CofC Honors Graduates at Saturday Commencement Ceremonies
College of Charleston graduates were honored at the two commencement ceremonies on May 11, 2024.
Graduates from the College of Charleston’s School of Business, School of Education and School of Health Sciences gathered under the stately oaks of the Cistern Yard at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 11, 2024, to celebrate the conclusion of their academic journeys at CofC and the start to a future that is theirs for the making.
Cherry Daniel, College of Charleston Board of Trustees emerita, received an honorary degree at the ceremony, and Gia Quesada, assistant provost for assessment and a professor of supply chain and information management, spoke to the graduates, urging them “to hold tightly to who you are. Remember that authenticity is your greatest asset. The world will attempt to shape you, mold you and redefine you.
“Your identity is not negotiable,” she said. “Embrace change, but let it be a conscious evolution – one that aligns with your values and aspirations. You stand at the threshold of a new chapter – a chapter that holds both promise and uncertainty. Be the architect of your growth, not a passive recipient of external pressures. Define what success means for you, and create a plan for what you will do to achieve your goals.”
Then, at the 4 p.m. ceremony that same day, the graduates of the Graduate School, the School of the Arts and the School of Sciences, Mathematics, and Engineering were honored, with Keith Summey, former mayor of North Charleston, receiving an honorary degree and Liz Jurisich, chair of the mathematics department, speaking to the graduates.
“Guard your ability to think critically and independently,” said Jurisich, “but also build bridges across disciplines. Lean into teamwork. Listen to viewpoints that challenge your assumptions. The whole is often greater than the sum of its parts when we combine forces. Prioritize both independence of mind and shared effort. That powerful combination is what will allow you to unlock solutions to the world’s greatest puzzles and create works that move and inspire humanity.”
Check out the photos from Friday’s ceremony, too! Congratulations to all of the College of Charleston Class of 2024!
