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 2 of 2 tapes. The commencement continued with The Conferring of Degrees that were presented by Warren L. Board, Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs and conferred by J. Fred Young, President. Board stated, President Young, this is the Class of 1988 (applause and cheers). The Announcement of Honors and Awards was presented by Gerald (Gerry) L. Francis, Dean of Academic Affairs. The Appreciation Message was given by Charles Alvin Kashner, Jr., President of the Senior Class. Kashner statement included: taking advantage of the future opportunities; looking forward to your personal and professional goals; and congratulating his fellow graduates. The Charge to the Graduating Class was given by J. Fred Young. Young asked the members of the graduating class to stand and informed the students they will live a more satisfying life socially, emotionally, and professionally because of their education. Young charged the class to make this educational opportunity possible for other future students. Young briefed the new alumni that Elon College was under construction in 1888 and the money ran out. William S. Long (first Elon College President) put his son on horseback to ride to the farm (14 miles away) of Dr. George Watson who was a trustee of the college. Long’s son said to Dr. Watson, if you do not sign this bank note for Elon College, the construction will stop. Watson took the risk and signed the bank note and because of this action from Watson, Elon College is here in 1988. Young stated, I urge you graduates to live your lives as George Watson, believe in education, do everything in your power for others to have an Elon College education, make Elon a better college, be willing to make investments of time and money, and we welcome you back as alumni, and you will always be a member of the Elon College family. The Alma Mater by Mark Z. Rhodes was led by Ellen B. Williams: So here’s to dear old Elon, Faithful and bold, Here’s to her banners of maroon and gold; Here’s to men and women, Who’ve come and gone, Singing the victor’s song of old Elon. The Closing Prayer was given by Richard W. McBride.