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BETHANY, W.Va. – Bethany College celebrated its 185th Baccalaureate Ceremony on Friday, May 9, with a powerful and inspiring message delivered by the Rev. Dr. William LeRoy Lee, a distinguished Disciples of Christ pastor, educator, and community advocate. The event, held in the historic Commencement Hall, honored the graduating Class of 2025 amidst a spirit of tradition, reflection, and hope for the journey ahead.

A native of Nuttsville, Va., Lee faithfully served for 39 years as pastor of Loudon Avenue Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Roanoke, Va., where he founded New Horizons Health Care, a vital center delivering medical care to underserved populations.

Bethany President Dr. Jamie Caridi welcomed attendees and reflected on the resilience, accomplishments, and character of the Class of 2025. He spoke of the enduring impact of a Bethany education, urging graduates to carry forward the values of service, inquiry, and leadership that have shaped their years on campus. Caridi then introduced the evening’s speaker, Lee, a lifelong servant leader whose work has left a meaningful legacy in both ministry and public health.

Lee was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Divinity in recognition of his service to the church and the wider community. Lee has served numerous positions, including moderator of the General Assembly and board member for Pension Fund of the Christian Church, Lexington Theological Seminary, and the National Convocation / National Christian Missionary Convention. “Rev. Lee’s life of service to the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) exemplifies the leadership characteristics Bethany seeks to instill in our students,” shared Caridi.

Lee’s address capped a day in which the College’s Board of Trustees approved measures to deepen ties to the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), including renewing the commitment for two full tuition scholarships for Disciple students, one of which is available for the fall of 2025.

On the recommendation of the Investment Committee, the board has moved most of the endowment to the Christian Church Foundation (CCF). This move is one of several ways in which Bethany has intentionally sought to strengthen its ties to the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) by partnering with the denomination’s general ministries over the past several years.

Bethany is currently served by Disciples trustees Rev. Art Keys, Rev. Dr. Thaddaeus Allen, Logan Hassig, and Rev. Dr. Todd Adams.

In quoting Howard Thurman and Benjamin Mays, Lee emphasized the dangers of complacency and the power of aspiration: “Not failure, but low aim is a sin,” he reminded graduates. He urged them not to compare themselves to others but to live boldly into their own unique callings: “You are called to be greater, and anything less is a shame on this world.”

Through stories of personal struggle, segregated schools, and candlelit studies in rural Va., Lee illustrated the power of perseverance and the importance of community. He told graduates, “Don’t be afraid to ask for help,” pointing out that true education includes knowing when and how to lean on others. “Turn to your left, turn to your right – these people will help you be great,” he said, even giving out the Bethany College main number and telling them to call it anytime they need support.

As the Class of 2025 prepared to leave the mountain, they did so with a charge to stay salty and keep shining – to serve others, build community, pursue justice, walk in faith, and to be greater.

Watch the Baccalaureate Recording
View Baccalaureate Photos