Commencement
faith, in scholarship, and in commu- nity—and build something beauti- ful,” she said. “Build strong fami- lies, strong communities, and help build an even stronger nation.” Finally, Biggs said, “Let your life
preach the Gospel louder than your words ever could. And wherever God takes you, remember that He goes before you.” College awards were announced by the provost, Dr. Edward Clavell. The Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award was given to Jonathan Da- vid Claxton of Albemarle, N.C. a graduate who completed a major in Accounting with minors in Business Admin- istration and Political Science; the Mary Mildred Sullivan Award was given to gradu- ate Hailey Faith James of Beaufort, S.C., who completed a double major in Chemistry and Psychology; and the H.M. Young Ring, the highest honor for a member of the senior class, was given to Gabriel Paul Collier of Holly Hill, S.C., a graduate who completed
majors in Bible and Religion and in English, with Departmental Honors in both majors, and a minor in Philosophy.
Five members of the Erskine College Class of 2025 tied for highest aca- demic average: Sullivan Award winner Jonathan David Claxton of Albe- marle, N.C.; H.M. Young Ring recipient Gabriel Paul Collier of Holly Hill, S.C.; Kayley Marie Preston of Williamston, S.C., who majored in Psychol- ogy with Departmental Honors; Jack Thomas Vogenitz of Anderson, S.C., who majored in Chemistry-Biochemistry with Departmental Honors and a minor in Biology; andRyan Bates Vogenitz of Anderson, S.C., who majored in Accounting and History, with Departmental Honors in History. Erskine President Dr. Steve Adamson welcomed guests and introduced the commencement speaker. Dean of the College D. Shane Bradley presented the candidates for the Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees. Dean of the Seminary Dr. Seth J. Nelson presented the candidates for seminary degrees and offered the invocation and benediction. Dr. Edward Clavell and Board of Trustees Chairman C. Alan Runyan conferred the degrees. Serving as faculty marshals were Dr. George Schwab, crucifer, and Dr. Kokou Abalo, mace bearer. The graduates were inducted into the Erskine Alumni Association by its
president, Dr. Sanita Cousar ’77. Each graduating student wore a “Stole of Gratitude” to be presented to a family member or another person who had offered them support and en- couragement during their college years. Music for the event was provided by the Erskine College Choraleers, di-
rected by Dr. Keith Timms and accompanied by Prof. Sharalyn Hicks, and Erskine College Sinfonia, conducted by Dr. Cassandra Fulmer. Stephanie Casanova, a graduating music major, led the singing of the alma mater.
Congresswoman Sheri Biggs, front row, center, poses with C. Alan Runyan, front row, left; Dr. Steve Adamson, front row, right; and, back row, from left, Dr. Seth Nelson, Dr. Sanita Cousar, and Dr. Ed Clavell.
Happy graduates, including Sullivan Award winner Jona- than Claxton, second from left, show off their diplomas.
July/August 2025
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