Graduating seniors get lesson in history, life
Dr. David Spittal, president of Southern Wesleyan University, congratulates Dr. Virgil Mitchell on his many years of involvement with the university.
Southern Wesleyan University’s graduating seniors were the focus of the winter 2005 baccalaureate service Dec. 8.
The service featured Dr. Virgil Mitchell, age 91, an alumnus of the university and longtime supporter.
“We are honored to have him participate in this service as one of our distinguished graduates, recognized leader and truly a man after God’s own heart,” said Dr. David Spittal, president of Southern Wesleyan University. “He is a man of the highest integrity. His ministry has touched thousands of lives around the world.”
This academic year, the university is celebrating its 100th anniversary. Dr. Spittal noted that Dr. Mitchell has participated in the university’s 50th and 75th anniversary celebrations as well as marking its centennial.
“I’ve had a very deep interest in Southern Wesleyan University for many, many years,” Dr. Mitchell said. He urged the graduating students to build their lives and careers on a firm foundation of faith.
“God must be the foundation of your life if you are to fulfill the purposes he has for you,” Dr. Mitchell said. “It is important to follow your blueprint – the word of God.
The speaker recalled his childhood in Six Mile, where he was born in 1914. He recounted learning to plow a cotton field at age 10 and learning the value of a job well done. He encouraged students to pass a drive for excellence along to future generations.
“May God help you to build on a firm foundation,” he said.
Dr. Mitchell graduated from Six Mile High School in 1934. He attended junior college at Central Wesleyan College, now named Southern Wesleyan University, and completed his degree in 1937 and when on to complete his Th.B. degree in 1943.
Dr. Mitchell married Mary Parks in March 1937 and they have shared 68 years of marriage and three children.
He began his ministry in 1934 and has served as pastor and General Secretary of Extension and Evangelism. Dr. Mitchell was later elected as president of Southern Wesleyan University in 1968, but was elected general superintendent of the Wesleyan Church before he could take office. He served as general superintendent, the denomination’s highest office, for 21 years.
After his retirement, Dr. Mitchell was appointed as assistant to the president and chaplain of Southern Wesleyan and served in this capacity until 1994. He has also served as a distinguished member of the Southern Wesleyan University Board of Trustees and designated as the first trustee emeritus in 1984.