Hundreds of students, parents, family and friends mingled outside the Lightsey Chapel after the school’s Dec. 19 commencement, with each graduate clinging to a diploma and a candle.
Amanda Phillips hugs her mom moments after graduating from CSU Dec. 19 with a bachelor of arts degree in communications.The latter was a gift from guest speaker Mary Propes, CEO of MVP Group International, the parent company for numerous subsidiaries including Olde South Candle Company and Carolina Candle.
Propes employs six Charleston Southern graduates and serves on the university’s board of visitors. She told graduates she is a firm believer that God uses everyday, ordinary people and that his timing is always right.
“I sang a song as a child that went something like this: Jesus first, yourself last, everything else in between,” Propes said.
The commemorative candle included the Bible passage Matthew 5:16: “In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”
Local entrepreneur Billie Attaway, president and CEO of Advanced Data Services, Inc., also addressed the graduates.