Carlisle Driggers, executive director-treasurer emeritus of the South Carolina Baptist Convention, delivered the commencement address before family and friends of 210 North Greenville University graduates in Turner Chapel May 3. This marks the largest single graduating class in the school’s 115-year history.
Carlisle Driggers, executive director-treasurer emeritus of the South Carolina Baptist Convention, addresses the graduates.Driggers offered the graduates congratulations for making the following decisions: choosing to go to college, and specifically to attend NGU; remaining committed to graduate; preparing themselves for the future; honoring the trust that their parents, friends and teachers have in them; and accepting Jesus and sharing him with others.
He concluded his speech to the graduates by referencing a parable of Jesus: “‘Well done, thy good and faithful servant.’ Now go and do your best, trusting God, benefitting the citizens of this nation and peoples of this world.”
Driggers was presented with a Distinguished Christian Service Award by NGU president Jimmy Epting.
“It is quite fitting that Dr. Driggers finish up his work with the state convention with us today,” said Epting. “His first major decision as the leader of our state convention was to not close North Greenville Junior College and give us another chance to let God work.”
Driggers, who received an honorary doctorate from North Greenville in 1999, became the executive director-treasurer in 1992 and served until his retirement in February.
NGU president Jimmy Epting presents an honorary doctorate to Elton Todd, shown here with his wife Doris. The Todds were honored for their contributions to the university, including scholarships and a gift for the Todd Dining Hall.G. Elton Todd of Greer was presented an honorary doctor of business administration degree.
Todd, a former executive officer with World Acceptance Corporation, formed his own consumer finance company, Southern Management Corporation. At the same time, he also built his real estate portfolio. In 1997, he sold his finance company and continues to be involved in real estate and other investing.
Todd has served on the North Greenville University Council of Advisors and is currently serving on the board of trustees. He and his wife Doris are members of the Christian Ministry Scholarship Fund and began their own scholarship fund in 2001 for students entering a church-related ministry.
“We feel uplifted every time we come on this campus. This spirit will always be treasured in our hearts,” said Todd. “We feel our support is helping spread the gospel all over the world.”
The Todds have three children – Grover Elton Jr., Melisha and Brian – and are members of Edwards Road Baptist Church.
Lee McCormick also received a Distinguished Christian Service Award, in honor of his 11 years of service to the school. He will retire as vice president for student affairs at the end of May.
Lee McCormick and his wife Barbara met at North Greenville as students. He returned 11 years ago to serve the university.