CSU Commencement: A Call to Serve
Thousands of family and friends were in attendance to watch 313 loved ones and friends receive their undergraduate and graduate degrees May 9 at the North Charleston Coliseum.
Tom Hood, president and CEO of First Financial Holding, Inc., delivered the commencement speech. Hood has long-standing ties to the local community as a servant-leader. Hood has served as past chairman of the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce; and volunteer mentor and tutor for the HOSTS program (Help One Student To Succeed).
Hood said he has long been an admirer of Charleston Southern and commended the graduates for their many successes. “Having had many graduates of Charleston Southern join our companies, I know that the graduates and alumni of this great University are highly valued in business and industry and as leaders in their communities.”
Hood told the graduates they were inheriting a dangerous and broken world citing a global financial system in turmoil, skyrocketing unemployment, and loss of confidence in leadership at all levels of our nation and world.
“Charleston Southern students, more than any other time in our history, we need you, the graduating class of 2009. We need your imagination, your hope, your optimism, your commitment, your leadership, and most of all your faith – your dreams.”
For Edwin Squirewell, the journey from the small rural town of Ridgeway, S.C., and a college degree is a first for his family. A biochemistry major, Squirewell has been awarded the Dean’s Merit Graduate Fellowship at the University of Iowa where he will receive an annual stipend of $25,000, plus tuition, fringe and fees. Squirewell will spend the next five years working toward a PhD. His concentration will include research in the strategies of drug recovery, analysis and design. As he prepares for the next phase of his life, Squirewell adds, “I’ve been given so many opportunities to better myself; it’s impossible to doubt that God has a greater purpose for me.”
An honorary doctor of laws degree was conferred upon Tom Hood for his outstanding service to the community. Johnny E. Ward of Moncks Corner received an honorary doctor of public service degree. As past chairman of the board of trustees, Ward has generously devoted his time and resources to the betterment of the University. He currently serves as a member of the Board of Visitors. The distinguished service award was presented to Freda Turner Ott. The Ott family has been actively involved with the University for many years serving on the Women’s Council, Board of Visitors and Buccaneer Club.
Kelly Nicole Laffey of Goose Creek was the recipient of The Myrtle E. Hamrick Award which is given to the graduate who exemplifies the highest virtues of womanhood; Quanekqua T. Russell received The John A. Barry Scholar Award which is presented to the graduate who evidences the most promise for future scholarship; Dionne Gibson received The Hunter Cup which is presented to the graduate whose character, scholarship and athletic ability are deemed outstanding; and Clairisa Ellen Davis received the Carolyn Killen Hunter Outstanding Christian Teacher Endowed Scholarship and Award.
Laffey knows firsthand about the caring capacity of nurses. Her oldest son was born premature and spent several months in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit being nursed to health. It was during this time that her calling became clear. “My son is alive today because of talented health care professionals, more so the nurses who tended to him. That inspiration has seen her through the nursing program and is a driving force behind the personal time that she dedicates to serving others. She has given of her time at places like the Ronald McDonald House, working at the soup kitchen at Crisis Ministries and volunteering at Special Olympics. Laffey now plans to work as a critical care nurse.
Danielle Alexander, a psychology major from Fayetteville, Ga., did something few graduates can boast of –carrying a perfect 4.0 grade point average through all four years. Alexander plans to begin work on her master’s degree at the University of Georgia in the fall. “Charleston Southern is like family. You end up with many moms and dad. I will really miss CSU,” she said.
Carolena Stemler, a double major in communication and Spanish from Concord, N.C., took an active role in campus life. Serving as chair of the commuter affairs committee in the Student Government Association was one of her passions. She encouraged commuters to get involved. “Be proactive about finding out what’s going on and make friends: stay involved,” she said.
Stemler has come a long way from an orphanage in Ecuador where she was abandoned on a bus. Stemler’s adoptive mother, Barbara Stemler, said, “When we were told we could adopt her, the orphanage said she was 8 months old.”
When looking for a college, Stemler was impressed with the small, family atmosphere at CSU. “You’re not a number, you always hear that, but at CSU it’s really true,” she said. “One of my closest friends was my department chair, Dr. Pam Peek. This type of relationship is what is special at CSU.”
Stemler recently completed an internship at Channel 5 news and is ready for whatever comes next. “When opportunity knocks, I’ll be able to take it, no matter what it is.”
“Each of us graduating this year has different stories and experiences that have led to this point in our lives,” said Meghan Gerrity, vice president of the student body, who gave the senior class statement. “We are all grateful for those who helped us get to this point. Let us not forget that we have been prepared as graduates and our lives have been transformed by the power of Jesus Christ. Our degrees will enable us to not only get a job in the real world but to also influence the change it needs.”
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Photo: Danielle Alexander earned a perfect 4.0 in her four years at CSU. Photo by Tam Odom
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