Education

Berkeley Co. residents receive degrees at FMU commencement exercises

by Nikki Gaskins Campbell

francis marion universityBERKELEY COUNTY, S.C.–Three hundred and five degrees were awarded during commencement exercise at Francis Marion University Saturday, Dec. 13.

James H. “Jay” Lucas, speaker pro tempore for the S.C. House of Representatives and attorney and one of the three recipients of honorary doctoral degrees, delivered the commencement address. Lucas told graduates that integrity and perspective along with faith, family, and friendships pave the path to success. He also encouraged students to live in the present.

“If you focus solely on the end destination, you’ll win the wonder and beauty of the journey you’re about to embark,” said Lucas.

Two FMU students completed degree requirements with a cumulative grade point average of 3.9 or higher and received their degrees summa cum laude (with highest honors). They were Ronal Lanier Cribb II of Marion and Macey Deanna Owens of Hemingway.

Receiving degrees magna cum laude (with high honor) were eight students who completed degree requirements with a cumulative grade point average between 3.75 and 3.89. They were Ashley Elizabeth Bird, Duane Quinton Gray, Rachel Christina Rushing and Diamond Kadedra Lisa Turner all of Florence; Jessica Katherine Isgett of Darlington; Pascal Magiera of Hemmingen, Germany; Jennifer Keely McColl of Clio; and Olivia Renee Zielinski of Greenville.

Seven students completed degree requirements with a grade point average between 3.50 and 3.74 and received their degrees cum laude (with honor).

They were Stephanie Cheryl Berry of Latta; Erica Monique Burgess of Kingstree; William Clary Bynum Jr. and Kiefer Ross Johnson of Florence; Weston Brooks Cranford of Cheraw; Tracy Ann Howard of Marion; and Ken Johnson of Manning.

Honorary Doctor of Humanities degrees were conferred upon Dorothy M. Harris, retired FMU professor of elementary education; Lucas; and Henry M. Swink, co-owner of McCall Farms, Inc.

In August of 1985, Harris joined the faculty of Francis Marion University as Coordinator of Early Childhood Education, and has devoted more than 40 years of experience to the field.

Lucas was elected to the S.C. House of Representatives in 1998 and was elected Speaker Pro Tempore on November 17, 2010.  He currently serves as the Acting Speaker of the S.C. House.

Swink is co-owner of McCall Farms, Inc., a food processing company that manufactures and markets canned fruits and vegetables throughout the United States. He served as a director of First Federal Bank.

Dr. Richard N. Chapman, provost at FMU, presided at the commencement ceremony, Dr. Luther F. Carter, president of FMU, gave the official welcome and conferred the degrees.

Dr. Jon W. Tuttle, director of the FMU Honors Program and professor of English, presented honor cords to Duane Quinton Gray and Diamond Kadedra Lisa Turner of Florence. Honor cords are presented to graduates who compile a minimum grade point average of 3.25 for all academic work and for a minimum of 21 hours in Honors courses.

L. Franklin Elmore, a member of the FMU Board of Trustees, presented diplomas to graduate students, while George C. McIntyre, chair of the FMU Board of Trustees, presented diplomas to undergraduate students.

FMU Graduates From Berkeley Co.:

  • Ebony Ashley Butler, St. Stephen, Bachelor of Science, Sociology
  • Marc Julian Coaxum, Goose Creek, Bachelor of Science, Economics
  • Asa Khari Fludd, Pineville, Bachelor of Arts, English-Professional Writing
  • Sakina Nailah Venning, Huger, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Nursing

 
Nikki Gaskins Campbell
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