S.C. Baptist universities hold spring commencements

South Carolina’s three Southern Baptist-affiliated universities awarded nearly 1,200 degrees during spring commencement ceremonies in May.

With picture-perfect weather on May 3, Anderson University awarded diplomas to a record 385 students. The commencement address was given by Jack Shaw of Greenville, chairman and CEO of Shaw Enterprises, a commercial real estate company. “There will be another commencement one day,” Shaw told the students. “At that commencement, my prayer is that you will receive your ‘WD’ degree [and] hear ‘Well done, good and faithful servant’ from the Master.”

North Greenville University held its spring commencement ceremony in Melvin and Dollie Younts Stadium on May 8, the second outdoor graduation in school history. Approximately 300 undergraduate and graduate students received diplomas and were presented a hand towel with the NGU seal and the words “Be a Difference Maker” printed on them. Evangelist Clayton King was the keynote speaker and received an honorary doctor of Christian leadership degree.

More than 500 Charleston Southern University undergraduate and graduate students received their degrees May 8 at the North Charleston Coliseum. Harvey L. Galloway, executive director of the Blue Cross-Blue Shield of South Carolina Foundation, was guest speaker. Galloway encouraged Charleston Southern graduates to think of their lives in terms of writing their own stories. “As you tell that story, you have the ability to inspire others to find their place,” he said.