Eli Patton
Mechanical Engineering Major, Jackson, Tenn.
Eli Patton grew up in Jackson, Tennessee, with Union University as a familiar backdrop. Since his mother taught at Union, he had a close-up view of the community and the spiritual commitment it upholds.
When it came time to choose a college, the financial support Union offered made the decision clear. He admits, though, that he chose to stay for other reasons.
鈥淚 stay at Union and love being at Union due to the people surrounding me,鈥� he says.
The Union community is something Patton credits with his growth, not just as a student, but as a person. He has taken on leadership opportunities in Life Groups, the Student Government Association, his fraternity and more. He credits these experiences with giving him the chance to learn, to invest in others and to teach Scripture and how to live a life that glorifies God.
As a hardworking engineering major, Patton admits that he used to strive for all A鈥檚 because it made him look good. But his time at Union has caused a shift in his perspective.
鈥淚 now seek to do everything with excellence not because of who I am, but because of what I was called to do and how it glorifies the Lord,鈥� he says. 鈥淏eing in an academic environment where I know the only one I have to please is the Lord is very encouraging and motivating.鈥�
In addition to his academic pursuits, Patton enjoys rock climbing and cooking. He even spent two years as the head chef of a small Italian restaurant where he perfected a cr猫me br没l茅e recipe.
After graduation, he hopes to start working as an engineer and dreams of working in research or aerospace. Union has helped him determine his passions while also providing him with opportunities to develop his work ethic and hone his professional skills.
Patton says that once his time is up at Union, he knows that he will have gained more than just a degree. He knows his time at Union has helped him build a stronger relationship with the Lord and strong Christian bonds with his closest friends.
鈥淭hat is what we鈥檙e called to do: love the Lord and love others well,鈥� he says. 鈥淎nd I couldn鈥檛 see myself receiving that anywhere else.鈥�