University President Samuel W. “Dub” Oliver spoke at senate on the power of words Wednesday night.
Oliver said words have the power to bless or the power to tear others down; the result depends on how words are used.
Referencing Genesis 49:26, Oliver said the verse was a picture that words can be a powerful blessing. Along with this example, Oliver gave a challenge to students.
“Where I hope and pray that each of you receive blessings like that with the power of words from your parents and from your professors and from your friends, I also want you to think about, maybe, what can you do with your words to build people up and encourage people and enable people; to make them know that they are loved and appreciated?” he said.
Oliver encouraged students to be mindful of their words, asking them to consider times when they have been too quick to speak. The power of words can hurt, he said.
He suggested students be intentional with the things they say, working to build people up, and being cautious not to say things that would discourage or tear them down.
After Oliver spoke, legislation was presented. Two bills in particular received significant attention.
The bill requesting speed humps be added to the Heritage area and near the Carl Grant Center did not pass. Although the bill did not pass, the number of votes both for and against the bill were close enough to require a count.
Another bill received almost unanimous votes in its favor. The bill requested funding of $200 to the Community Exchange Club for a fundraiser.
The fundraiser for Carl Perkins Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse is a new sporting event: goldfish races. Details of registration for the event have not yet been confirmed.
Eddie Echeverria, sophomore political science major, along with Thomas Wilson, sophomore political science and economics major, presented the bill.
Echeverria said the idea for the fundraiser came from Internet searches. The idea of a fish race sounded fun, he said, and it is something that Union has never seen before.
“[I hope] that we get a lot of people out there because it’s going to be a fun event,” he said. “We’ve got a lot of stuff planned.”
Ultimately, Echeverria hopes people come out not only to enjoy the event, but to raise money and awareness for the Carl Perkins Center and the work that they do.