August 31 marked the first Chapel service for the fall semester featuring three CSU graduates who challenged and inspired students. 

Daniel Bryant graduated in 2005 and is an art teacher for Dorchester School District 2. While at CSU Bryant created a cartoon drawing which has now evolved into Karate Dogs, a character building cartoon. “I came here, to CSU, as a seed. And as a seed I was watered, and I absorbed,” Bryant said. He in turn challenged the students to be seeds while at Charleston Southern so that they will become the people God wants them to be.

 As an R.N. at Roper St. Francis Hospital, 2008 graduate, Holly Branch Westbury, understands what it means to serve – it’s part of her job. However, recently she expanded her view of service when she asked herself, “How am I serving my coworkers and others I come in contact with?” 

Westbury encouraged the students, “We can serve God in any and all aspects of our lives. While at CSU I pray that you will take every opportunity to learn about new tools to serve Christ.”

When Joe Pye graduated in 1969 he knew he wanted to be the CEO of a bank. Six weeks after accepting a banking position, he resigned. “It just wasn’t for me,” he said.

The rest is history. Pye was encouraged to pursue education and moved from teaching positions to school principal then on to become district personnel director at Dorchester School District 2.  He then continued to advance to assistant superintendent and is now currently superintendent of Dorchester School District Two.

Pye accepted each new career challenge with an unassuming spirit, giving God the credit. “We need to cooperate with God,” Pye told the students. “We should constantly pray for God to take us where He wants us to go. If he opens the door, we need to go on in.”