Lee University awarded 106 degrees during its summer commencement ceremony last weekend at the Conn Center, where graduates, faculty, family, and friends gathered to celebrate their achievements. Dr. Joshua Rice, provost and dean of the School of Ministry at Richmont Graduate University, delivered the keynote address. 

In his message, Rice encouraged graduates to embrace risk – not only as a path to success, but as a way to live with purpose. He recognized the sacrifices students made, leaving familiar routines, comfort zones, and even family to pursue their education. “It is the requirement of risk that places that diploma into your hands,” he said, noting how investing in their minds and spirits allowed faculty, coaches, and chapel speakers to challenge and shape them. 

Rice drew inspiration from the biblical story of Esther, whose cousin Mordecai suggested she may have been placed in her position “for such a time as this.” He urged graduates to begin risk with a simple word: yes. “Say yes to stuff that scares you. Say yes to hard stuff. Say yes in rooms where you feel least capable.” Each yes, he explained, represents both risk and opportunity. He concluded by connecting courageous risk to faith and redemption, highlighting Jesus’ ultimate act of surrender: “Not my will, but yours be done,” a risk that changed history and lives. 

In addition to his role with Richmont, Rice serves on the pastoral staff at New Life Church of God in Canton, Georgia, teaches biblical studies, and supervises master’s theses in Lee University’s online graduate programs. He is a partner with Ministry Renewal, a national consulting firm supporting congregations with major construction projects and is pursuing service as a chaplain in the U.S. Air Force Reserves.  

Rice earned a PhD and Master of Theology from the Lutheran School of Theology, a master’s from Columbia Theological Seminary, and a bachelor’s from Lee University, and is completing a master’s in clinical mental health counseling at Georgia State University. 

The Saturday event also featured reflections from graduates Allan DiSiena and Briannah Sparks, and musical performances by Voices of Lee, directed by Danny Murray. The weekend included a hooding ceremony Friday evening for recipients of master’s, education specialist, and doctoral degrees. 

To view the events, visit leeu.live. For more information about commencement exercises, please contact the Academic Events Office at [email protected], (423) 614-8117, or visit leeuniversity.edu/academics/graduation-info/.