A Cause for Celebration

A Cause for Celebration

PC sets the stage for the Class of 2023

An Event Fit for a Founder

The red carpet was rolled out for PC’s most generous donors this past spring. William Plumer Jacobs Society members were recognized for their dedication to the College during the annual WPJ Society Gala at the Poinsett Club in Greenville, S.C., on April 5.

“We are thankful for the vision of our founder, Dr. William Plumer Jacobs, who set PC on a course for success in 1880,” said President Staton. “This society, named in his honor, recognizes our most loyal and transformational donors who believe in Presbyterian College and the excellent educational experience that we offer our students.

“We are grateful to have an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the members of the William Plumer Jacobs Society.”

The giving society is composed of individuals, churches, foundations and corporations whose lifetime giving exceeds $100,000 in support of the College.

The annual William Plumer Jacobs Society Dinner recognized the generosity of the distinguished, new and advancing members of the WPJ Society. The Tartan Gathering celebrated patrons, guardians and annual leadership-level donors. WPJ Society members were the honored guests during the Tartan Gathering.

Greenville, S.C.-based rhythm and blues band Kami Ocean and The Rhythm performed at the event.

Please visit presby.edu/giving/wpj/ for more about the William Plumer Jacobs Society, including a list of this year’s honorees and pictures from the event.

Class of 2019 Takes the Stage

Lesley Preston, PC’s 2019 Professor of the Year, looked out to the Class of 2019 this spring and offered an anecdote from Disney’s “Christopher Robin.” The professor of theatre said she was anticipating a “graduation” of her own into retirement and shared passages from the film, notably how Christopher Robin had to leave his PC, Pooh Corner.

She argued, like the film, growing up and having a successful, fulfilling life doesn't require abandoning youth altogether. She advised the graduates to embrace their youth instead.

"Being young means being filled with joy, being impatient for change, being open to imagining new possibilities. Being young is powerful," Preston said.

“Today might feel a little bit sad because a part of your life is ending, but it is also joyful because you are commencing your grand adventure, your new lives, and adventures should always be started with joy.”

Two hundred thirty graduating seniors from the College of Arts & Sciences began their new adventures at the College’s 136th Commencement on May 11.

Proud guests, faculty and staff members looked on, eager to watch the graduates walk across the stage inside Templeton Gymnasium.

PC’s Outstanding Senior of the Year, Lance Harvey ’19, spoke to his fellow seniors about the importance of investing in oneself. He learned the lesson when he overcame academic struggles and regained his passion for learning.

President Staton told the class that professors, coaches and staff members would help them grow and instill PC’s values of community, excellence, honor and service in each of them.

“Today as I have the privilege of handing you your diploma,” Staton said, “it is evident to me and all of those here to celebrate your accomplishments that you have grown. As you receive your diploma and move forward with your life, go forward committed to being passionate about all you do and making our world a better place.”

Justin Davidson, Kristin Miller and Clay Wright were recognized as valedictorians for the Class of 2019. EG Lassiter ’69, chairman of the PC Board of Trustees, presented Mike LeFever ’69 with PC’s honorary degree, the Doctor of Public Service, honoris causa.

A day earlier, the Presbyterian College School of Pharmacy graduated its sixth Class of doctors of pharmacy during the School’s hooding ceremony in Belk Auditorium. Seventy-four students earned their degrees and doctoral hoods.

2019 marks the 100 year anniversary of the Highlander Battalion ROTC program at PC. This year’s ROTC Commissioning and Hall of Fame Ceremony took place in Edmunds Hall. Brendon P. Mitchell ’19 was among the cadets commissioned as second lieutenants in the U. S. Army. Mitchell will serve in the Ordnance Active Duty.

Emma Shaw ’20 received the 2019 Kimberly Hampton Leadership award, and Col. John T. Gentry Jr. ’91 was honored as the 2019 Presbyterian College ROTC Hall of Fame inductee.

A few months after the Class of 2019 turned their tassels and became alumni, PC welcomed the Class of 2023.

Dr. Amy Davis, director of Academic Success and Retention, delivered the address at Opening Convocation Aug. 27, inspiring both incoming and returning students to take advantage of their “spectacular now.”

She said their success would be defined by not only their academic achievements but also by their development as citizens. New students, faculty and staff signed the Honor Code following convocation.

Students in the Class of 2020 begin their final year this fall, looking ahead to May when they too will start their own grand adventures.