The Greatest Generation Grads Inspired to Lead and Innovate
By Russell Martin
A Class for the Record Books Trustees, faculty, staff and families observed as 313 students received degrees during Lander’s spring 2013 commencement. The class had the largest number of graduates in school history. In April, Lander University graduated the largest class in the school’s history. The commencement address was delivered by award-winning South Carolina artist Jim Shore, of York. Shore has created many works of art that can be found in homes across the globe, and he is the top-selling artist-personality on television’s QVC Network. During the ceremony, Shore and John Fulp Jr., owner and president of Vanguard Industries, were awarded honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degrees. As Shore concluded his address to the 313 graduates, he said, “I know the greatest generation. I’m standing right in front of them. “You have the potential to be absolutely great,” Shore added. “You will be our dreamers and you will know when to wake up and make that dream a reality. You will be our innovators. You will be our leaders. And I promise you that I will be an enthusiastic and loyal follower.” Distinguished Guests Middle: Lander President Daniel Ball welcomes the commencement speaker and honorary degree recipients to campus. Pictured, from left, are: Ball; Jim Shore, commencement speaker; Sandy Singletary, Lander assistant professor of art and Shore’s daughter; and John Fulp Jr., honorary degree recipient.
Thayer Award Bottom: Lander officials presented the university’s top academic honor, the Thayer Award, for spring 2013 to Rade Robert Musulin, right, of Hilton Head Island. The award is presented on behalf of the family of Dr. Henry K. Thayer to the graduating senior achieving the highest scholastic average, provided that the student has earned at least 60 credit hours at Lander and that the student’s grade point average is at least 3.75. A Bachelor of Science in Mathematics graduate, Musulin finished his degree with a 4.0. He is working on his Ph.D. in mathematics at the University of South Carolina. Musulin is pictured with university President Daniel Ball.
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Lander Magazine • Fall 2013