Anderson University

120 graduates, a record for winter commencement at Anderson University, crossed the stage to receive diplomas on Sunday, December 12^th.

AU has broken enrollment records for the past five years and graduation numbers are reflecting that growth. AU passed the 2,500 mark in enrollment this year.

The Sunday commencement exercises featured the awarding of bachelor’s degrees to traditional undergraduate students as well as the evening ACCEL program. 30 graduate students in Education and Business also received master’s degrees.

The commencement address was delivered by Nathan Cox, an associate professor of art and the head of AU’s ceramics program, in keeping with the tradition of having the faculty chairperson deliver the winter commencement address. Cox’s work in ceramics is highly regarded and many pieces are on permanent display throughout the country. He challenged students to seek God’s help as they head into the working world and to continue to learn and expand their minds throughout their adult lives.

1968 graduate George Watson was presented with the alumni achievement award from the university. Watson is CEO of Frosty Acre Brands, the nation’s oldest member-owned food distribution marketing and procurement group. F.A.B. consists of 81 food distribution companies located throughout the USA, Canada, Bahamas and Puerto Rico.

Candice Koopman Lapham, a 2002 graduate of the evening program, was awarded the ACCEL Alumni Achievement Award for her professional success. Lapham is an attorney with Harrison, White, Smith and Coggins law firm in Spartanburg. She began her education at Anderson before moving on to law school at Mississippi College School of Law.

The graduation ceremony also featured Anderson’s first student to graduate as a commissioned officer through the joint ROTC program between Anderson and Clemson University. Maggie Cooler Mason will leave AU as a commissioned officer in the Air Force.

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 21) of colleges and universities in the South, and one of 68 “Up and Coming” schools to watch in America,” by U. S. News & World Report. It is the #1 “Up and Coming” school in The South according to that publication.  Anderson has also been named one of “Americas 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.