Anderson University held spring commencement May 3, and among the 175 who crossed the stage were 13 graduates who received the first master’s degrees awarded in the school’s history.
The university also presented two honorary doctor of humanities degrees. One was given to Anderson native John Stringer Rainey, commencement speaker. Rainey is a well-known attorney and philanthropist in South Carolina. He is also the chairman of Easlan Capital, a major development and investment firm.
The Stringer Foundation, which consists of Rainey, his two sisters and one brother, has been a major factor in the growth of Anderson University, where the fine arts center and a residence hall complex bear the Stringer and Rainey family names. Most recently, the Stringer Foundation provided a sculpture by renowned sculptor Marc Mellon for the fountain in front of the Thrift Library.
Roy Jeffcoat, a longtime Anderson developer and philanthropist, was also given an honorary doctor of humanities degree. Jeffcoat is a recognized innovator in the area’s construction industry and owns a land development company. His philanthropic activities, especially those aimed at bettering the lives of underprivileged children, are well known throughout the state.
Jeffcoat has been awarded South Carolina’s highest honor, the Order of the Palmetto, by Gov. Mark Sanford. He has also received numerous awards for civic involvement. At Anderson, Jeffcoat serves on the Board of Visitors and the Foundation Council and was instrumental in helping Anderson raise the needed funds for construction of the Thrift Library.
Saturday’s ceremony marked the debut of the first Chain of Office worn by a president in an Anderson University ceremony. The chain, recently minted in Utah by the Medallic Art Company, features gilded medallions and an ornate silver and gold medallion featuring the crest of Anderson University.