One journey ends, and an exciting new one begins for 2024 Anderson University December graduates.
Anderson University conferred bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees to students in two ceremonies, taking place December 13 in the Henderson Auditorium of the Rainey Fine Arts Center.
During the morning ceremony, graduates of the College of Arts and Sciences, College of Christian Studies, College of Engineering, College of Health Professions, School of Interior Design and Center for Cybersecurity received their degrees. During the afternoon ceremony, graduates of the College of Business, College of Education, International Graduate School, School of Public Service and Administration, South Carolina School of the Arts and Center for Leadership and Organizations received their degrees.
The commencement speaker for both ceremonies was Associate Professor of Missions and Youth Ministry, Dr. Tim McKnight of the Anderson University College of Christian Studies. Dr. McKnight serves as faculty chair and has been on the Anderson University faculty since 2013.
A distinguished Army veteran of Operation Noble Eagle and Operation Enduring Freedom, Dr. McKnight has written numerous books on student ministry and is founding pastor of a church plant, Mosaic Church of Anderson. He is also a member of Clayton King Ministries speaking team. McKnight holds a bachelor of science in criminal justice from Bluefield College; also a master of divinity in missions and a Ph.D. from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.
“As you leave this place, we pray that you will be peacemakers who carry Christ alone and to your families, friendships and workplaces. We pray that you would not simply be peacekeepers who separate warring parties but peacemakers who seek to reconcile men and women to God and to each other,” said Dr. McKnight, who also urged that the graduates, regardless of their chosen field, should view their respective jobs as more than just “an end in itself” but as a calling in which God intends them to find fulfilment and share Christ’s love.
“As Christ followers, our calling is to advance the gospel and the Kingdom of Christ. With that calling in mind, we pray that you would take the message of Shalom, the message of peace, the message of the gospel you’ve heard at Anderson University and communicate it through your lips and your lives as you work in your respective fields. In so doing, you will spread the peace of Jesus Christ as His Kingdom advances through your witness,” McKnight said.
Anderson University President Dr. Evans Whitaker welcomed the 2024 winter graduates into the growing community of thousands of Anderson University alumni, stating that commencement doesn’t mark an ending but a new beginning.
Anderson University Provost, Dr. Ryan Neal, presented the graduates’ degrees as Information Services Office and Telecommunications Manager Kevin Selman went through the roll call of graduates. Also, degrees were presented to the first graduates of the International Graduate School. Giving the roll call for the IGS graduates was College of Engineering Professor Dr. Dr. Sarojini Vudumu.
Other highlights of the commencement ceremonies included the tolling of the university bell by Professor of English Dr. Bob Hanley in the morning ceremony and Dean of the School of Interior Design Anne Martin in the afternoon ceremony; the invocation given by Vice President for Christian Life Dr. Tracy Jessup; the singing of “O Come All Ye Faithful” and the Centennial Alma Mater, “The Sounds of Anderson,” directed in the morning ceremony by Associate Professor of Music Dr. Seth Killen, and in the afternoon ceremony by Associate Professor of Music Dr. Richard A. Williamson.
The benediction was given in the morning ceremony by Assistant Professor of Psychology Dr. Paula Whitaker and in the afternoon ceremony by Dean of the Anderson University International Graduate School Dr. Mark Williamson. Jerrad Fenske was the organist.
Videos of each commencement ceremony can be viewed on the Anderson University YouTube Page: