Dr. Delton Alford will address Lee University students at the summer commencement ceremony on Saturday, July 28 at 10:30 a.m. in the Conn Center.

Lee president Dr. Paul Conn stated: “Dr. Alford was one of the major players who helped create the modern Lee University. During the 1960’s and 70’s, his vision and leadership made a permanent influence on the shape of this institution.”

Alford currently serves as the director of faculty services and professor of music for the Division of Adult Learning at Lee. In 1963, he founded the student ensemble Lee Singers, serving as its conductor from 1963-1978. Alford also led the Lee music program for many years and served as vice president for academic affairs from 1976-1980.

Alford has received many honors for his work, including four DOVE nominations and recognition for distinguished service in music and the Church of God.

In 2013, he received the Distinguished Alumnus of the Year Award, where Conn said this of Alford, “He set a new standard for music at Lee which has remained the model for us. His legacy will be a permanent one, and many generations of Lee students have been deeply influenced by his commitment to excellence and a high standard of personal performance.”

Alford, an alumnus of Lee, received his Doctor of Philosophy and Master of Music Education from Florida State University.

Lee’s summer commencement is one of three graduation ceremonies held each year at the university.

Prior to the Saturday commencement, a commissioning ceremony will be held Friday, July 27, at 6:30 p.m., also in the Conn Center. The commissioning service is a special occasion for students and their families to reflect on student experiences at the university. During the event, there are student speakers who will share brief stories about their time at Lee. Every graduate will be presented with a personalized Bible in a traditional walk across the Conn Center stage.

A hooding ceremony for recipients of master’s and education specialist degrees will take place Friday, July 27, at 4:30 p.m. in the Lee University Chapel.

The hooding, commissioning, and commencement ceremonies are ticketed events. For those who wish to view the events, live streaming is available.

For more information about commencement exercises, email [email protected], call (423) 614-8117, or visit Commencement.