North Greenville University held its largest winter commencement, with 120 undergraduate and 25 graduate diplomas given Dec. 11. Carolyn Hamlin, composer and musician from Easley, delivered the commencement address.
North Greenville president Jimmy Epting with Elaine King, left, and Carolyn Hamlin.“If I had to choose a theme or title for today, it would be: Failure is a choice, not a circumstance,” said Hamlin.
“Let me first celebrate your accomplishment and tell you that there is no substitute for your education and the degree that you are about to receive.”
Hamlin was asked to share with the graduates how one can find some measure of success without the normal advantage of an education and opportunity. Even though her life led her in a different path without a formal education and she was discouraged by many in her quest to pursue a career in music, she persevered to accomplish much.
“From someone who was told she couldn’t do it. I proved them wrong. I’m here to tell you, you can do it,” said Hamlin.
Hamlin recently celebrated 50 years of service as organist and music associate at Easley First Baptist Church. She is also a sales representative for the Allen Organ Division of Case Brothers in Spartanburg.
She has played many concerts locally and for Allen dealers throughout the nation. She has been an organ clinician at Ridgecrest and Glorieta Baptist conference centers, “Worship Expo” in Orlando, and the Mississippi Baptist Convention’s music leadership conference at First Baptist Church, Jackson.
She recently led a university hymnfest at the University of Southern Mississippi.
Hamlin received her associate of arts degree in music from North Greenville. The Carolyn Gillespie Hamlin Recital Hall on the NGU campus is named in her honor by her college roommate, Martha Candler Boling and husband, Dan.
Hamlin has compositions in organ, organ/piano duets and choral anthems published by LifeWay and many other publishers. “Worship Hymns for Organ, Vol. III (Fred Bock Company), her seventh collection, will be released soon.
The Lorenz Corporation has recently published a special 10th anniversary, fully orchestrated edition of her best-selling anthem, “Grace.”
In 2006, Hamlin was commissioned to write an original organ composition to honor the late Tom Hazleton, renowned concert artist. The work was premiered at Hazleton’s memorial concert in San Jose, Calif.
Two of her most recent commissions include a choral work for the 175th anniversary of First Baptist Church, Laurens, and an a cappella anthem for North Greenville University’s concert in the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C.
Before the graduates were awarded their degrees, Hamlin was presented an honorary doctor of music degree and was hooded by NGU board of trustees chairman Don Ward.
“She’s made a tremendous difference for God, and it all got started here. Who’s going to be the next Carolyn Hamlin?” Epting asked the graduates.
Two of Hamlin’s compositions were performed during the commencement exercises.
In addition, Elaine King, who recently retired as NGU vice president for business affairs after 42 years of service, was awarded an honorary doctor of business administration degree.
“I’m the perfect example of how God can use the weakest of weak to do his work,” said King. “It has been an honor and a privilege to have been associated with all the North Greenville students, faculty and staff. I give this honorary doctorate to Jesus Christ, because it is all about him.”