Two Ottawa University graduates will deliver speeches at the Ottawa University - Wisconsin graduation June 8 in Pewaukee, Wisconsin.
Graduate Darvelle Hutchins' speech is entitled "Hopes and Dreams" and challenges his fellow graduates to become a catalyst for change in the world.
One way Hutchins, who will earn a Communication and Leadership degree, plans to change the world is by writing a book. There came a point in his life when he said he needed direction from God. He needed to make some important decisions about his future, and he was hungry to hear from God.
"I heard the instruction of the Holy Spirit leading me to write a book," Hutchins said.
Hutchins' book, "Pursue Destiny' is an inspirational guide that identifies the challenges every person faces on the journey of life. He is now in the process of getting it published.
"I want to encourage my peers to draw near to God and to live life without limitations when we're equipped with the armor of God," Hutchins said. "I strive to challenge graduates in thinking about what's next and to live with a sense of assurance knowing that they're unstoppable regardless of the obstacles presented before them."
Fellow graduate Dan Neumer also will be speaking at commencement. He will speak about his experience at Ottawa University. Neumer has been a police officer for 16 years - the last 12 of which he has spent with the City of Delafield Police Department. He also serves as an assistant team leader of the police department's SWAT team. Neumer decided to go back to school for two reasons: a promotion and to help lead by example for his daughter, 4-year-old Isabelle.
"My wife Beth has almost completed her master's degree and felt that if we were going to emphasize education, I should at least have a bachelor's degree," Neumer said.
He chose Ottawa University because of the small class sizes and the accelerated terms, he said. He was able to complete 80 credit hours for his bachelors degree in just a year and 10 months.
"I, like many other students, had several choices of schools to attend, but I knew immediately when I got to Ottawa University that I found a home," Neumer said. "I was met by a warm, welcoming and encouraging staff that made the decision to attend Ottawa University easy."