June 5, 2025

Lander University Celebrates 171st Commencement Ceremony

News Summary

Lander University hosted its 171st commencement ceremony at Finis Horne Arena, celebrating around 550 graduates from diverse backgrounds. Notable alumni received various degrees, including Samatha Cain in Education and Rebekah Logan, who earned the prestigious Thayer Award for highest GPA. William H. Floyd, III, delivered a motivating commencement address, emphasizing career opportunities in South Carolina. The day was filled with pride and camaraderie as graduates reflected on their journey and the support they received from faculty, marking a significant milestone in their academic lives.

Greenwood, SC – Lander University hosted its 171st commencement ceremony on May 7, 2025, where approximately 550 new alumni celebrated their achievements during an event held in the Finis Horne Arena. Graduates from various locations, including South Carolina, across the nation, and around the globe, were honored for their completion of bachelor’s and master’s degrees.

The ceremony highlighted the diversity of the graduating class, with many students representing Clinton and Laurens, South Carolina. Notable graduates included Samatha Cain and Audrianna Grace Farmer, who received their Bachelor of Science degrees in Education and Child Development and Exercise Science, respectively. Others such as Bryce Andrew McKee and Olandria Kemiya Payne earned their Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, both graduating Cum Laude.

A significant moment came when Rebekah Logan, a dual major in Biology and Music, was awarded the prestigious Thayer Award for achieving the highest GPA in the graduating class. Logan earned a perfect 4.0 and plans to further her education at the Dental College of Georgia this summer. Other accomplished graduates from Laurens include Robert Ethan Leopard, who graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, and Roni Noffz Bennett, who earned a Master of Science in Nursing Clinical Nurse Leader.

In his commencement address, William H. Floyd, III, director of the South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce, encouraged graduates to take advantage of the numerous career opportunities available in South Carolina, highlighting over 70,000 job openings across various sectors. His words resonated with graduates eager to start their professional journeys.

Graduation day was a festive occasion, with graduates dressed in traditional caps and gowns celebrating their achievements with family, friends, and faculty. Several students expressed their enthusiasm for their future endeavors, such as Adam Love, who aspires to become a sports reporter, and Clay Kennedy, who will begin his teaching career in Dorchester County as a Music Education major.

Additionally, graduates like Taelyn Calwile are already considering further education, looking to pursue a Master’s in Social Work following her Bachelor’s in Education and Child Development, while LaKerria Greene celebrated her achievement in Middle Level Education surrounded by loved ones. The atmosphere of camaraderie and pride was a defining characteristic of the event, with students reflecting on the support of faculty throughout their journeys.

The graduation ceremony marked the culmination of years of hard work and dedication as Lander University conferred degrees to its well-deserving class of 2025. As these new graduates move into the next stages of their lives, they carry with them not only their academic credentials but also invaluable experiences and memories from their time at the university.

With a strong turnout and a powerful commencement address, Lander University is proud to add these graduates to its network of alumni, who are prepared to contribute to their respective fields and communities.

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Author: STAFF HERE CLINTON

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