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SWU awards degrees to December 2019 graduates

SWU awards degrees to December 2019 graduates

    12.07.19 | Academics

    The City of Greenville Pipes and Drums leads graduates in a processional along Wesleyan Drive, marking the start of Southern Wesleyan University's December graduation ceremony Dec. 7 in Central. 

    Watch the ceremony:

    On Dec. 7, Southern Wesleyan University celebrated both on campus and online graduates in a ceremony at Newton Hobson Chapel and Fine Arts Center Auditorium on the Central campus.

    During the ceremony, University President, Dr. Todd Voss, said to the 171 December graduates, “This day is a celebration of God’s goodness and of the bright futures that are ahead for all of these outstanding graduates. Our university challenges our students to be dedicated scholars and servant-leaders who will impact the world for Christ and today we recognize how you, our graduates, represent a hope for the world around us.”

    Voss recognized graduates of the new RN to BSN and the Early Childhood and Family Studies programs. In addition to the graduates receiving their degrees, Rev. Heath Mullikin, director of alumni relations, presented each graduate with a SWU lapel pin and Rev. Ken Dill, associate vice president for spiritual life and university chaplain, presented them with a towel embroidered with the university seal – a symbol of servant leadership.

    Also recognized were graduates who are either currently serving military or veterans:

    Air Force: Colleen Marion, Bachelor of Science in Human Services                      

    Army: Fells Bigby, Associate of Arts in General Studies; Javier Bravo, Master of Science in Management and Leadership; Jeremy Brower, Associate of Arts in General Studies; Christopher Clifton, Bachelor of Science in Human Services; John Gallagher, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Anthony Haguewood, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Felicia Hallums, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Christopher Lycett, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Duane Nesmith, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Joshue Rico, Bachelor of Science in Human Services; Paul Whitley, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Gary Winferry, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration

    Marines: Bryan Carpenter, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Robert Colbert, Bachelor of Science in Human Services; Christopher Dillard, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Steven Henry, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Sergio Lopez-Hernandez, Bachelor of Science in Social Sciences         

    Navy: Kevin Carlton, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Tameka Matthews, Bachelor of Science in Human Services                          

    Navy Reserves: Thomas Price, Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems

    The graduation speaker was Dr. Paula Preusz Lemons, associate professor at the University of Georgia in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and a 1994 Southern Wesleyan University alumna.

    The graduation speaker was Dr. Paula Preusz Lemons, associate professor at the University of Georgia in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and a 1994 Southern Wesleyan University alumna.

    In her address, Lemons said, “I’m here to tell you, there’s only one sure way not to succeed, and that’s not to try. Go for it. When those periods of doubt hit today or in 10 years, or in 50 years, you be you. Follow Jesus. You’re a kingdom person. The world needs you. The Kingdom of God needs you.”

    Highlights of the ceremony included President Voss presenting Lemons with an honorary doctor of science degree, recognizing her life impact and distinguished service to the world in biochemistry and biology as well as her service to others in the community, demonstrated with superior character in leadership.

    Also, the University Brass Ensemble, directed by Wesley Day, affiliate professor of music, played the prelude; Dr. Don Campbell, professor of music, led in singing the hymn “Joy to the World”; and Jane Dill was the organist. Dr. Amber James, assistant professor of music, sang “Birthday of a King.” Dr. Lisa Hall-Hyman, assistant professor of education, gave the invocation; graduate Kaitlin Messick read the scripture; Rev. Ken Dill, associate vice president for spiritual life and university chaplain, led in a litany of servanthood; Dr. April White Pugh, interim provost, presented the graduates; and Laura Timmerman, assistant professor of economics and statistics, led in a prayer for the graduates and a benediction. The City of Greenville Pipes and Drums led the processional for the ceremony.

    The December 2019 graduates included:

    Aiken, S.C.
    Madelyn Edwards, Bachelor of Science in Biology; Lawanda Adams, Bachelor of Science in Nursing;  Sonya Lawrence, Bachelor of Science in Nursing

    Anderson, S.C.
    Hannah Todd, Bachelor of Science in Biology; Joseph Fant, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration;  Bryan Horton, Master of Education in Classroom Leadership; Emily Williams, Master of Education in Classroom Leadership;  Katlyn Von Ins, Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice; Lacey Schmidt, Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education;  Robert Colbert, Bachelor of Science in Human Services; Amanda Latham, Master of Business Administration; Anna Brannon, Bachelor of Science in Recreation and Sport Management

    Augusta, Ga.
    Laverne Bussey Kemp, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Paul Whitley, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration

    Boiling Springs, S.C.
    Jessica Biershenk, Master of Education in Classroom Leadership

    Bremen, Ohio
    Megan Mast, Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood and Family Studies

    Brookline, Mo.
    Felis Bigby, Associate of Arts in General Studies

    Brooksville Fla.
    Caitlynn Nixon, Bachelor of Arts in Religion

    Camden, S.C.
    Meccah Nelson, Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice

    Cary, N.C.
    Javier Bravo, Master of Science in Management and Leadership

    Cayce, S.C.
    Tara Eichelberger, Associate of Arts in General Studies

    Central, S.C.
    Amy Lewis, Master of Education in Classroom Leadership; Justyn Martin, Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems; Thomas Price, Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems;  Adam Ladd, Associate of Arts in General Studies; Kaitlin Messick, Master of Science in Management and Leadership; Magdalene Rice, Bachelor of Arts in Media Communication; Seth Williams, Bachelor of Arts in Media Communication; Cody Bolick, Bachelor of Science in Recreation and Sport Management;  Benjamin Rosenberger, Bachelor of Arts in Religion

    Charleston, S.C.
    Brianna Gibson, Master of Education in Classroom Leadership

    Charlestown, Ind.
    Kristin Orr, Master of Business Administration

    Charlotte, N.C.
    Hunter Hoskins, Master of Education in Classroom Leadership

    Clemson, S.C.
    Myles Webb, Bachelor of Science in Recreation and Sport Management

    Columbia, S.C.
    Duane Nesmith, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Jeremy Brower, Associate of Arts in General Studies; Macy Woodburn, Master of Business Administration; Ladonna Young, Master of Business Administration; Sye Watson, Bachelor of Science in Recreation and Sport Management

    Cumming, Ga.
    Stacie Peterson, Associate of Arts in General Studies

    Denton, N.C.
    Chandler Myers, Bachelor of Arts in Religion

    Easley, S.C.
    Christopher Dillard, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Lashonda Griffin, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Mariah Royce, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Amanda Trapp, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Shannon Wydman, Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood and Family Studies; Laura Wells, Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education, Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education;  Shannon Cobb, Associate of Arts in General Studies; Susie Wood, Associate of Arts in General Studies; Erin Debnam, Bachelor of Science in Human Services; Rachael Lum, Bachelor of Science Human Services; Sarah Markley, Bachelor of Science in Special Education

    Elgin, S.C.
    John Gallagher, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Taylor Scott, Master of Education in Classroom Leadership

    Enoree, S.C.
    Steven Henry, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration

    Gaffney, S.C.
    Jadzia Fernanders, Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice

    Goose Creek, S.C.
    Jacquelyn Williams, Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood and Family Studies

    Graniteville, S.C.
    Kimberly Krepps, Bachelor of Science in Nursing

    Greenville, S.C.
    Elizabeth Crane, Master of Education in Classroom Leadership; Ellen Wilson, Master of Education in Classroom Leadership; Riley Winningham, Master of Education in Classroom Leadership; Taylor Hames, Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science; Jennifer McKay, Master of Science in Management and Leadership; Sergio Lopez Hernandez, Bachelor of Science in Social Science

    Greenwood, S.C.
    Angela Rush, Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood and Family Studies; Lashonda Goodwin, Bachelor of Science in Human Services; Felicia Smith, Bachelor of Science in Human Services

    Greer, S.C.
    Stephanie Brazell, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Susan Kennemer, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Stephanie Saenz, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Lura Whitworth, Master of Business Administration

    Grover S.C.
    Jennifer Goodnite, Master of Education in Classroom Leadership

    Hephzibah, Ga.
    Gary Winferry, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration

    Hickory, N.C.
    Ashley Cross, Bachelor of Science in Special Education

    Hollywood, S.C.
    Tameka Matthews, Bachelor of Science in Human Services

    Hopkins, S.C.
    Avary McGee, Master of Business Administration

    Inman, S.C.
    Chiniqua Johnson, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration

    Jackson, S.C.
    Heather Logan, Master of Education in Classroom Leadership

    Jacksonville, Fla.
    Nathaniel Frayer, Bachelor of Science in Human Services

    Ladson, S.C.
    Daniel Dees, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Angela Nix, Associate of Arts in General Studies

    Lake Charles, La.
    Christopher Clifton, Bachelor of Science in Human Services

    Lexington, S.C.
    Katrina Nichols, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Christy Rhodes, Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood and Family Studies; Danielle Johnson, Master of Business Administration; Karen Jones, Master of Business Administration

    Liberty, S.C.
    Christopher Lycett, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Frankie Costner, Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education; Vera Cameron, Bachelor of Arts in History; Jenna Belfance, Master of Business Administration; Crystal Davis, Master of Business Administration; Madison Ramey, Bachelor of Science in Social Science

    Macon, Ga.
    Katherine Rentz, Bachelor of Science in Recreation and Sport Management

    Marietta, Ga.
    Kristi McCollum, Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood and Family Studies

    Mauldin, S.C.
    Thomas Mansell, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration

    Mount Pleasant, S.C.
    Jessica Lucas, Master of Education in Classroom Leadership

    Murrells Inlet, S.C.
    Aaron Gruber, Master of Business Administration

    Newberry, S.C.
    Stephanie Boozer, Bachelor of Science in Human Services

    Ninety Six, S.C.
    Amber Belk, Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education; Rebecca White, Bachelor of Science in Recreation and Sport Management

    North Augusta, S.C.
    Robert Rinder, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Katina Green, Associate of Arts in General Studies; Christie Reed, Associate of Arts in General Studies; Melissa Barnes, Bachelor of Science in Nursing; Rachel Soto, Bachelor of Science Nursing

    North Charleston, S.C.
    Sherina Frasier, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration

    Pendleton, S.C.
    Caitlin Yasika, Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education; Shawana Hunter, Master of Business Administration

    Perry, Ga.
    Sean Gadsden, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration

    Pickens, S.C.
    Peyton Haney, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Lori Willoughby, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Dana Fowler, Master of Education in Classroom Leadership; Tristin Childress, Bachelor of Science in Human Services; Crystal Dennis, Bachelor of Science in Human Services; Lucas Hannah, Bachelor of Science in Recreation and Sport Management

    Piedmont, S.C.
    Alejandra Godina, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Sonya Davis, Bachelor of Science in Human Services; Tina Bamberg, Master of Science in Management and Leadership;  Amanda Seals, Master of Business Administration

    Plum Branch, S.C.
    Margaret Wideman, Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood and Family Studies

    Ridgeville, S.C.
    Vladimir Jankov, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Ashley Holbird, Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood and Family Studies

    Roebuck, S.C.
    Brienna Leamon, Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood and Family Studies

    Ruffin, S.C.
    Angela Walker, Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood and Family Studies

    San Antonio, Tex.
    Swati Vyas, Master of Business Administration

    Seneca, S.C.
    Jessica Sparks, Bachelor of Science in Biology Pre-Medicine/Dentistry; Anthony Haguewood, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Jason Rogers, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Charles Webb, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Julie Bellotte, Associate of Arts in General Studies; Marissa Johnson, Bachelor of Science in Human Services

    Simpsonville S.C.
    Claudia Cadavid, Associate of Arts in General Studies; Jan Marlar-Tinsley, Associate of Arts in General Studies; Georgia Gayle, Master of Business Administration

    Six Mile, S.C.
    Ashley Porter, Master of Business Administration

    Spartanburg, S.C.
    William Crocker, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Sharon Oglesby, Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood and Family Studies; Matthew Summey, Bachelor of Science in Human Services

    Startex, S.C.
    Danielle Prado, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Chara Baxter, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration

    Summerville, S.C.
    Bryan Carpenter, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Rhondel Wade, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; William Hunter, Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice; Jessica Baker, Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood and Family Studies; Melody DeLisa, Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood and Family Studies; Myrtle Lewis, Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood and Family Studies

    Sumter, S.C.
    Michael Mota, Bachelor of Science in Physical Education

    Syracuse, N.Y.
    Daniel Wicks, Bachelor of Arts in Religion

    Taylors, S.C.
    Alexandria Colson, Master of Education in Classroom Leadership; Andrea Rosier, Master of Business Administration

    Travelers Rest, S.C.
    Ashley Burgess, Master of Education

    Trenton, S.C.
    Sincerenay Upson, Bachelor of Science in Human Services

    Walhalla, S.C.
    Abigail Neal, Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education; Josue Rico, Bachelor of Science in Human Services

    Walterboro, S.C.
    Colleen Marion, Bachelor of Science in Human Services

    West Union, S.C.
    Kathryn Ballard, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Latosha Simpson, Associate of Arts in General Studies; McKenzie Jones, Bachelor of Science in Social Science

    Westminster, S.C.
    Kevin Carlton, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Maygan Moore, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Leslie Davis-Jones, Master of Education in Classroom Leadership; Kelsey Ramey, Bachelor of Science in Math Education; James Singleton, Bachelor of Science in Recreation and Sport Management

    Williamston, S.C.
    Lauren Wanner, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Debra Chapman, Associate of Arts in General Studies; Courtney Davis, Associate of Arts in General Studies; Tyler Wanner, Bachelor of Science in Recreation and Sport Management

    Windsor, S.C.
    Latoya Bates, Master of Science in Management and Leadership

    Dominican Republic
    Santo Domingo 
    Julio Cesar Justo Hernandez, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration

    Southern Wesleyan University is a Christ-centered, student-focused learning community devoted to transforming lives by challenging students to be dedicated scholars and servant-leaders who impact the world for Christ. For details about degree programs, go online to swu.edu.

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