News Summary
Presbyterian College honored its graduating Class of 2025 during the 142nd Commencement Ceremony held at Vance Plaza. With a focus on resilience, the ceremony featured speeches from college leaders and outstanding students. Graduates reflected on the unique challenges faced, including the pandemic and Hurricane Helene, while embracing new beginnings. Keynote speakers emphasized the value of community and liberal arts education, marking a significant milestone for the graduates and their families.
Clinton, South Carolina – Presbyterian College celebrated its 142nd Commencement Ceremony for the College of Arts and Sciences on Saturday, May 13, 2025, at Vance Plaza, under cloudy skies. The ceremony symbolized resilience for the graduating class, which faced a series of unprecedented challenges throughout their college journey.
Dr. Anita Gustafson, the president of Presbyterian College, welcomed graduates and reflected on the significant hurdles that shaped their experience, including the unique circumstances of starting college during a pandemic that necessitated social distancing. The arrival of Hurricane Helene also caused substantial disruptions on campus, further testing the commitment and adaptability of the Class of 2025.
In her address, Dr. Gustafson underscored the importance of the community forged through these hardships, emphasizing the value of the college’s beautiful campus as a refuge and a source of strength. She conveyed the essence of “commencement” as a new beginning, encouraging graduates to embrace the opportunities that lie ahead.
Caroline Rairigh, a psychology major from Dahlonega, GA, was honored as the Outstanding Senior and addressed her classmates with a speech titled “Planting Trees.” Rairigh pointed out that despite being the smallest graduating class since Presbyterian College became coeducational in 1965, the legacy they leave behind will be significant. Her remarks focused on the importance of thinking about their impact in future endeavors, reminding classmates that true leadership involves creating opportunities for others.
Rairigh also highlighted the journey they took together, filled with shared experiences of heartache and joy, as well as a promise of future influence across various professions. Her sentiments echoed the cherished memories each graduate had formed during their time at the college.
The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Kendra Hamilton, the 2025 Professor of the Year. She spoke on “In Praise of Human Intelligence,” advocating for the appreciation of intrinsic human qualities such as creativity and empathy at a time when artificial intelligence is becoming more prominent. Dr. Hamilton articulated the necessity of a liberal arts education, emphasizing that it sharpens critical thinking skills essential for success in modern society.
During the ceremony, Dr. Erin McAdams acknowledged faculty achievements, including tenures and promotions of select faculty members. This recognition included Dr. Michael O. Rischbieter, who received the Kenneth B. Orr Faculty Research Fellowship for outstanding contributions to academic research.
In addition to Rairigh, three graduates were distinguished as valedictorians: Patrick Alexander Buchanan, Kelly Lynn Hall, and Samuel Keith Johnson, all graduating with the highest honors of summa cum laude.
The commencement concluded with jubilant celebrations amongst families, a fitting tribute to a journey that began with students masked up due to health concerns and ended surrounded by the college’s storied oak trees. Dr. Gustafson reminded the graduates that their connection to the college will always be strong, stating that “once a Blue Hose, always a Blue Hose,” encapsulating the enduring spirit of the Presbyterian College community.
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Additional Resources
- Presbyterian College Class of 2025 – GoLaurens
- Wikipedia: Commencement
- Presbyterian College Commencement – My Clinton News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Commencement
- Commencing to Their Futures – My Clinton News
- Google News: Presbyterian College Commencement
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