In December 2004 Brandy Roberts had a semester of school under her belt and was working in the purchasing office at CSU. This was her second go around at Charleston Southern. In 1994 she had completed a year of school, but when her daughter, Lynlee, was born with health problems, Roberts chose to stay home. Now it was time to finish what she had started. But the prospect for completing her education looked dim when during a Christmas party that year she received an urgent phone call from her husband, Michael.

There are no Halls of Fame for teachers. If there were, Charleston Southern University professors Dr. Jim Barrier and Mr. Steve Best would be enshrined in the biology wing.

The New Vision Vocal Ensemble traveled on mission to Mexico City Jan. 4-11. The group of 20 included New Vision Director Allen Hendricks and Spanish professor Dr. Pamela Peek. Hosted by International Mission Board missionary David Boyter, the schedule included worship opportunities in an assortment of places including outdoor venues, a homeless shelter, and a rainy day spent under a tarp which housed several families.

Mary Propes, CEO of MVP Group International, addressed CSU students receiving bachelor of arts and bachelor of science degrees.

The fact that Billie Attaway was physically standing on the stage provided a measure of hope for the fall 2009 graduating class. In 2004, Attaway was diagnosed with stage four malignant squamous cell cancer in his throat. Doctors at the renowned Mayo Clinic offered a grim prognosis; there was a 30 percent chance of survival. Five years and dozens of radiation and chemotherapy treatments later, Attaway delivered the first of two commencement speeches.

The University recently received three national honors. America’s Best Christian Colleges® has included Charleston Southern University on its 2009-2010 list. Charleston Southern has made the list for 11 consecutive years. Also named to the list from South Carolina are Anderson, Erskine and Presbyterian.

Quinton Goods, who will graduate in May with a degree in social science, plans to use his years of basketball experience as a way to help others upon the completion of his playing career. Specifically, Goods will use basketball as a means to teach and work with youth who are less fortunate than himself.

You could say Billy Blackmon has had to deal with his fair share of adversity during his basketball career. The senior from Wabasso, Fla., has faced numerous obstacles as a collegian, many of them strong enough on their own to break the spirit of a lesser man.