Erskine honors 2026 gradu
More than 170 college and seminary graduates were honored at a cer- emony under the towers of the Erskine Building on Saturday, May 9. Erskine College President Dr. Steve Adamson welcomed the graduates and their guests and introduced the commencement speaker, former U.S. Ambassador to Switzerland and Liechtenstein Edward T. McMullen, who challenged students to live lives of integrity, humility, and courage. “In a world that often celebrates speed over substance, noise over wis- dom, and popularity over principle, Erskine has prepared you for some- thing far greater than just making a living,” McMullen told the students. “It has prepared you to live a life of meaning.”
The former ambassador acknowledged the challenges facing gradu- ates, including “extraordinary innovation and extraordinary uncertain- ty” and cultural division, and encouraged graduates to be “people of a society where civility is sometimes abandoned. “Some of the strongest people I have ever known were also the most gracious. Some of the most effective leaders were those who listened before they spoke,” McMullen said. “People remember how you make them feel long after they forget what you said. Treat people with dignity. Lead with humility.”
Now a senior policy advisor with Adams and Reese LLP, McMullen
the North American boards of several Swiss companies as he continues to build relationships among investors and corporate leadership in Swit- zerland, Liechtenstein, and Europe. Prior to his appointment as ambassador, he founded and served as
president of McMullen Public Affairs, a South Carolina-based corporate 25 companies and associations operating in the aerospace, high-tech, “In my experiences as an ambassador, and as a businessman, I’ve en- gaged with some of the world’s most powerful people, presidents, CEOs, religious leaders,” he said. “What I’ve witnessed is that often, the great- est leaders are not the loudest people in the room. They are the calmest, the steadiest, and the most dependable.” McMullen, who received the Order of the Palmetto for his leadership and public service, challenged graduates to be civic-minded, remember- ing that “freedom…is not automatic…every generation is called to pre- serve it.” Telling students that Erskine “has shaped not only your mind, but your faith and your character,” McMullen said, “In the years ahead, faith and
character will matter more than you know. Your degree may open doors, your ambition may create opportunity, your talent may earn attention, but your faith in Christ gives you life’s roadmap.” College awards were an- nounced by the provost, Dr. Ed- ward Clavell. The Algernon Syd- ney Sullivan Award was given to Noah McMicken of Lakeland, Fla., a magna cum laude graduate who completed a major in His- tory with minors in Political sci- ence and Philosophy; the Mary Mildred Sullivan Award was given to summa cum laude gradu- ate Rachel Jordan of Loris, S.C., who completed a double major in Chemistry-Biochemistry and Mu- sic and minored in Biology; and the H.M. Young Ring, the highest honor for a member of the senior class, was given to Tomas Sal- cak of Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic, a summa cum laude grad- uate who completed majors in Ac- counting, Business Administra- tion, and Digital Marketing. Dr. Seth Nelson, Dean of the Seminary, presented the Erskine Theological Seminary awards. The Bruce G. Pierce Award for Christian Leadership was given to Edward G. Manger of Moncks Corner, S.C. The Loyd D. Melton Doctor of Ministry Award was given to Eldon Charles Man- ning of Norristown, Pa.
Erskine honors 2026 gradu
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