Class of 2015 prepared for life after CSU
May 11, 2015
CHARLESTON, SC – Charleston Southern University’s Class of 2015 graduated today at the North Charleston Coliseum, culminating the university’s 50th Anniversary celebration.
Approximately 500 undergraduate and graduate students will receive degrees at the ceremony. Student Government Association president and Class of 2015 graduate Dylan Gunnels addressed his classmates saying, “You will never experience undying passion until you live in experience with Christ himself. Are you walking away with a spirit of passion?”
Guest speaker Kenneth M. Evans, president of Lord & Evans Capital Group and a retired businessman, noted the 50th Anniversary graduating class has symbolic meaning.
“The centerpiece of this historic moment is the mantle of leadership being placed on your shoulders as a college graduate Leadership is inescapable; everyday you are leading someone, be a role model for someone,” said Evans. “Influence comes from same word as influenza; you can spread your influence.”
Evans has served as president and CEO of Armor All Products and group president for Home Care Products at Eastman Kodak Company. He has also served on numerous boards at Charleston Southern including the Board of Trustees, Board of Visitors and the Buc Club Board of Directors. Evans and his wife, Phyllis, are longtime friends of the university and have established three endowed scholarships at CSU.
He closed his message with a challenge and inspiring thought saying, “Today begins a legacy for your future; it’s a gift you both receive and you give. Think about someone you can lift up. You are writing tomorrow’s history today; your experience and education have prepared you for this moment.”
In addition to awarding diplomas to graduates, the university presented several special awards, including:
– Honorary doctorate in business to Kenneth M. Evans
– Emeritus professor of music to Eugene Henry Koester
– Distinguished professor designation to John F. Harper, Jeryl W. Johnson and James E. Roberts
– Excellence in Teaching Award: Celeste L. McMaster
Charleston Southern is a liberal arts university and is one of South Carolina’s largest accredited, independent universities, enrolling 3,400 students. Recognized as one of America’s Best Christian Colleges, CSU is celebrating its 50th Anniversary. The University’s vision is to be a Christian university nationally recognized for integrating faith in learning, leading and serving.
