Five Moore residents were among 254 graduates recognized at Oklahoma Baptist University's 2009 Spring Commencement on Saturday, May 23, in the university's Raley Chapel.

Richmond Lendl DeCray received a bachelor's degree in music: voice. Daniel Oliver Evans received a bachelor's degree in church music: voice. Jennifer May Jupin received a bachelor's degree in exercise and sports science: personal training/strength conditioning. Destiny A. Marrs received a bachelor's degree in nursing. Jeremy Dean Stephenson received a bachelor's degree in telecommunication.

Dr. Bradley D. Jett, OBU's Hurley professor of biology, delivered the Commencement address. He compared the life of an OBU student to Christian discipleship, pointing out a collection of similarities ranging from comical to life-altering. Jett also told the graduates they need to continue asking questions.

"Remember, OBU graduates, it doesn't matter what you were; it matters what you've become," he said.

In his charge to the graduates, OBU President David W. Whitlock encouraged them to celebrate the day and consider what they have learned.

The program also included recognition from the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma, which founded the university in 1910. Dr. Randall Adams, church outreach team leader for the BGCO, congratulated the graduates on behalf of the 1,758 churches in the statewide convention.

Located in Shawnee, OBU offers 10 bachelor's degrees with 83 fields of study.

For additional informatiion about OBU visit: wwwokbu..edu or call 1-800-654-3285.