minary Commencement inary Commencement


senior class, given to Neal Richard Blank of Camden, S.C., a summa cum laude graduate who completed a double major in Psychology and History, with Departmental Honors in Psychology and a minor in Biology. Two members of the Erskine College Class of 2024 tied for high- est academic average—triple major and Sullivan Award winner Sharon Lee George and Benjamin Clifford Headley of Moreland, Ga., who completed a double major in Bible and Religion and Eng- lish with Departmental Honors in English and a minor in Informa- tion Technology. Seminary awards were announced by Dean of the Seminary Dr. Seth Nelson. The Bruce G. Pierce Award for Christian Leadership was given to Scott Hultstrand of Houston, Texas, a Master of Divin- ity degree recipient. The dean also recognized Dr. Loyd D. Melton, whose retirement as John Montgomery Bell Professor of New Testa- ment was announced in February. Melton has been named Distin- guished Professor of New Testament Emeritus and will continue to serve the seminary in a part-time capacity. Erskine President Dr. Steve Adamson introduced the com- mencement speaker, and Board of Trustees Chairman Michael S. Whitehurst greeted the assembled students, faculty members, and guests.


Serving as faculty marshals were Dr. George Schwab, crucifer,


and Dr. William B. Evans, mace bearer. The Rev. Joshua C. Chiles, chaplain, offered the invocation and Dean of the Seminary Dr. Seth J. Nelson gave the benediction. The graduates were inducted into the Erskine Alumni Associa-


tion by Dr. Sanita Cousar ’77, president, who also announced the senior class gift—two bench swings to be placed near the student recreational volleyball court on campus. Student contributions will also be used for enhancements to the court. Each graduating student wore a “Stole of Gratitude” during the commencement ceremony. The graduates were urged to give the stole to a family member or to another person who offered them support and encouragement during their college years. Music for the event was provided by the Erskine College Choraleers, directed by Dr. Keith Timms and accompanied by Prof. Sharalyn Hicks, pianist, and Erskine College Sinfonia, led by Prof. Jon Michael Brock, conductor. James Alexander Thomas, a graduating music major with a minor in biology, led the singing of the Alma Mater.


In a time of worship in preparation for the commencement cer-


emony, the Rev. Bryan Bult, a graduate of Erskine College (1995) and Erskine Theological Seminary (2003) and an associate minister at First Presbyterian Church, Columbia, S.C., spoke about humility at a baccalaureate service May 3. Bult told the students his time at Erskine taught him “greater and greater dependence on the Lord  world’s values. “The only greatness worth aspiring to is following Jesus,” he said.





  


-  - 


July/August 2024


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