(FRANKLIN SPRINGS, Ga.)—Emmanuel College welcomes Rev. John Hedgepeth as the commencement speaker at the 2011 graduation ceremony at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 7, in the John W. Swails Center.

"John Hedgepeth is a genuine leader and an inspiring visionary," says EC President Michael Stewart. "As an alumnus of Emmanuel, we are proud of his accomplishments and for the mark he has made during his lifetime. He is a true friend of Emmanuel College and a wonderful example of a leader worth following."

Pastor Hedgepeth has served as pastor of Northwood Temple Church in Fayetteville, N.C., for 42 years of his 48 years in full-time ministry. During that time, Northwood Temple has grown from 100 members to more than 4,000 and has hundreds of local and international ministries, including schools, churches, and medical and optical teams in foreign countries.

A 1961 graduate from Emmanuel, Pastor Hedgepeth holds a B.S. in English and History from East Carolina University as well as an Honorary Doctorate of Divinity from Campbell University.  He and his lovely wife Fay have three children and six grandchildren.

Founded in 1919, Emmanuel College is a four-year, Christ-centered liberal arts institution accredited by SACS. This growing college strives to prepare students to become Christlike disciples who integrate faith, learning and living for effective careers, scholarship and service.