LEARNING
Commencement 2022 By Jan Joslin / Photos by Ty Cornett and Sol Photography
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he largest Charleston Southern University graduating class ever, with 776 graduates, was recognized Saturday, May 7 at North Charleston Coliseum. Ceremonies for the Classes of 2021 and 2020 were held on Buccaneer Field last spring due to COVID. Legendary Coach Lou Holtz addressed the graduates and received an Honorary Doctor of Public Service from the university. Holtz recognized Jeff Barber, CSU athletic director, who he worked with at the Uni-
He said, everyone needs four things in their life: • Something to do • Someone to love • Someone to believe in them • Something to hope for Holtz encouraged graduates to do everything to the best of their ability. “You’re either growing or you’re dying,” he said. “If you do what’s right, you build trust. Go do something great with your life.”
The Class of 2022 enters the North Charleston Coliseum.
versity of South Carolina, and CSU Football Head Coach Autry Denson, who he coached at Notre Dame. Holtz called Denson the greatest running back in Notre Dame history. He said, “Players come and go, but teammates last a lifetime.” Holtz said, “You are fortunate to be at a university where you can express your faith. Learn to put your faith in God, and great things happen.”
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After his departure from Notre Dame following the 1996 season, he joined CBS Sports’ College Football Today for two seasons as a sports analyst and worked with United States Filter, a global provider of water treatment, as a customer relations spokesman. From there he went on to coach at the University of South Carolina for six seasons from 1999- 2004 where he led the Gamecocks to back-to back January 1 bowl games for the first time in the history of the school
Coach Lou Holtz waves to the crowd after receiving an honorary doctorate.
Despite never inheriting a winning team, Holtz compiled a 243-127-7 career record that ranked him third in victories among active coaches and eighth in winning percentage. He became the 25th head coach of Notre Dame following stints at Minnesota, Arkansas, North Carolina State, and William & Mary. He spent the 1976 season as head coach of the New York Jets of the National Football League.
and defeated Ohio State in consecutive bowl appearances. In 2008, Holtz was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame, and Notre Dame dedicated a statue of him. He is the author of three books, a U.S. Army veteran, and he and his late wife, Beth, have four children and nine grandchildren. Also receiving honorary doctorates were Shirley D. Whitfield, Honorary Doctor of Public Service, and The Rev. Rob Dewey, Honorary Doctor of Christian Leadership.
Summer 2022, vol.32 no.2
7/7/22 10:35 AM
