graduates was Eric Frey, a student at IWU’s Louisville campus, who is blind. He walked across the platform with his service dog, J.B – and both received handshakes from President Smith.

Mr. Frey received a B.S. degree in management. He graduated summa cum laude and received the Outstanding Professional Award from his class.

E. Thomas Arington, Chairman and CEO of Scion Companies, spoke at both graduations and received a Presidential Citation. President Smith said the citation honored Mr. Arington for setting an example of Christian ethics in the business workplace.

“We honor you today for your leadership excellence in setting a high standard in the pharmaceutical industry and for living out your life in service to our Lord and His Church,” President Smith said in presenting the citation.

Cincinnati-based Scion is a diversified private investment company whose stated purpose is to “glorify God in all it does.”

IWU also has graduations in December and April.

Indiana Wesleyan University is an evangelical Christian comprehensive university that was founded in 1920 and is committed to liberal arts and professional education. IWU is affiliated with The Wesleyan Church.

About 2,850 students are enrolled in traditional programs on IWU’s main campus in Marion. Another 11,000 working professionals are enrolled in adult education programs at various site in Indiana, Kentucky and Ohio – and online.

Alan Miller is the University Relations Director at Indiana Wesleyan University.