Lander University Commencement Program, December 2016

Lan de r U n i ve r s i t y

154th Commencement

Fa l l 2 0 1 6

Guest seating for graduation will be on a first-come basis with no reserving or saving of seats for relatives and friends.

Seats will be reserved for special guests or to accommodate guests with physical disabilities.

In the case of overflow, closed-circuit television of the event is showing in the Cultural Center Auditorium.

Lander University

154th Commencement Wednesday, The Fourteenth Day Of December Two Thousand And Sixteen At Eleven O’clock In The Morning

Finis Horne Arena | Lander University Greenwood, South Carolina

LANDER UNIVERSITY order of exercises President Richard E. Cosentino presiding

Prelude........................................................ Lander University Student Brass Quintet and Faculty Brass Quintet Holiday and Traditional Selections

Processional One* ������������������������Entrance of the Platform Party, Faculty and University Administration Sonata from Die Bänkelsänglerlieder, Anonymous

Processional Two*.......................................................................................................................... Entrance of the Graduates Pomp and Circumstance, Edward Elgar, arr. Roger Harvey

The Star-Spangled Banner*..............................................................................................Mr. Joseph (Joey) McClain ‘16 Francis Scott Key Student Soloist, Graduating Senior, Music Education

Invocation*.....................................................................................................................................................................Mr. Austin Bell President, Baptist Collegiate Ministry

Introduction of the Commencement Speaker................................................................Dr. Richard E. Cosentino

The Commencement Address..........................................................................................................Ms. Amberley Snyder Rodeo World Champion and Motivational Speaker

Special Awards.............................................................................................................................................................. Dr. Cosentino

Presentation of Candidates for Degrees..............................................................................................Dr. S. David Mash Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

Conferral of Degrees ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������Dr. Cosentino

Presentation of Diplomas Lander University Board of Trustees..........................................................................Mr. Jack W. Lawrence, Chair Honors College......................................................................................................................Dr. Lillian E. Craton, Director

College of Arts & Humanities.................................................................................................Dr. C. Reneé Love, Dean

College of Business......................................................................................................... Dr. Robert T. Barrett, Dean

College of Education...........................................................................................................Dr. Judith A. Neufeld, Dean

William Preston Turner School of Nursing.............................................. Dr. Holisa Wharton, Interim Dean

College of Science & Mathematics............................................................................Dr. David A. Slimmer, Dean

Registrar............................................................................................................................................................. Mrs. Kelly Proctor

Welcome to the Alumni Association....................................................................................Debrah Hodges Miller ‘76 Vice President, Alumni Association

Alma Mater*................................................................................................................................. Mr. Joseph (Joey) McClain ‘16 Janet M. Bailey

Benediction*................................................................................................................................................................... Mr. Austin Bell

Recessional One*..................................Lander University Student Brass Quintet and Faculty Brass Quintet Rigaudon, Andre Campra

Recessional Two*..................................Lander University Student Brass Quintet and Faculty Brass Quintet Trio march, Edward Elgar

Marshals............................................................................................Dr. André Michelle Lubecke, Chief Faculty Marshal Lander University Presidential Ambassadors

Audience will please remain seated until after the recessional is completed and then exit from the rear doors of the arena. * The audience is asked to stand.

The Commencement Speaker Amberley Snyder Rodeo World Champion and Motivational Speaker From a very young age, Amberley Snyder felt a strong sense of communication with horses, and she connects with them on a very personal level. Riding since the age of 3 and competing since she was 7, Snyder’s passion catapulted her into the national rodeo circuit.

Capturing the World All-Around title at the 2009 National Little Britches Finals in Pueblo, Colorado, the 18-year-old equestrian finished Top Six for pole bending, goat tying and breakaway roping.

The annual competition draws hundreds of athletes from across the country vying for 30 world champion titles.

In January 2010, while traveling to a rodeo competition, the young horsewoman’s life took a tragic turn after she lost control of the truck she was driving and flipped off the road. Snyder was ejected and slammed into a fence post during the crash. The automobile accident left her paralyzed from the waist down.

Facing the doctor’s prognosis that she would never regain the use of her legs, Snyder’s competitive spirit moved her to overcome the dire prediction of being confined to a wheelchair for life. Using Velcro and a seatbelt, a determined Snyder figured out how to hoist herself from the wheelchair and onto her horse. Remarkably, just 18 months after the accident, Snyder was back in the saddle.

Now 25 years old, Amberley Snyder uses her struggles as unique opportunities to inspire others.

Harnessing a fan base of 200,000 on Facebook, she shares her story of overcoming daily obstacles in a video series called “Wheelchair Wednesday.” Snyder continues to compete in rodeos across the western United States and motivates thousands with her story of turning tragedy into triumph.

Candidates for Degrees Honors College

Candidates to be presented by Dr. Lillian E. Craton, Director † Olivia Summer Gay B.S., Visual Arts

Pawleys Island, SC

† Michelle Andrea Naranjo Tabares B.S., Mass Communication and Theatre

Greenville, SC

† Kaitlyn Marie Harrison B.S., Elementary Education Normal, IL

College of arts and humanities Candidates to be presented by Dr. C. Reneé Love, Dean

B.A., English

Caitlin Dawn Ouzts Ninety Six, SC † Taylor Saraelizabeth Simmons

Greenwood, SC Ellison Alexander Coburn Smith Beaufort, SC

Daniel R. Yeargin Jonesville, SC

Markeita LaShay Cornelius Columbia, SC

B.S., history * Gunnar James Page Anderson, SC

B.S., mass communication and theatre

Sara Anne Ballante Boca Raton, FL † Abbygale Lee Best Abbeville, SC

Bailie Elizabeth Campbell Johnston, SC

Mariah Sade Culbreath Columbia, SC

Kristyn Elaine Harris

Simpsonville, SC

Holly Anne Horton Landrum, SC

Sarah Mae Johnson Rock Hill, SC

Donn A. McDaniel-Woods Beaufort, SC † Michelle Andrea Naranjo Tabares

Greenville, SC

B.A., spanish

† Lindsey Christine Hoffmann

Spartanburg, SC

Brindley K. Harwell Clinton, SC

† Taylor Nichole Piorkowski Lexington, SC Lauren Elizabeth Schuster

Fort Mill, SC † Bobby J. Suit Honea Path, SC

B.S., music

Christopher Corbin Herron Abbeville, SC † Joseph Emil McClain Lugoff, SC

B.S., Visual arts † Olivia Summer Gay

Pawleys Island, SC † Kristen Anne Leech Leesville, SC

Cameron Grant Lusk Easley, SC

Jarvis Sentrell Miller Rembert, SC

† Potential Recipients of Academic Honors

* Golden EYE Award

Sebastian Noé Mojarro Greenwood, SC

Rashaad James Pippins Beaufort, SC

† Dara Alexandra Neal

Greenwood, SC

college of business

Candidates to be presented by Dr. Robert T. Barrett, Dean

B.S., business administration Elliott Cole Allen Anderson, SC

Bailey Marie Anderson

Simpsonville, SC †* Tarryn Janett Angermeier

Spartanburg, SC

Brooke Elizabeth Arledge Bishopville, SC

Jordan M. Ashe Ladson, SC

Blake Alexander Beauford Abbeville, SC Kamryn Blake Boyce

Greenwood, SC * Cody Ryan Brooks

Conway, AR

DeAhjane’ Verlisia Brown Branchville, SC

James Todd Brown Kingstree, SC

Victoria Ivey Chastain Laurens, SC

Shannon Michelle Cleary Lexington, SC * Brittany Sharna’ Coleman Abbeville, SC Haden Phillips Copeland Laurens, SC Kristen A. Corner Anderson, SC †* Kay Wright Davis

Clinton, SC

Tyriq Kaseim Miguel Davis Wagener, SC

* Kathryn Rachel Dean

Chester, SC

William Dean Duncan Greenwood, SC

† Morgan Audrey Eargle Leesville, SC

Adrian Paige Entrekin Laurens, SC

Shakeema Jeanette Fullington Columbia, SC

Anthony Gonzalez Riverview, FL

Steven Gonzalez Tampa, FL Kayla Monique Greene

Irmo, SC

Donisha ReKay Grier Chester, SC

Quorie Marquae Harris Greenville, SC

Emily R. Hart Belton, SC * Sara Elizabeth Hix

Greenville, SC Kioki R. Hutchings Macon, GA

Richard Allen Lewis Taylors, SC

Theoharis L. Lignos Greenwood, SC

Yanchi Liu Dalian, China

Jordan Ben Mallard Anderson, SC

Puria Masoumi Far Stuttgart, Germany

Winfred Bernard McMoore Greenville, SC

Anna Elizabeth Miller Lexington, SC

Tabitha Jean Miller Woodruff, SC

Bradley Alan Moore Taylors, SC † Jennifer Caroline Mull

Greenwood, SC

Marcus Devante Paul Honea Path, SC

John Stanley Penman

Greenwood, SC

Murray Calhoun Tinsley Hodges, SC

Jazzlin Tramisha Pettaway Mobile, AL

† David Madison Westberry

Greenwood, SC

Brittany Marchelle Porter Latta, SC

Jermiah M. Williams Greenwood, SC

Wanay D. Williams Florence, SC

Thomas Chandler Ramage Clinton, SC

Victor Trejo Jonesville, SC

Zakiyyah Yaasmin Sloan Anderson, SC

B.S., Interdisciplinary Studies

Christian St-Laurent Montreal, Canada

† Briana Alise Payne

Greenville, SC

Savannah Lane Stockman Greenwood, SC

Jillian Celeste Glover Goose Creek, SC

* Tatum Rebecca Thomas

Greenwood, SC

Shondra Latrice Pratt Lancaster, SC

Jasmine Chantel Thompson Ridgeway, SC

Alexus Tiyana Smith Clinton, SC

college of education

Candidates to be presented by Dr. Judith A. Neufeld, Dean

M.Ed., Teaching and Learning

C. Denicsha’ Bennamon Goose Creek, SC

Christiana Evans Ninety Six, SC

Jessica Tenney Hrivnak Williamston, SC

Shari Stanley Swofford Ridgeland, SC

M.S., Emergency Management Leon Lott

Chapin, SC Kevin Matthew Pharis

Irmo, SC

Anthony Lucas Roach Greenville, SC

Wayne Paul Sallade’ Rotonda West, FL

B.S., Early childhood education † LeeAnn Michelle Berry Neeses, SC

Ja’Kima Davona Carter Williston, SC

Alexandria Lee Chapman Honea Path, SC Emily Duncan Batesburg, SC † Lindsey Denise Holland

Starr, SC

Abby Leigh Land Greenwood, SC

† Tia Alissa McFadden

Florence, SC

B.S., elementary education

Allison Rae Allen Greenwood, SC

* Jimmy Vincent Belton

Camden, SC † Kaitlyn Marie Harrison Normal, IL

Meghan Elizabeth Lee Greenville, SC

Melissa Williams Moore Greenwood, SC

Krystal-Monae’ Antoinette Scatliffe Tortola, British Virgin Islands † Hannah Morgan Smith

Greenwood, SC

B.S., Exercise Science † Kyle Steven Boraski

Fuquay-Varina, NC † Sarah Elaine Bradley Arlington, TN

Christy Foster Breazeale Mauldin, SC

Jade Brianna Chance Columbia, SC

Nicholas J. Coffield Easley, SC

Ashle’ Nicole Cooper Kingstree, SC

Jasmine Jashae’ Govan Hartsville, SC

Pashia Charmian Graham Blythewood, SC

Cody Austin Johnson Edgefield, SC † Kendall Morgan Korte Morris, IL

Ashley D’Anna Perry Columbia, SC

Ryan Anderson Sacoco Greenwood, SC

† Chanel C. Sanders

Greenwood, SC

Jassmond Amani Berry Sanders Orangeburg, SC Kenya S. Sanders Moncks Corner, SC

Tajah Kristina Smith Blythewood, SC

Joi Erika Jordan Thomas Darlington, SC

Drucilla Kiera Tobias Chester, SC

Sarah Leigh Walker Fort Mill, SC

Kandice Jarmika Washington North Augusta, SC

McKenzie Grace Watts West Columbia, SC

B.S., Interdisciplinary Studies Nyasia C. Gethers

Goose Creek, SC

Sherniqwa Juqetta Gilliland Mauldin, SC

Chelsea Lorraine Greiner Lexington, SC Katelynn Noelle Tomlinson

Inman, SC

B.S., Physical Education

Jordan Wiles Hall Due West, SC Katelyn Denise Miller Due West, SC

Brandon X. Norman Greenwood, SC

B.S., Political Science

Jasime Nicole Colbert Spartanburg, SC

Markeita LaShay Cornelius Columbia, SC

Leah Elizabeth Sheppard Orangeburg, SC

B.S., Psychology

Sarah Pace Biggers Clover, SC

† Clay S. Bryant

Campobello, SC

Michaela Jayne Coats Greenwood, SC

Breairra Denay Crum Tampa, FL

Sierra Paige Davis Williamston, SC

Kayla Marie Godfrey

Pelzer, SC Kiara LaShay Greene

Conway, SC

Mikalyn Nichole Hudson Ware Shoals, SC

Alyssa Lynne Maddux Bluffton, SC

Shala Janae McFadden Moncks Corner, SC Kerri Lauren Nickles Hodges, SC

Casey Michelle Realmuto Piedmont, SC

Ashley Victoria Redden Lake City, SC LaTaisha Kentara Keandra Shaw

Salters, SC

Catelyn Anne Shinn McCormick, SC

Mary Catherine Thompson Honea Path, SC

Matthew Tyler Madden McCormick, SC

Deidra Shary Williams Columbia, SC

Jessie Lee Leftridge Florence, SC

Tiffany Lynair Pyos Georgetown, SC

B.S., Sociology

† Catherine Rose Sayre

Pauline, SC

William Neal Todd Laurens, SC

Brittany Nicole Anderson Greenwood, SC

Bradley Alexandria Black Honea Path, SC

Nnaemeka Okechukwu Uzor

Simpsonville, SC

* Cody Ryan Brooks

Conway, AR

Roderick Terrell Williams Greenville, SC

Breanna Elizabeth Brown Seneca, SC

Sharnecee Lateveairea Wilson Clinton, SC

Amanda Paige Butler Sumter, SC

B.S., Special Education

Hayden Ashley Cross Taylors, SC

Janelle Dianne Copeland Greenwood, SC

Kathleen Dillard Crowder

Greenwood, SC

Emily Kathryn Jackson Edgefield, SC

Hope Chareece Currence Rock Hill, SC

Sally Howe Latham Bradley, SC

Ashliegh Renee Duberry Ladson, SC

†*Jacob Benjamin Lethco Hodges, SC

Cierra Ashlynn Monae Ford Moncks Corner, SC

Michele Hall Martin Honea Path, SC

† Michele Lynn Graddy Belton, SC

Lavaris Tyvonte Hargrove Dillon, SC

Brittany Helen Reisig Mauldin, SC

Latasha Renee Jones

Spartanburg, SC

Amy Elizabeth Thrower Abbeville, SC

Jenny Lynn Perkey Greenwood, SC

William Preston Turner school of nursing

Candidates to be presented by Dr. Holisa Wharton, Interim Dean

B.S., Nursing * Jacqueline Nicole Baker

Wagener, SC

Meagan Lynn Blizzard Eastover, SC * Alice Nicole Coats

Ware Shoals, SC

* Stacy Simpkins Condrey

Great Falls, MT

Carolyn Johnston Cumbee Batesburg, SC * Kalin Jackson Ellis

Gaffney, SC * Hanna Brooke Fowler

Greer, SC

* Tiffany Tierra Genwright Mullins, SC

* Kadelia Kiara Pete Blair, SC

* Tyler Martin Goldman

Greenwood, SC

* Kaitlyn Elisabeth Roberts Rock Hill, SC

* Chelsea G. Hall

Canton, OH

* Bria Florence Sims

Gadsden, SC

* Kathryn Colby Hellyer

Spartanburg, SC

* Ashley Brooke Taylor Boiling Springs, SC

* Michelle Kathryn Toro Miami, FL

Muhammad L. Hydara Columbia, SC

†*Bonnie Kara Lowery Due West, SC

* Rebecca Itaska Truluck

Sardis, SC

†*Lisa Suzanne Martin

Pageland, SC

* Leilani Sioux Wallen

Greenwood, SC

* Olivia Marylouise McCombs Anderson, SC

* Channing Samantha Warren

Greenwood, SC

college of science and mathematics Candidates to be presented by Dr. David A. Slimmer, Dean

B.S., Biology

B.S., Environmental Science

Hannah Nicole Coker

Greenville, SC

Raven Anjelica Moraney Mauldin, SC

† Abby Lyn Shealy

Joanna, SC

B.S., Mathematics

Disney Anaiis Perkins Society Hill, SC

Daniel James Frederick Florence, SC

B.S., Chemistry

Scott MacDonald Elder Houston, TX

Kristin Leslie Hess Tega Cay, SC

Brittney La’sha Roberts Walterboro, SC

† Myeongseok Simon Sim

Seoul, South Korea

B.S., Computer Information Systems

Dustan Allen Gregory Union, SC

Jon Paul Faulkner Plum Branch, SC

Terrell A. Guinn Elberton, GA

Alec Layne Pettigrew Columbia, SC

Jordan Sumner Pawleys Island, SC

The list of names was required by the printer several days prior to commencement to allow production of this program. The status of some candidates may have changed since that time. Some will not have completed all requirements for their degrees and some will have achieved or lost honors status. The listing of a name in this program in no way implies an obligation on the part of Lander University to award a given degree or a given honors status. Additionally, the university is in no way obligated to provide honor regalia to candidates who achieve honor status following the commencement ceremony. For official purposes a final, correct list of graduates will be retained by the Registrar’s Office, Lander University.

Academic degree Abbreviations

Sigma Tau Delta, International English Honor Society: gold medallions denote membership.

B.A. .....................................Bachelor of Arts B.S. ......................................Bachelor of Science M.Ed. .................................Master of Education M.S. ....................................Master of Science

Sigma Theta Tau, International Nursing Honor Society: orchid and white cords denote membership.

Undergraduate Academic Honors

University Medalist: a medal struck with the Lander University seal given to candidates who have achieved a 4.0 Lander GPA; to be awarded during the commencement ceremony and worn as part of the academic regalia.

Alpha Chi, National Honor Society: blue and green cord denotes membership.

Alpha Kappa Delta, International Sociology Honor Society: teal cords denote membership.

Athletes: graduating senior student-athletes wear an antique silver medal struck with the Bearcat swoosh insignia adorning a gold ribbon.

Beta Beta Beta, National Biological Honor Society: red and green cords denote membership.

Beta Gamma Sigma, International Honor Society: royal blue and gold cord denotes membership. blue key, National Honor Society: a white stole denotes membership. blue key, Executive Board Leadership team: blue and gold cords indicate service.

Kappa Delta Pi, International Education Honor Society: purple and green twined cords with purple tassels denote membership.

Honors College curriculum: a bronze medallion worn around the neck denotes completion.

Phi Alpha Theta, International History Honor Society: madonna red and blue cords denote membership.

Psi Chi, National Psychology Honor Society: gold double cords with blue and gold tassels denote membership.

Pi Sigma Alpha, National Political Science Honor Society: red and white medallions denote membership.

Presidential ambassadors: blue and white cord denotes membership.

Sigma Delta Pi, National Hispanic Honor Society: red and golden yellow cords denote membership.

Veterans: blue stole bearing U.S. Veteran and Lander University seals denotes service in the Armed Forces.

EYE Award: awarded to students *whoGolden have met EYE requirements. Designated by a gold pin worn as part of the academic dress.

† Designates graduates who are potential recipients of the following academic honors Summa Cum Laude - A cumulative GPA of 3.90 - 4.00 with no more than one failing grade or one repeated course; designated by a silver and gold honor cord worn as part of the academic regalia.

Magna Cum Laude - A cumulative GPA of 3.75 - 3.89 with no more than one failing grade or one repeated course; designated by a gold honor cord worn as part of the academic regalia.

Cum Laude - A cumulative GPA of 3.50 - 3.74 with no more than one failing grade or one repeated course; designated by a silver honor cord worn as part of the academic regalia.

Golden “L” Award - Awarded to students who have earned a cumulative GPA of a least 3.50 in the last 60 hours of instruction through Lander University. Should hours be drawn from part of a semester’s work, the GPA hours from the course(s) with the highest grades from that semester, regardless of the hours earned in the course(s), will be used for the calculation.

The Thayer Award - Given to the student graduating with the highest GPA who has earned at least 60 credit hours in residence at Lander University and whose GPA is at least 3.75. After final grades are tabulated by the University’s Registrar’s Office, the December 2016 recipient will be notified by the President.

Academic Dress The use of formal academic dress has its origins as early as 1321 and was used at English universities such as Oxford and Cambridge. A group of representatives met at Columbia University to formulate a code of academic dress for American universities in 1895. The pageantry of an academic procession has developed along with the various customs associated with academic dress. In an academic procession, most participants wear regalia consisting of a cap, gown and hood, each symbolizing some aspect of the wearer’s academic background.

Traditionally, the cap has been a mortarboard with a black or gold tassel. More recently, the medieval tam has come back into fashion for holders of doctorates.

Agriculture............................................................................Maize Arts, Letters, Humanities..............................................White Commerce, Accountancy, Business.........................Drab City and Regional Planning............................ Blue Violet Criminal Justice................................................Midnight Blue Dentistry.....................................................................................Lilac Economics.........................................................................Copper Education..................................................................... Light Blue Engineering.......................................................................Orange Fine Arts................................................................................Brown Forestry..................................................................................Russet Journalism........................................................................Crimson Law...........................................................................................Purple Library Science................................................................Lemon Medicine............................................................................... Green

The gown worn by the holder of a bachelor’s degree has pointed sleeves and is designed to be worn closed. The gown worn by the holder of a master’s degree has an oblong sleeve with open wrist and base hanging down. The rear part of the sleeve is square-cut, and the front part has an arc cut away. The gown is designed so that it may be worn open or closed. The gown worn by the holder of a doctorate has bell-shaped sleeves and is designed to be worn open or closed. The gown is faced down the front with velvet and has three bars of velvet across the sleeves. Although gowns have traditionally been black in color, some universities have developed their own distinctive colored gowns, as seen in the procession today.

Music.............................................................................................Pink

The hood represents the institution from which the wearer holds an advanced degree and also indicates the subject of the degree. The length of the hood for the bachelor’s degree is three feet; for the master’s degree, three and one-half feet; and for the doctor’s degree, four feet. The hoods are lined with the official colors of the university conferring the degree. The trimming is made of velvet and the color is that which represents the discipline in which the degree was earned. The most common colors seen are as follows:

Veterinary Science.............................................................. Gray

Nursing................................................................................ Apricot Optometry..............................................................Aquamarine Oratory......................................................................... Silver Gray Pharmacy..................................................................Olive Green Philosophy....................................................................Dark Blue Physical Education.............................................. Sage Green Public Administration................................... Peacock Blue Public Health........................................................Salmon Pink Science................................................................Golden Yellow Social Work...........................................................................Citron Theology.............................................................................. Scarlet American Council on Education, American Universities and Colleges, 11th Edition

Traditions and Symbols The University Mace A tradition dating back to medieval times, the ceremonial mace is a symbol of authority, scholarship and academic integrity. Used only on formal occasions, such as commencements, convocations and inaugurations, the mace is carried by the Chief University Marshal, the most senior full-time member of the Lander faculty, and leads the academic procession, signifying the importance of the event.

Lander University’s mace was commissioned in 2015 by the Board of Trustees and is a gift from the Lander faculty. It was designed and crafted by Douglas McAbee, an award-winning sculptor and assistant professor of art at the university. Made of polished steel, a durable material with an undeniable beauty, the mace is modeled after the iconic bell tower of Laura Lander Hall, also known as Old Main. An homage to the university’s most recognizable architectural structure, the mace’s tower symbolizes Lander’s place in history. It rests upon a hemisphere representing the Earth, a nod to the worldwide impact of Lander’s students. A root, symbolizing the university’s ongoing growth into the future, completes the lower portion of the mace.

When not in use, the mace is displayed in a specially designed cabinet, created by Terry Powell, a master craftsman and carpenter with the university’s Physical Plant.

The University Seal One of the most important symbols of office, the seal is the mark of an institution’s governing body and is used to authenticate official university documents and records. In 1924, Lander President B. Rhett Turnipseed issued a call for ideas for an institutional seal. Dean Wilson Weber’s drawing – featuring an open book with the Cross of Christ on one page and the torch of learning on the opposite – was adopted as the official seal. The seal also incorporates the Latin phrase “Puritas et Scientia,” meaning Purity and Knowledge, as well as “1872,” the year the institution was founded.

The Presidential Medallion The ceremonial chain of office is a heavy chain or metal necklace worn by the president or highest official of an educational institution as part of his or her regalia. A centuries-old tradition, chains of office are most often made of sterling silver, bronze or gold-plate, and are typically anchored by a large medallion engraved with symbols or text honoring the institution’s history. Worn on formal and ceremonial occasions, the presidential medallion is an important expression of the authority and responsibility of the office. The Lander University medallion is approximately 3.5 inches in diameter and hangs from a 28-inch chain. The medallion bears an engraving of the official university seal and features decorative edging.

History of the University With a history spanning more than 140 years, Lander University has a long-standing tradition of providing a challenging, enriching education that prepares graduates to lead lives of meaningful activity, of personal satisfaction and of service to others.

Lander University was founded in 1872 by Methodist clergyman Samuel Lander as Williamston Female College, in Williamston, S.C. In 1904, the college was relocated to Greenwood, S.C., and renamed Lander College in honor of its founder. Men were admitted in 1943, and the institution is now completely coeducational.

On July 1, 1973, Lander College came under the control of the Board of Trustees of the State Colleges of South Carolina, making Lander a state-assisted college. Effective July 1, 1988, governance of Lander was vested in the Lander College Board of Trustees, and on July 1, 1992, by action of the Board of Trustees, the institution became Lander University.

Today, Lander has a student enrollment of approximately 3,000. The institution offers more than 60 areas of study in the liberal arts and sciences, with professional programs in STEM, education, business and nursing. Graduate programs include the Master of Education in Teaching and Learning, the Master of Education in Montessori Education, the Master of Science in NursingClinical Nurse Leader, and the Master of Science in Emergency Management.

Lander is a member of the Peach Belt Athletic Conference, with 10 intercollegiate athletic teams.

The university’s mascot is the Bearcat.

Lander University Presidents Samuel Lander (1872-1904) John O. Willson (1904-1923) B. Rhett Turnipseed (1923-1927) R. H. Bennett (1927-1932) John W. Speake (1932-1941) John Marvin Rast (1941-1948) Boyce M. Grier (1948-1966) E. Don Herd Jr. (1966-1973) Larry A. Jackson (1973-1992) William C. Moran (1992-2000) Daniel W. Ball (2000-2015) Richard E. Cosentino (2015-present)

Lander University Leadership The President Richard E. Cosentino

The President’s Cabinet S. David Mash, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Andy J. Benoit, Vice President for Enrollment and Access Management H. Randall Bouknight, Vice President for Student Affairs Gregory M. Lovins, Vice President for Business and Administration E. Van Taylor Jr. ‘90, Interim Vice President for University Advancement J. Adam Taylor ’87, Vice President for Governmental Relations Les Robinson, Interim Director of Athletics

Academic Administration Lillian E. Craton, Director, Honors College C. Reneé Love, Dean, College of Arts and Humanities Robert T. Barrett, Dean, College of Business and Public Affairs Judith A. Neufeld, Dean, College of Education Holisa Wharton, Interim Dean, William Preston Turner School of Nursing David A. Slimmer, Dean, College of Science and Mathematics

The Board of Trustees Jack W. Lawrence, Chair Linda L. Dolny ’69, Secretary Robert A. Barber Jr. Bobby M. Bowers Holly Bracknell Cary C. Corbitt ’74 Catherine Lee Frederick Maurice Holloway ’78 Raymond D. Hunt ’90 Marcia Thrift Hydrick ’81 Donald H. Lloyd II ’83 Peggy M. Makins ‘81 Claude C. Robinson ’79 Robert F. Sabalis DeWitt B. Stone Jr. Angela G. Strickland ‘02 S. Anne Walker ’72

Alumni Association Board of Directors

Jim Nichols ’95, President Debrah Hodges Miller ’76, Vice President

Zenata Donaldson ’98, Secretary Lamar Scott ’82/84, Treasurer Rodney Jones ’08, VP for Young Alumni

Frank Ridlehoover ’67, President Emeritus Myra Greene ’78, Director, Alumni Affairs Debbie L. Dill ’90, Asst. Dir., Alumni Affairs

Sharon McMahan Adams ‘65

F. Clayton Dorn ’87 Don Durden ’12 Katie Finkbeiner Engram ’09 Tasha Garrick ’96 Michael Goodwin ’01

Sylvia Brooks Grubb ’59 Elaine Austin Horton ‘65

Janet Crosby Horton ‘77 E. Gowan Lancaster ’77

Peggy McClinton Makins ’81 Mashura Mufuka ’79

Jalysa O’Conner ’12 Brandon Pitts ’96

Jackie DeVore Roark ’72

Jennifer Hershberger Roark ’02 Betty Skinner ’57 Kirsten Stewart ’12

Gene Tolbert ’63

C. Wayne White ’83 H. Gene Wood ‘84

Patti Zenker ’92

Lander foundation board of trustees

Wes McAllister, President Don Scott ’75, Vice President Van Taylor, Interim Executive Director

Gregory M. Lovins, Treasurer Richard E. Cosentino, President, Lander University Lorraine M. Angelino ’05

Stephen D. Baggett Jr. Holly Bracknell David Buckshorn

Wayne Carstens A. R. Charnes Ben Davis Emmett I. Davis Jr. Alvin L. Green Sr. Heather Simmons Jones

Douglas Kauffmann Theo Lane Jack W. Lawrence C. Reneé Love S. David Mash James C. Nichols Jr. ’95 M. Paige Ouzts Brent Parris John W. Pillman Lee W. Prather ’77 Kirk Smith ’00 Jack A. Smoke Jerry Stevens ’93 Ferol Stroud Kerry Trapnell Gerald Witt

Bearcat Club Board of Directors Mike Adams Mack Baltzegar Larry Davis Gray Ellenberg ’01 Kat Finkbeiner ’71 Scotty Garner ’74 Steve Lee ’83 Pam Lytch ’81 Ken Makins ’80 Charles McDaniel Pat Mueller Floyd Nicholson Kevin Prater ’84 Cathy Sayer ’81 Alan Treeter Betty Williams ’64

Lander University and the Commencement Committee wish to thank the following organizations for assisting with activities before, during and after the ceremony.

President’s Office Division of Enrollment Management Division of Student Affairs Jessica Cosentino, First Lady, Lander University Lander University Academic Affairs Faculty and Staff Athletic Department Faculty Services/Physical Plant Lander University Event Management Aramark/Old Main Catering Lander University Alumni Office Division of Financial Services, the Bearcat Shop and Procurement Services Lander University Police Department Office of University Relations Lander University Printing Services Lander University Faculty Brass Quintet and Student Brass Quintet Mr. Paul Crutcher, Commencement Announcer

W hat W hose

say can you see , by the dawn ’ s early light ,

t h e s ta r s pa n g l e d b a n n e r

O

so proudly we hail ’ d at the t wilight ’ s last gleaming ,

broad stripes and bright stars through the perilous fight

O’ er

the rampar ts we watch ’ d were so gallantly streaming ?

A nd G ave

the rocke t ’ s red glare , the bombs bursting in air ,

proof through the night that our flag was still there ,

O O’ er

say does that star - spangled banner ye t wave

the land of the free and the home of the brave ?

Al m a m at e r

by francis scot t key

by Jane t M. Bailey

O L ander , We

hear our joyous song ,

chant a hymn of praise .

To

thee our paeans aye belong ,

So

hear t and voice we raise .

E ach As

name of thine with joy we call

A nd We

loyal hear t is filled with pride

know whate ’ er each one be tide

love thee best of all .