HILLSBORO, Kan. – Tabor College welcomes alumnus Roger Camping as its 107th Commencement to address 2017 graduates. Camping earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration and economics from Tabor in 1976.
Camping’s life and career have exemplified Tabor’s mission to prepare people for a life of learning, work and service for Christ and his kingdom. His address titled, “Relationships…Building Something Great,” reflects on his time at Tabor and the relationships he built.
“I want to impress upon these students that even though they are only in their 20’s they should never under estimate the relationships they have and the seeds they’ve planted,” Camping said. “Relationships are invaluable throughout your life. The first and most important relationship is with God.”
Camping will use examples from his own life as well as the biblical figure Nehemiah to show how relationships build excellence.
“Nehemiah was called by God to rebuild the wall,” Camping said. “But, without the relationships he had with the king, the suppliers, the construction crews, etc., he never would have been successful. God has called us to relationships and he uses those to create opportunities for success.”
Tabor College President Jules Glanzer looks forward to having Camping on campus for this special experience for Tabor graduates.
“Over the years it has become a custom to invite successful graduates to speak at out commencement ceremonies,” Glanzer said. “We have had graduates from education, science, bible, ministry, and business speak at commencement. We are honored to have Roger come and speak at our commencement. His wealth of experience serves as an inspiration to our graduates.”
Upon completing his time at Tabor, Camping worked for several automobile dealerships in his hometown of Phoenix before starting his own company, RC Auto Corporation in 1981.Today RC Auto represents more than 16,000 client and leases and sells all makes and models of cars and trucks.
In 1990, Camping helped start a non-profit educational Christian radio station in Prescott, Ariz. He served as founder and chair of the board for Radio Shine 90.9 FM for 25 years.
One of the most important relationships in Camping’s life has been with his wife Paula of 38 years. They are proud parents of three sons and one daughter and grandparents to 12. His son Ryan also graduated from Tabor and now works as a police officer in Canada.
The ceremony will take place Saturday, May 20 at 10 a.m. at Joel H. Weins Stadium. A concert by the Symphonic Band will take place at 9:30 a.m.