Record number graduate from Clemson University

Published: May 7, 2010

Talking on his cell phone, a graduate lines up to receive his degree. image by: Craig Mahaffey/Clemson University

CLEMSON — A record number of Clemson University graduates crossed the stage Friday at Littlejohn Coliseum to receive their degrees.

In front of packed audiences at morning and afternoon ceremonies 2,638 Clemson students became alumni. Of those graduates, 2,157 received bachelor’s degrees, 425 earned master’s degrees and 56 received Ph.D.s.

“Remember, when you leave here today, to live so that people will see in you that which they would honor and is a reflection of this institution and your family,” U.S. Rep. James Clyburn, D-S.C., told the graduates at the morning ceremony. Clyburn spoke after receiving an Honorary Doctorate of Humanities.

“I offer my congratulations to the graduates and to the families and friends who are here today,” Clyburn said.

Clyburn, a Sumter native, is majority whip in the U.S. House of Representatives and is the first South Carolinian and the second African-American to hold the third-ranking position in the House.

As Clemson President James F. Barker, Provost Dori Helms and Clyburn each addressed the graduates, they did so behind a unique lectern. A team of student researchers constructed the lectern from the wood saved from trees that were removed from campus. Four of the Creative Inquiry project team members graduated today.

In a letter to President Barker upon the completion of the lectern, the graduating seniors wrote: “This has been a very special project where we have seen the history of Clemson, as represented in the trees of Clemson, crafted by the thoughts and energies of the people of Clemson. We now look forward to the future of Clemson being presented from the stages on which this lectern will be set.”

The graduating researchers are Nathan Asire of Greenville, who earned a master’s degree in architecture; and Eric Burress of Sumter; Kamilah Campbell of Philadelphia and Anna Eckert, of Vienna, Va., who earned their bachelor’s degrees in visual arts.

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