Clemson University awards more than 1,100 degrees, honors Sen. McGill

Clemson University awarded 1,121 degrees Thursday. image by: Craig Mahaffey

Clemson awarded 803 bachelor’s degrees, 253 master’s degrees and 65 doctorates.

Reflecting on his father’s generation, S.C. Sen. John Yancey McGill,who received an honorary doctor of humanities degree, challenged theClemson graduates to be the nation’s next “greatest generation.”

Drawing parallels between the difficulties of the Great Depressionwith those of the current economic downturn, McGill predicted that “thatthe economic challenges faced by you and others during this time willserve as a valuable tool, allowing our graduates to more successfullycompete in the global economy.”

McGill said he is convinced that “South Carolina’s best days lieahead,” and that the state is “well-positioned to succeed in the globaleconomy.”

McGill represents Florence, Georgetown, Horry and Williamsburgcounties in the South Carolina Senate. His committee assignments includeAgriculture and Natural Resources; Ethics; Finance; Fish, Game andForestry; Invitations; and Transportation. He also is on the executivecommittee of Senate Finance and chairman of the finance subcommittee onNatural Resources.

McGill was honored for his commitment to higher education in SouthCarolina and for his support of Clemson’s public service and agriculturemission.