Charles “Buddy” Freeman encouraged 250 North Greenville University graduates May 1 to “bring sanity back into an insane world.” The graduating class marks the single largest class in the school’s 116-year history.
North Greenville University board of trustees chairman Don Ward and NGU president Jimmy Epting hood Charles “Buddy” Freeman as his wife Gayla looks on. Freeman was awarded an honorary doctorate of Christian leadership at North Greenville’s commencement ceremony May 1.Freeman, who recently retired after a 10-year tenure as vice president for admissions and financial planning, was the keynote speaker.
“I consider this opportunity of speaking to you today to be one of the greatest privileges and honors received in my 68 years of living and 33 years of working with college students,” said Freeman.
“Graduates, remember to always keep God’s commandments so he will bless and lead you. You can be an instrument of God in helping bring sanity back into the insane world we find ourselves living in today,” stated Freeman. “When you follow in his steps, only then will you be happy serving your Creator. You will find a life with purpose, fulfillment, meaning and success.”
At the conclusion of his address, Freeman was presented with an honorary doctor of Christian leadership degree, awarded by NGU president Jimmy Epting and board of trustees chairman Don Ward.
“There are countless people this man has touched,” said Epting. “I appreciate your touching my life with encouragement.”
Freeman thanked Epting and the administration and faculty “for the honor you have bestowed upon me today. I shall never forget this day and I will never forget you, my friends.” He concluded by saying, “Let’s give out some diplomas to some very deserving students,” and was greeted with applause.
He was responsible for recruiting some 7,000 students to North Greenville and starting the Christian Ministry Scholarship Fund, which provides tuition assistance to ministerial students. Under his leadership, this endowment grew to more than $2 million and currently offers $50,000 in scholarships to approximately 45 students annually.
Freeman is married to Gayla Lowery, radiation oncologist with Iredell Memorial Hospital in Statesville, N.C. They have a son, Charles Freeman; a daughter, Deborah Freeman Harris; and a grandson.
In addition, Epting recognized two retiring professors: Malinda Willard, who has taught English and courses in the Interdisciplinary Studies program for 16 years; and Gayle Cheesbro, who is retiring after 31 years of service in the school of music.
A special moment took place in the commencement service when Epting also recognized the parents of Brittany Lynne Fogg, a North Greenville student killed in a 2006 Valentine’s Day automobile accident who would have graduated May 1.