Southern Wesleyan University celebrates 2018 December graduates
Southern Wesleyan University President Dr. Todd Voss congratulates graduates as their degrees are awarded during a commencement ceremony Dec. 7 in Central.
Jeff Castillo shares a light-hearted moment as he gives the the graduation address Dec. 7 at Southern Wesleyan University in Central. A 1987 Business graduate, Castillo is vice president of Merz North America.
Southern Wesleyan University celebrated 200 graduates in a ceremony Dec. 7 for both on-campus and online programs.
The graduation speaker was Jeffrey Castillo, vice president of Merz North America and a 1987 business graduate of Southern Wesleyan.
Sharing the story of how his father came to the United States from Cuba with little more than a dollar and starting out working odd jobs such as shoveling snow, Castillo noted that his father had a purpose that drove him from humble beginnings in Detroit to success as a vice president at Ford Motor Company.
Castillo shared his SWU experiences, of the love and support of faculty and classmates, and of a family who took him in as their own during the holidays. He recalled going to work for Procter & Gamble in New York City, taking a job selling toilet paper – something nobody wanted to do – and breaking a company sales record, leading to a rise up the corporate ladder. Castillo also recounted a humbling experience while working for Johnson & Johnson in Buenos Aires, Argentina, when he helped supply his company’s artificial skin, which was used to save lives of many burn victims following a plane crash – witnessing firsthand the victims’ injuries in the operating room.
“It’s a calling. Be prepared. For those of you going into education, in business, in the ministry – be prepared. There will be one moment when you will be asked to do more,” Castillo said. “You’ve had a good foundation with a strong Christian education. Understand that you can’t work in isolation with that. It’s better to bring those two together and serve a calling with a purpose – a purpose you have been created for, a purpose you have be called to.”
Highlights of the ceremony included University President Todd Voss presenting Castillo with an honorary doctorate in commercial science.
The City of Greenville Pipes and Drums led the processional prior to the ceremony. Special music was provided by the University Singers.
The university recognized several graduates who are currently serving in the military or are veterans:
Air Force: Alfreda Harris, Master of Education in Administration and Supervision.
Army: Gwendolyn Bobo, BS in Business Administration; Michael Donald, BS in Business Administration; Hallema Webb, MS in Management and Leadership; and Donna Williams, MS in Management and Leadership.
Marines: Christopher Harris, BS in Business Administration – Management Concentration.
National Guard: Kiunah Frye, Human Services with Psychology minor.
Navy: John Burgess, BS in Business Administration; Eric Jackson, MS in Management and Leadership; Corey Moss, BS in Business Administration with General Business concentration.
For Melissa Halbert, an Early Childhood graduate from Liberty, commencement was truly a special milestone. Through many personal trials, including her husband’s injury from a vehicle accident, as well as health and financial setbacks of her own, Halbert is grateful to SWU professors, staff from TRiO Student Support Services and classmates for their supportiveness.
“God has guided me through the valley and I continue to grow stronger each day,” Halbert said.
On Dec. 6, the university held its Baccalaureate service, featuring a “ceremony of the servants” in which graduates of the traditional programs received towels – a symbol of Christian service – embroidered with the Southern Wesleyan University seal. Rev. Dumar Camacho of Iglesia Wesleyana El Camino in Greenville, gave the Baccalaureate sermon, with Rev. Frankie Rodriguez, senior pastor of Iglesia Wesleyana El Camino and SWU trustee, as his translator.
The December 2018 graduates included:
In South Carolina
Aiken
Tonia Freeman, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Brian Gibbons, Master of Education in Administration and Supervision; Michelle Green, Master of Education in Administration and Supervision; Jessica Washington, Master of Education in Administration and Supervision; Tyren Woodberry, Master of Education in Administration and Supervision.
Anderson
Stacie Cowan, Master of Science in Management and Leadership; Tyler Peele, Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice; Holly Vickery, Bachelor of Arts in in Music Education.
Arcadia
Simone Pace, Master of Science in Management and Leadership.
Awendaw
Donna Fischer, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
Beech Island
Jane Jenkins, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
Belton
Bre Mack, Bachelor of Science in Biology.
Boiling Springs
Stacia Turkenburg, Master of Education in Classroom Leadership.
Central
Emily Chisholm, Bachelor of Science in Human Services; Karen Corontzes, Master of Education in Administration and Supervision; Jennifer Kay, Associate of Arts in General Studies; Derek Martinez, Bachelor of Arts in Religion; Leah Paxton, Bachelor of Science in Human Services; Stephen Reeves, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Amy Smitherman, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Lauren Vaughn, Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood and Family Studies.
Charleston
Eric Jackson, Master of Science in Management and Leadership; Darcy Krupa, Master of Education in Administration and Supervision; Vanessa Rouse, Bachelor of Science in Human Services.
Chesnee
Casey Corn, Master of Education in Administration and Supervision; Tammy Ellis, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
Clemson
Melissa Powers, Master of Education in Classroom Leadership; Kimberly Tate, Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education.
Columbia
Rashawne Coates, Master of Education in Administration and Supervision; Cory Hunt, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Ray Knox, Bachelor of Science in Human Services; Adria Massey, Master of Business Administration; Madelon Scott, Associate of Arts in General Studies; Sheila Smoot, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
Cowpens
Mike Donald, Associate of Arts in General Studies.
Easley
Lisa Bobo, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Melissa Ellenburg, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Justin Gotshaw, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Robert Hill, Associate of Arts in General Studies; Andrew Knecht, Bachelor of Science in Biology; Shanda Russell, Bachelor of Science in Human Services; Angelee Tate, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Susan Tolbert, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
Eastover
Crystal Freie, Bachelor of Science in Human Services.
Elgin
Judy Murphy, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Wes Price, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
Enoree
Ashley Koepke, Bachelor of Science in Human Services.
Fountain Inn
JJ Smith, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Regan Wrenn, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
Goose Creek
Tyler Rio, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
Graniteville
Shannon Araya, Bachelor of Science in Human Services; Angela Arthur, Master of Education in Classroom Leadership; Shaquenta Bryant, Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood and Family Studies; Jonathan Grantham, Master of Education in Administration and Supervision; Jen Kennedy, Associate of Arts in General Studies; Jestina Lagroon, Master of Science in Management and Leadership.
Gray Court
Brooke Holmes, Master of Education in Classroom Leadership.
Greenville
Tony Crescenzo, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Quinshana Crosby, Bachelor of Science in Human Services; Melody Harris, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Hannah Poteet, Bachelor of Science in Human Services; Elizabeth Toney, Master of Education in Administration and Supervision; Donna Williams, Master of Science in Management and Leadership; Leslie Wright, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
Greenwood
Dinah Morse, Master of Business Administration; Julia Pope, Bachelor of Science in Human Services; Brian Rackley, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Jeneen Webb, Master of Education in Administration and Supervision.
Greer
Tom Berning, Master of Business Administration; Dumar Camacho, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Chris Harris, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Wade Metcalf, Master of Business Administration; Corey Moss, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Mary Catherine Oliver, Master of Business Administration; Makayla White, Master of Education in Administration and Supervision; Megan Yount, Master of Education in Classroom Leadership.
Hopkins
Shawn Bairefoot, Master of Science in Management and Leadership.
Irmo
Arielle Morton, Master of Education in Classroom Leadership.
Ladson
Channon Lee, Master of Education in Administration and Supervision.
Laurens
Olga Baza-Norato, Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice.
Leesville
Thomasena Rice, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
Lexington
Deette Baker, Bachelor of Science in Human Services; Hayes Holland, Master of Business Administration; Mattie Smith, Bachelor of Science in Psychology.
Liberty
Vicky Ayers, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Lee Cory, Master of Education in Classroom Leadership; Stephen Floyd, Bachelor of Science in Applied Computer Science; Melissa Halbert, Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood and Family Studies; Chris Lycett, Associate of Arts in General Studies; Josh Morgan, Master of Business Administration; Jessica Watson, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
Lyman
Brittany Buckley, Master of Education in Administration and Supervision; Donna Hopkins, Master of Business Administration.
Mauldin
Bobette Stephens, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
Moncks Corner
Latosha Ferguson, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
Moore
Jeffrey Smith, Master of Science in Management and Leadership.
Mount Pleasant
Nicole Greig, Master of Education in Administration and Supervision
Mountain Rest
Jenea Roach, Master of Education in Administration and Supervision.
Myrtle Beach
Caroline Sweatt, Bachelor of Science in Human Services.
Ninety Six
Brandon Pruitt, Bachelor of Science in Recreation and Sport Management.
Norris
Logan Edgar, Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice.
North Augusta
Niqi Corley, Bachelor of Science in Human Services; Kevin Hobbs, Associate of Arts in General Studies; Brenda Laboard, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Cassandra Luttrull, Master of Education in Administration and Supervision; Gabbie Tanner, Master of Education in Administration and Supervision; Hallema Webb, Master of Science in Management and Leadership; Renee Wise, Master of Education in Administration and Supervision.
North Charleston
Sharon Brown-Gilliard, Bachelor of Science in General Studies; Shaniquia Grant, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Anne Hilkhuijsen, Master of Education in Administration and Supervision; Meme Middleton, Bachelor of Science in Human Services; Marvaye Payton, Master of Education in Administration and Supervision.
Orangeburg
Kendrick Cherry, Master of Education in Administration and Supervision.
Pendleton
Dana Butdorf, Master of Education in Classroom Leadership; Ryan Mosley, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
Pickens
Rebecca Albrecht, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Garrett Davidson, Bachelor of Science in Applied Computer Science; John Hyder, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Mary Javdan-Inalloo, Associate of Arts in General Studies.
Piedmont
Garrett Ganey, Bachelor of Science in Recreation and Sport Management; Justin Goldsmith, Master of Education in Administration and Supervision; Tammie Martin, Bachelor of Science in Human Services; Nathan Myers, Bachelor of Arts in History; Yolanda Sullivan Bachelor of Science in Business; Administration; Terri Williams, Master of Science in Management and Leadership.
Reevesville
Willia Breaker, Bachelor of Science in Human Services.
Ridgeland
Alfreda Harris, Master of Education in Administration and Supervision; Kristian Parker, Master of Education in Administration and Supervision.
Rock Hill
Brianna Davenport, Bachelor of Science in Human Services.
Seneca
Sarah Baldwin, Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science; Rachel Brewer, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Taylor Cansler, Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems; Ashley Carlson, Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education; Andrew Collins, Bachelor of Science in Special Education; Danielle Gaines, Bachelor of Science in Human Services; Chad Ownbey, Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice; Andrew Rohletter, Bachelor of Science in Applied Computer Science; Bob Schmitt, Master of Science in Management and Leadership; Amanda Scott, Master of Education in Administration and Supervision; Allen Williams, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Joel Wynn, Bachelor of Arts in History.
Simpsonville
Chris Anderson, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Graham Gieselman, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; David Jones, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Seth Knight, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Milena Moreno, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Carlos Moreno Vivas, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Janice Rice, Master of Education in Classroom Leadership.
Spartanburg
Ben Johnson, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Rebekah Mattison, Master of Education in Administration and Supervision; Laura McJunkin, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
Starr
Bryce Bourgeois, Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems.
Summerville
Jennifer Bennett, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
Sumter
Holly Richardson, Bachelor of Science in Recreation and Sport Management.
Sunset
Rebecca Summey, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
Swansea
Holly Lancaster, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
Tamassee
Melissa Woodland, Bachelor of Science in English Education.
Taylors
Curtis Bailey, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Rebecca Barnes, Master of Education in Classroom Leadership; Jacqueline Roach, Master of Business Administration.
Townville
Katelin Fowler, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
Wellford
Jeannie Lenberg, Master of Business Administration.
Westminster
Jessie Waldroup, Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education; Kris Butts, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Brad Dickson, Bachelor of Science in Physical Education; Jamie Jones, Associate of Arts in General Studies.
Williamston
John Burgess, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Brittany Clark, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Dylan Porter, Bachelor of Science in Applied Computer Science; Morgan Webb, Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science.
In North Carolina
Clemmons
Alie Brinegar, Master of Education in Classroom Leadership.
Elkin
Damaris Minoso, Bachelor of Arts in Music Education.
Forest City
Emily Wilkins, Master of Education in Administration and Supervision.
Tobaccoville
Bethany Ray, Bachelor of Arts in Religion.
Weaverville
Jenn Marlowe, Master of Science in Management and Leadership.
Wilson
Andrea Amer, Bachelor of Science in in Business Administration.
In Georgia
Atlanta
Taylor Davidson Master of Business Administration.
Augusta
Nanda Key, Bachelor of Science in in Business Administration.
Decatur
Nyjah Mitchell, Associate of Arts in General Studies.
East Point
Mario Young. Associate of Arts in General Studies.
Evans
Denise Henderson, Associate of Arts in General Studies; Jonyetta Hill, Master of Education in Administration and Supervision; Courtney Price, Bachelor of Science in Recreation and Sport Management.
Garden City
Paul Brisbane, Master of Education in Administration and Supervision.
Hephzibah
Shawn Harden, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Tanikqual Moore, Bachelor of Science in Human Services.
Martinez
Courtney Earle, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Tiffany Givens, Master of Science in Management and Leadership.
Rincon
Kiunah Fye, Bachelor of Science in Human Services.
Talbotton
Ty Mahone, Bachelor of Science in Physical Education.
In Delaware
New Castle
Julia Joyce, Bachelor of Arts in Religion.
In Florida
Jacksonville
Nathaniel Frayer, Associate of Arts in General Studies.
Spring Hill
Genesis Perez-Padilla, Bachelor of Science in Human Services.
In Pennsylvania
Glen Mills
Allyson Hineman, Master of Education in Classroom Leadership.
Mechanicsburg
Chelsea Greene, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
In Indiana
Valparaiso
Kristi Boggs, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
In Tennessee
Knoxville
Zack Smith, Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science.
In Texas
San Antonio
Richard Strong, Associate of Arts in General Studies.
Colombia
In Antioquia
Bello
Daniel Bolivar Zapata, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
Southern Wesleyan University is a Christ-centered, student-focused, faith-filled community that offers inventive learning experiences. The university endeavors to prepare its students to be dedicated scholars and servant-leaders who impact the world for Christ. At the same time, it’s Southern Wesleyan’s desire to practice contagious generosity within the surrounding community. For details about degree programs, go online to swu.edu.
Follow SWU:
https://www.facebook.com/southernwesleyan/
http://www.twitter.com/SWU_edu
http://pinterest.com/swuedu/
http://instagram.com/swu_edu