Ex-Governor Addresses Graduates

eorge F. Allen, a former Republican governor and U.S. Senator from Virginia, spoke at three graduations Saturday at Luckey Arena at Indiana Wesleyan University.

ov. Allen told graduates they were important to the future of America. "You are indeed America’s hope," he said. "We have an optimism when we look out and see the young men and women that are graduating. You embody America’s hope."

ov. Allen also served 10 years in the Virginia General Assembly, where he held Thomas Jefferson’s seat in the House of Delegates. He now is the Reagan Ranch Presidential Scholar for the Young America’s Foundation, which owns the ranch.

ore than 1,750 students received degrees during the three ceremonies. Two of the graduates, Stella Li and Cherry Wu, came from China to receive their Master of Education degrees in person.

he two women teach at the International Schools of China. They earned their master’s degrees through an online program that IWU created specifically for teachers at the six schools, which are located in major cities in China.

r. Phil Bassett, Director of Teacher Training for the International Schools of China, traveled to campus with Li and Wu.

his is a dream come true," Dr. Bassett. "It’s very rewarding. It’s what I went to China for. To have a Chinese person earn a master’s degree from a Christian institution is an honor and reward for them." Wu and Li both spoke at their graduation ceremony.

I am really impressed wit the professors and their giving hearts and their humble attitudes," said Li, who teaches math. "I have gained insight of how I can teach and how I can teach better."

ll but 130 of the December graduates received their degrees through Indiana Wesleyan’s various adult education programs.

ndiana Wesleyan also has three graduations in both April and August. The December graduates brought to 4,940 the number of students who received IWU degrees in 2007.