Despite commencement being postponed because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, 515 students graduated from Anderson University at the conclusion of the 2019-2020 academic year as part of the Class of 2020.
Amid the challenging and unprecedented circumstances it faced, the Anderson University Class of 2020 is incredibly accomplished. In total, 436 students earned a bachelor’s degree and 66 earned a master’s degree. In addition, four students completed a doctorate program and another nine earned a graduate certificate.
(Learn more about our graduates, their accomplishments and watch special tribute videos on our Class of 2020 Commencement page here.)
Notably, the Class of 2020 included the first graduates of new programs, including two students earning a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science; three earning a Bachelor of Arts in Dance; and one earning a Doctor of Ministry in 21st Century Ministry.
Further, a student earned three degrees simultaneously, and two more earned dual degrees.
Sergio Salas earned a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice; Homeland Security and Emergency Management; and Spanish. He had a dual minor in business and sociology, and graduated cum laude.
William Philip Bray earned a Bachelor of Arts in Christian Ministry and a Bachelor of Science in Business Management; and Sofia Irene Lawson earned a Bachelor of Arts in Dance and a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry.
Honorary doctorates were conferred upon Jack Shaw, founder, chairman and president of Shaw Resources, Inc., a residential and commercial real estate and property management company; and Robert M. Rainey, a retired environmental engineer and nonprofit executive and chairman of the Stringer Foundation and the Callie and John Rainey Foundation.
Dr. Chuck Fuller, associate professor of Christian Studies and director of the Anderson University Honors Program, is the recipient of the 2019-2020 Boles Award, given annually as the Anderson University Excellence in Teaching award for full-time faculty. Miranda Brakefield, who teaches theatre at the South Carolina School of the Arts at Anderson University, is the 2019-2020 Excellence in Teaching award-winner for part-time faculty.
A postponed in-person commencement to celebrate the Class of 2020 is planned for Friday, Oct. 2, 2020, at 10 a.m. on Alumni Lawn.