Record Number of Students Graduate During AU Commencement
255 graduates marks a record
number for the University
255
Anderson University students received their diplomas during commencement exercises
this morning. One of the South’s most unique and scenic graduation ceremonies,
the AU commencement took place under the 100-year-old oak trees on the front
lawn of campus in picture perfect spring weather.
Senator
Lindsey Graham delivered the commencement address praising the growth and
recognition being given to Anderson University over the past three years and
urging the graduates to develop the strength to stand up for the values
instilled in them by the University. Graham noted that many of those values are
under assault in current American discourse but that in defending them,
students should remember civility and respect.
“I
disagree with President Obama on many things,” the senator told attendees, “but
I believe it is important to do so with respect. We should cherish the right to
have different viewpoints and opinions in this country, but we must remain
respectful.”
The
senator also noted that the graduates will be inheriting a troubled world as
they leave the university.
“These
are difficult times you are inheriting,” he said. “Our nation has a troubled
economy and the world is at war. We have faced more difficult times than this,
however, and I firmly believe our best days lie ahead.”
An
honorary Doctor of Humanities degree was awarded to multiple Grammy
award-winning composer, arranger, and bandleader, Johnny Mann, who recently
composed a new alma mater for the second 100 years of Anderson University. The
school was founded in 1911 and will be celebrating its centennial beginning
this fall.
Anderson
granted more than 30 graduate degrees as well, including the first graduating
class in the institution’s MBA program.
Anderson University is a comprehensive university affiliated
with the South Carolina Baptist Convention offering bachelors and masters
degrees. Anderson is ranked in the Top Tier (top 33) of colleges and
universities in the South by U. S. News & World Report. Anderson has also been named one of
“America’s 100 Best College Buys.” Located in The Upstate region of South
Carolina near the foothills of the Appalachians, Anderson University features a
rigorous education in a supportive Christian environment.
###