Lincoln Memorial University President E. Clayton Hess conferred 571 degrees during LMU’s Spring Commencement exercises in Tex Turner Arena on Saturday.

Over 500 graduates participated in the ceremony as the University awarded 151 associate, 199 baccalaureate, 211 master’s, one educational specialist and 10 doctoral degrees. Additionally, the University awarded its highest teaching honor, the Houston Award, to Professor of Education Shannon D. Collins, Ph.D. Collins teaches in the Carter and Moyers School of Education Graduate Education programs. He was honored for his achievement characterized by clear, abundant and persistent demonstration of high standards of teaching that contribute to the development of the LMU community.

President Emeritus B. James Dawson delivered the commencement address. A veteran educator who has served as president at LMU, Coker College and Tennessee Wesleyan, Dawson posed three questions to the graduates, shared three wishes for their future and issued three challenges during his speech.

“I wish you a full understanding of why you were born. Now, I expect that you will have days where you think, ‘Ah yes this why I was born,’ only to have that change later on. I urge you to collect those moments, not weigh them against each other,” Dawson said. “I hope you always feel at home here and come back often. Now go find out why you were born and make the rest of your life’s journey a real adventure.”

Logan Augustine, of Urbandale, Iowa, earned valedictorian honors as the graduate with the highest cumulative grade point average. A bachelor of science in chemistry degree recipient, Augustine plans to continue his education at the University of Iowa. Nick Brooks, of Ewing, Virginia, earned salutatorian honors. A bachelor of science in biology degree recipient, Brooks plans to pursue a physician assistant degree and become a practicing physician assistant. David Rose, of Strawberry Plains, Tennessee, was commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Army and second lieutenant in the Tennessee National Guard during the ceremony. Rose earned a bachelor of science in health.