Dr. Andrew Hairston receives honorary doctorate from ACU at August Commencement

Abilene Christian University awarded 52 undergraduate degrees and 61 graduate degrees during Commencement August 7. The ceremony began at 7:30 p.m. in Moody Coliseum on the ACU campus.

Dr. Andrew Hairston, minister of Simpson Street Church of Christ in Atlanta, Ga., gave a charge to the graduating class. He also was presented with an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters. Awards and honors were presented by C.E. "Doc" Cornutt, chairman of the ACU Board of Trustees, and Dr. Jeanine Varner, ACU provost.

Hairston, a native of Winston-Salem, N.C., has often been called to lead in improving race relations in Churches of Christ. First in 1968 at a conference on race relations hosted by the Simpson Street congregation, throughout the following years, and then in 1999 as a leader at the "One-in-Christ Conference", held at Abilene Christian University.

Hairston received bachelor degrees from Southwestern Christian and Paul Quinn Colleges in Texas before completing his Bachelor of Divinity and Master of Theology at Brite Seminary at Texas Christian University. He holds the J.D. and Master of Law degrees from John Marshall University, the Doctor of Ministry degree from Emory University, and a Masters of Judicial Studies Degree from the University of Nevada at Reno.

His world travels have been extensive, including a trip to Liberia where he co-founded the Wells-Hairston Elementary/High School System. He has served as assistant solicitor general of the State Court of Fulton County and chief solicitor of the Municipal Court of Atlanta, and he is a retired US Army Reserve Chaplain (Col), retired judge of the City Court of Atlanta and has served as chairman of the Board of Directors of Southwestern Christian College.

A reception for graduates and their families was held in the Hunter Welcome Center immediately following Commencement.

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