This video titled, The Ninety-Eighth Commencement Exercises was held Under the Oaks at Elon College on Saturday, May 21, 1988 at ten-thirty o’clock. This is tape 1 of 2 tapes. The graduates were wearing black gowns and caps and milling around in front of Whitley Auditorium. The Commencement began with The Processional, Pomp and Circumstance by Edward Elgar, and William Keith, Director; and Elon College Brass Winds. The Academic Procession included: The Chief Student Marshal; The Faculty Marshal; The Associate Faculty Marshal; The Candidates for Degrees; The College Trustees; The College Faculty; and The Platform Participants. The Invocation was given by Richard W. McBride, College Chaplain. The National Anthem, The Star Spangled Banner by Francis Scott Key, was led by Ellen B. Williams, Assistant Professor of Music. The Welcome was given by Thaddeus (Thad) Armie Eure, Secretary of State of North Carolina, and Chairman, Elon College Board of Trustees. Eure stated, as Secretary of State of North Carolina has on his desk a copy of the original paper work in the creation of Elon College from March 11, 1889. In 1988, Eure stated Elon College was witnessing the largest finishing line of the Class of 1988. And the largest crowd to witness the commencement at Elon College. Eure served on the Elon Board of Trustees for 47 years and as chairman for 33 years. Eure stated, he was so happy to be welcoming the Class of 1988 as the last class before the 100th year of Elon College celebration. This class was the last class to graduate within the 100 years of this institution. Eure said, I hope as you leave this institution and wherever you may go and a tune from your heart and your lips, LONG LIVE ELON. The Introduction of the Speaker was given by J. Fred Young, 7th President of Elon College. Before Young introduced the speaker, he wanted to alert the audience on two or three possibilities that included: Elon’s age was 99 years old; the Oak trees are older than the college; and the railroad was older than Elon College. Young continued by saying the committee that selected this area for Elon College was due to the grove of oaks and its beauty and the location close to the railroad for transportation. Elon College had a deal with Southern Railroads to not send a train through the area (150 feet from the campus); however, the conductor who drove the train through Elon College, North Carolina, during Elon College Commencements or cultural events, tooting the train’s whistle which disrupts the events. Young introduced the speaker, Donna Oliver. Oliver received the National Teacher of the Year (from Alamance County, Cummings High School in Burlington, North Carolina) in 1987 and President Ronald Reagan presented Oliver with a crystal apple. Since that time she has travelled 100 thousand miles in support of education. In June, Oliver carried her education message to Spain. The Address was given by Donna Oliver, 1987 National Teacher of the Year. Oliver’s speech included: demonstrated the strength of a higher education; promoted kindness to family for their support; asked graduates where they will go in the future; and advocated volunteer of service. The Conferring of Degrees was presented by Warren L. Board, Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs and Conferred by J. Fred Young, President.