A record number of graduates are set to participate in Anderson University’s 2018 commencement exercises.
The Anderson University Class of 2018, the largest in school history, is being honored at a commencement ceremony featuring guest speaker South Carolina Rep. Brian White.
Commencement is scheduled for Saturday, May 12 at 10 a.m. on the AU’s Alumni Lawn. In the event of inclement weather, two ceremonies will be held – one for undergraduates, and another for master’s and professional graduates – at NewSpring Church. Graduate commencement at NewSpring will take place at 9 a.m., with undergraduate commencement at 10:30 a.m.
AU’s class of 2018 includes a record number of graduates as the school continues its growth trend. Of those graduating, 450 are undergraduates; 92 are receiving a master degree; and one is receiving a doctorate. The total includes 26 students completing the AU Honors Program – another record – and four receiving a post-master Psychiatric Mental Nurse Practitioner Certificate, the first in school history.
“Anderson University is enormously proud of our Class of ’18 graduates, and excited to see where their future journey leads,” said AU President Dr. Evans Whitaker.
About the 2018 commencement speaker
Brian White represents District 6 in the South Carolina House of Representatives. He has served the people of Anderson County since 2001. White was born on July 20, 1967 in Anderson, South Carolina to Earl and Sara White. A lifelong resident of South Carolina, he graduated from Dixie High School and attended Erskine College. After school, he worked in his family business as a flight instructor. Brian now works as an insurance agent at Marsh & McLennan Agency in Greenville.
Since he was elected to the South Carolina House, Brian has held many leadership positions. In 2011, he was elected Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee. In this role, White manages the House version of the state budget and serves as a member of the State Fiscal Accountability Authority. In addition, he serves on the Joint Bond Review Committee, which reviews large capital improvement projects in South Carolina. Brian also has chaired the House Rules Committee.
Brian is also an avid sportsman and outdoorsman. He served as South Carolina’s Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus Chairman from 2011 – 2013. He currently serves as Vice President of the National Assembly of Sportsmen’s Caucuses and formerly on the Palmetto Pride Board and the Clemson University Forestry and Natural Resources Advisory Board. In 2012, Brian was honored with the Southeast Legislator of the Year Award for the National Assembly of Sportsmen’s Caucuses.
Brian is married to Courtney Bell White and the couple has three daughters Amelia, Isabelle and Madeline. A member of First Presbyterian Church of Anderson, Brian and his family live in Anderson.