Lander University Celebrates Over 460 New Graduates

News Summary

Lander University commemorated a significant milestone on December 12, 2024, with over 460 graduates marked by the festivities of its 170th Commencement Ceremony. Held in Finis Horne Arena, the university held two ceremonies to honor graduates from various colleges, celebrating their achievements and futures. The event also featured a powerful speech by the 2024 Distinguished Professor of the Year, focusing on themes of social connection and growth. Graduates are encouraged to embrace future challenges as opportunities, with an invitation to join a vibrant alumni community.

Celebration and Excitement: Lander University Graduates Over 460 New Alumni!

Greenwood, South Carolina – What an amazing day it was on December 12, 2024, as more than 460 proud new alumni gathered for Lander University’s 170th Commencement Ceremony! The energy in Finis Horne Arena was palpable, as family and friends came together to celebrate the hard work and accomplishments of these graduates. With smiles all around, it was a heartwarming occasion for everyone involved.

Double the Ceremony, Double the Fun!

This year, Lander University held two separate ceremonies to make sure every graduate felt special. The first event kicked off at 10 a.m. for graduates from the College of Business and the College of Science and Mathematics. As the sun rose high in the sky, those graduates stepped up to receive their hard-earned degrees, ready to take on new challenges.

The afternoon event, which started at 2 p.m., honored students graduating from the College of Arts and Humanities, the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences, the College of Education, and the School of Nursing. What a day to remember for both ceremonies as they united graduates from various regions, including nearby Laurens County, across South Carolina, other states, and even around the globe!

A Message from the Distinguished Speaker

The guest speaker for the day was none other than Dr. Shana Southard-Dobbs, recognized as Lander’s 2024 Distinguished Professor of the Year and an insightful associate professor of psychology. Her speech echoed powerful themes like social connection, cultivating a growth mindset, and expressing gratitude for the journey they all shared. These inspiring words resonated with the graduates, as they reflected on their time at Lander and the friendships formed along the way.

Diverse Degrees for Diverse Futures

Among the graduates were individuals earning degrees in a variety of fields including Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education, Master of Business Administration, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, and Master of Education in Teaching and Learning. Each graduate’s unique story contributed to the rich tapestry of achievements that were recognized during the ceremonies.

Planning and Safety Measures for a Joyful Day

This year, Lander implemented a ticketing system for guests, allowing graduates up to nine tickets for seating in the arena, ensuring a more organized experience for everyone involved. The university also had overflow seating available for additional guests, making sure that no one missed out on this momentous occasion.

To ensure safety, the university enforced a clear bag policy and included metal detectors at all entrances to the arena. This allowed everyone to relax and enjoy the festivities without any worries. Nothing could dampen the spirit of celebration!

Joining a Global Community

The Lander University Alumni Association also had a warm welcome prepared for the new graduates, inviting them to join a growing community of engaged alumni not only from every U.S. state but also from over 40 countries worldwide. What a fantastic opportunity for networking and building connections!

Stepping Into the Future with Confidence

As the ceremonies wrapped up, graduates were encouraged to see future challenges not as barriers, but as opportunities for growth and learning. With degrees in hand, reunited with friends and family, these new alumni are now ready to face the world and make their mark. The future is bright, and it all begins here!

Congratulations to the newest members of the Lander University family! As they embark on this exciting journey, one thing is clear – the legacy of Lander lives on through each and every one of them!