Record number of students receive degrees at Clemson University

CLEMSON, SC – May 15, 2011 – Clemson University’s largest graduating class ever received degreesin Spring Commencement ceremonies at Littlejohn Coliseum on Friday.

The tally of degrees being awarded was 2,713 as 2,188 studentscompleted requirements for bachelor’s degrees, 457 received master’sdegrees and 68 earned doctorates. About 2,460 of them took part in themorning and afternoon ceremonies Friday.

U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., gave two thumbs up as he received an honorary doctorate in the morning ceremony.

“I have been honored by several universities in our state, but thisis home,” said Graham, who grew up in nearby Central. “My daddy broughtme here to watch freshman football games on Thursdays … I came to thefirst basketball game in this facility.”

Graham told the graduates they are the beneficiaries of ClemsonUniversity’s drive to become a Top 20 national public university.

“A degree from Clemson University is something to be proud of andcarries a lot of weight in the marketplace,” he said. “But how you useit is up to you.”

Graham, who lost both of his parents while he was a college student,urged the graduates to “never lose sight” of the importance of family,“because if you don’t appreciate the ones who care the most about you,none of these degrees matter.”

Leslie Michelle Hash of Raleigh, N.C., winner of the Clemson Cup Speech Competition, addressed the afternoon graduates.

Hash,who graduated with a bachelor’s degree in animal and veterinary  science during the morning ceremony, spoke of Clemson’s history andtradition of service.

While you may leave this beloved place,remember we are still one Clemson family, she said. The specialconnection that we share is an impenetrable bond. It’s a connection thatfuels our commitment to service, overwhelming spirit and sense ofcommunity.

Hash will pursue a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree at North Carolina State University.

President Barker congratulated graduates at the end of each ceremony.

Remember,especially in the current economic environment, life is not waiting forthe storm to pass, he said. Life is learning to dance in the rain.