PILLAR COLLEGE 2020 GRADUATE CLASS VIRTUAL CEREMONY
Saturday, July 18, 2020 at 11:00am
Due to the complications of Covid-19 and uncertainties related to State mandates for social distancing this fall, the College will not be hosting an in-person graduation ceremony as originally planned for September 18.
Pillar College will honor the Graduating Class of 2020 through the following activities and events:
– Graduation Candidates will be invited to host watch parties and personal celebrations wearing your cap and gown during the Virtual Celebration on Saturday, July 18 at 11:00 am
(Caps and Gowns will be distributed to Graduation Candidates prior to this event (pending final clearance))
· A Digital keepsake booklet of Graduate Photos and Reflections
· The Pillar College Graduating Class of 2020 is invited to walk in the in-person 2021 Commencement Ceremony scheduled for Saturday, May 15, 2021
Commencement Speakers
BARRY CLAYTON BLACK
Ph.D., D.Min., D.D., L.H.D., D.P.S
RADM, USN (Ret.)
US Senate Chaplain
On June 27, 2003, Rear Admiral Barry C. Black (Ret.) was elected the 62nd Chaplain of the Senate. He started his work on July 7, 2003. Prior to Capitol Hill, Chaplain Black served in the U.S. Navy for over twenty-seven years, ending his distinguished career as the Chief of Navy Chaplains. The Senate elected its first chaplain in 1789.
U.S. Senate
In addition to opening the Senate each day in prayer, Chaplain Black provides counseling and spiritual care for Senators, their families, and staff – a combined constituency of over seven thousand people. He also meets with Senators about spiritual and moral issues, assists with research on theological and biblical questions, and facilitates discussion and reflection small groups among Senators and staff. He also conducts marriage enrichment counseling and officiates at weddings, funerals, and memorial services. Chaplain Black initiates and participates in special and seasonal observances, leads interdenominational prayer gatherings, and cultivates relationships with local clergy and leaders of humanitarian agencies.
In order to stay informed of the needs of the Senate community, Chaplain Black maintains a program with a volunteer liaison in each office to assist him. A member of his staff directs this program. “I see my role as the chaplain to be a confidential counselor, spiritual advisor, scripture teacher, intercessor, and friend to the Senators, their spouses, and the Senate staff as they seek to discover and live God’s wonderful plan.”
The Office of the Chaplain is nonpartisan, nonpolitical, and nonsectarian.
U.S. Navy
Commissioned as a Navy Chaplain in 1976, Chaplain Black’s first duty station was the Fleet Religious Support Activity in Norfolk, Virginia. Subsequent assignments include Naval Support Activity, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis, Maryland; First Marine Aircraft Wing, Okinawa, Japan; Naval Training Center, San Diego, California; USS BELLEAU WOOD (LHA 3) Long Beach, California; Naval Chaplains School Advanced Course, Newport, Rhode Island; Marine Aircraft Group THIRTY-ONE, Beaufort, South Carolina; Assistant Staff Chaplain, Chief of Naval Education and Training, Pensacola, Florida; and Fleet Chaplain, U.S. Atlantic Fleet, Norfolk, Virginia.
As Rear Admiral, his personal decorations included the Navy Distinguished Service Medal, the Legion of Merit Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal (two medals), Meritorious Service Medals (two awards), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals (two awards), and numerous unit awards, campaign, and service medals.
Personal Information
Chaplain Black is a native of Baltimore, Maryland and an alumnus of Oakwood College, Andrews University, North Carolina Central University, Palmer Theological Seminary, Salve Regina University, and Alliant International University. In addition to earning Master of Arts degrees in Divinity, Counseling, and Management, he has received a Doctorate degree in Ministry and a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Psychology. Chaplain Black has been selected for many outstanding achievements. Of particular note, he was chosen from 127 nominees for the 1995 NAACP Renowned Service Award for his contribution to equal opportunity and civil rights. He received the 2002 Benjamin Elijah Mays Distinguished Leadership Award from The Morehouse School of Religion. In 2004, the Old Dominion University chapter of the NAACP conferred on him the Image Award, “Reaffirming the Dream – Realizing the Vision” for military excellence. In May 2019, Chaplain Black was awarded the Canterbury Medal, Becket’s highest honor, for his worthy defense of religious liberty for people of all faiths.
He has authored four books beginning with his autobiography, “From the Hood to the Hill” (2006), “The Blessing of Adversity” (2011), “Nothing to Fear” (2017), and “Make Your Voice Heard in Heaven” (2018).
Chaplain Barry C. Black is married to the former Brenda Pearsall of St. Petersburg, Florida. They have three sons: Barry II, Brendan, and Bradford.