Eastern Nazarene College commissioned Dan Boone as university president-elect Friday during a ceremony at Wollaston Church of the Nazarene. The service, which began at 10am, kicked off the weekend's Homecoming festivities.

"We came to the altar together, and we elevated you to Dr. Dan and Denise Boone," prayed Daniel Copp, commissioner of education for the Church of the Nazarene. "God, we implore you at the Eastern Nazarene College and the Boone as you alone can do, in the call and the covenant expressed in this relationship."

The special service focused on Boone's commission while continuing his work as Eastern president-elect. He may not be formally appointed as the 14th President of the institution until he has completed the accreditation requirements.

During the commission service, Larry Bollinger, vice president of institutional development at Eastern, encouraged Boone about the challenges ahead.

"The changing challenges of university education are not for the faint of heart," Bollinger said. "You know, Dan, you have an army of people ready to support you in this new adventure. The academic community as a whole needs to forge new paths as we are doing today with this agreement with Trevecca Nazarene University. "

As one of the many events planned for Eastern's "Homecoming", the commission service also precedes the autumn meeting of the Board of Regents. Boone, Eastern Managers, and key personnel will be reporting on the state of the institution and detailing specific steps to follow for the future and agreement with Trevecca in Nashville, Tennessee, where Boone also serves as president.

In the days before the commissioning service, Boone said that this would mark a special moment in his career.

"It is an honor and a blessing to have the opportunity to serve Eastern," Boone said. "This is a special place and this service to re-emphasize the importance of what we do in Christian education. For 117 years, Eastern has provided quality Christian education in the Northeast, and it is an honor to be a part of helping this tradition continue for many more years. "

In recent weeks, Eastern reported a significant number of ads. Last month, the institution announced lower tuition prices that are more in line with those of Trevecca. This change allows a semi-annual exchange program between Eastern and Trevecca, announced this week , to be possible.

"Denise and I have fallen in love with you, Eastern Nazarene College students, you guys are really amazing," Boone said during his speech. "You have been so kind and gracious in your welcome. We will really work for you, you are the only reason we are doing this. "

- Eastern Nazarene College