Union University honors first class to graduate from north campus

JACKSON, Tenn. — People packed the chapel at Union University for a special Founder’s Day service on Friday. They recognized the class of 1976, the first group of students to graduate from the north Jackson campus.

“Where has the time gone?” Barbara Nelson, an alumna, said.

Nelson graduated with the class of 1976 and said it is good to be back. “Everything has changed,” she said. “It’s so much larger now.”

Union University turned 193 years old this week. The school moved from downtown to north Jackson 40 years ago. “If you had seen the old campus, you’d realize how excited we were to get to come to this one,” Nelson said.

Alumni from the class of 1976 got to catch up at a reception before the service. “Well, you have to kind of look at them after 40 years,” Jonnie Petty, an alumna, said. “People change.”

Union University Vice President of University Ministries Todd Brady said the university has a great future ahead but also a good past. “We stand on the shoulders of many who have made Union what it is today,” Brady said.

Even though the campus changed, Nelson still takes pride in her university. “I’m grateful to get to be here and see everybody and see the facilities that are available now,” Nelson said.

The university also recognized former faculty and staff at Friday’s chapel service.