Dr. Van Neste鈥檚 Remarks on the occasion of the retirements of Dr. Kelvin Moore and Dr. Hal Poe
Posted Apr 11, 2024
I think this is the first time we鈥檝e had two STM profs retiring in the same year, and certainly to have two with such long tenures retiring at the same time. We celebrate and honor them, while also acknowledging what we are losing. These two men together represent over 60 years of service at Union. One was here when I was a student, both were here when I first returned to teach- and they are the last of those who were here at that time. Both are excellent, sought after classroom teachers -- and this has been recognized with both being honored as faculty member of the year.
Both have been devoted churchmen and pastors, always holding up the importance of our connection to the local church and area pastors. Both are great story tellers! Both are exemplars of the Southern gentleman. Both, I believe, have served here longer than any place they served before. Hal, I believe, started at Union when he was 45. Kelvin started shortly after his 32nd birthday. So, Hal has been here for more than 1/3 of his life and Kelvin for more than 陆. These numbers demonstrate in one manner the depth of the investment both of you have made here. Both of your offices have been favorite places for me to stop and chat. I say thank you. Thank you on behalf of the institution. Thank you on behalf of the many students you have taught, mentored, and blessed. Their retirement is a challenge to those of us who continue here to faithfully rise up and fill these roles as they have.
Hal and Kelvin have each been named professor emeritus. According to our official records we have only six emeritus professors in our area in the history of the university, including Hal and Kelvin: Hyran Barefoot, David Irby, Jim Patterson, and Randall Bush.
I would like to say a few personal words of appreciation for Hal and Kelvin.
Harry Lee Poe
Hal came to Union University in 1996 with a start date of July 1, so he has served here for 28 years, beginning with an administrative role and then moving to the classroom. I appreciate that Hal was always encouraging, with advice of different sorts along the way. One time he said to me, 鈥淵ou can鈥檛 write a book.鈥� He had always been so encouraging that this took me aback. I thought, well, he is right. How did he know? I鈥檓 not up to this. But then he said, 鈥淣o one can. But you can write a sentence. And then you can write a paragraph. Put enough of those together, and then you鈥檒l have a chapter and eventually a book.鈥�
Kelvin Moore
Kelvin came to Union in 1991, with an August 26 start date. I still remember, as a student, seeing him come down the hall where the Religion department offices were at that time- a long, tall stranger wearing a cowboy hat and boots. I also remember him holding the hand of a small boy walking beside him. I learned this was his son, named in honor of a favorite seminary professor. I also got to have him for class that semester, Major Prophets, and I still have my notes from that class.
When I returned to teach one of the key things I remember, and have tried to resemble, is how graciously he received me. He had been my professor, but he received me readily as a colleague. He was never one to refer to me as a 鈥渏unior colleague,鈥� though I was. A common interest in history, Civil War and broad reading connected us, and has continued to be a source of fun conversations for me.
Honored in the Union University Arboretum
Today we honor each of these men by adopting a tree on campus for each of them. The tree will be maintained, and a marker will be placed at the tree stating that it has been adopted in your honor along with a Bible verse. Kelvin, we have chosen for you a Sycamore and Psalm 46:10: 鈥淏e still and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations; I will be exalted in the earth!鈥� Hal, we chose a Willow Oak for you, with 2 Corinthians 4:17: 鈥淔or our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.鈥�