SWU awards degrees to December 2019 graduates
The City of Greenville Pipes and Drums leads graduates in a processional along Wesleyan Drive, marking the start of Southern Wesleyan University's December graduation ceremony Dec. 7 in Central.
Watch the ceremony:
On Dec. 7, Southern Wesleyan University celebrated both on campus and online graduates in a ceremony at Newton Hobson Chapel and Fine Arts Center Auditorium on the Central campus.
During the ceremony, University President, Dr. Todd Voss, said to the 171 December graduates, “This day is a celebration of God’s goodness and of the bright futures that are ahead for all of these outstanding graduates. Our university challenges our students to be dedicated scholars and servant-leaders who will impact the world for Christ and today we recognize how you, our graduates, represent a hope for the world around us.”
Voss recognized graduates of the new RN to BSN and the Early Childhood and Family Studies programs. In addition to the graduates receiving their degrees, Rev. Heath Mullikin, director of alumni relations, presented each graduate with a SWU lapel pin and Rev. Ken Dill, associate vice president for spiritual life and university chaplain, presented them with a towel embroidered with the university seal – a symbol of servant leadership.
Also recognized were graduates who are either currently serving military or veterans:
Air Force: Colleen Marion, Bachelor of Science in Human Services
Army: Fells Bigby, Associate of Arts in General Studies; Javier Bravo, Master of Science in Management and Leadership; Jeremy Brower, Associate of Arts in General Studies; Christopher Clifton, Bachelor of Science in Human Services; John Gallagher, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Anthony Haguewood, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Felicia Hallums, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Christopher Lycett, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Duane Nesmith, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Joshue Rico, Bachelor of Science in Human Services; Paul Whitley, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Gary Winferry, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
Marines: Bryan Carpenter, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Robert Colbert, Bachelor of Science in Human Services; Christopher Dillard, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Steven Henry, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Sergio Lopez-Hernandez, Bachelor of Science in Social Sciences
Navy: Kevin Carlton, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Tameka Matthews, Bachelor of Science in Human Services
Navy Reserves: Thomas Price, Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems
The graduation speaker was Dr. Paula Preusz Lemons, associate professor at the University of Georgia in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and a 1994 Southern Wesleyan University alumna.
The graduation speaker was Dr. Paula Preusz Lemons, associate professor at the University of Georgia in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and a 1994 Southern Wesleyan University alumna.
In her address, Lemons said, “I’m here to tell you, there’s only one sure way not to succeed, and that’s not to try. Go for it. When those periods of doubt hit today or in 10 years, or in 50 years, you be you. Follow Jesus. You’re a kingdom person. The world needs you. The Kingdom of God needs you.”
Highlights of the ceremony included President Voss presenting Lemons with an honorary doctor of science degree, recognizing her life impact and distinguished service to the world in biochemistry and biology as well as her service to others in the community, demonstrated with superior character in leadership.
Also, the University Brass Ensemble, directed by Wesley Day, affiliate professor of music, played the prelude; Dr. Don Campbell, professor of music, led in singing the hymn “Joy to the World”; and Jane Dill was the organist. Dr. Amber James, assistant professor of music, sang “Birthday of a King.” Dr. Lisa Hall-Hyman, assistant professor of education, gave the invocation; graduate Kaitlin Messick read the scripture; Rev. Ken Dill, associate vice president for spiritual life and university chaplain, led in a litany of servanthood; Dr. April White Pugh, interim provost, presented the graduates; and Laura Timmerman, assistant professor of economics and statistics, led in a prayer for the graduates and a benediction. The City of Greenville Pipes and Drums led the processional for the ceremony.
The December 2019 graduates included:
Aiken, S.C.
Madelyn Edwards, Bachelor of Science in Biology; Lawanda Adams, Bachelor of Science in Nursing; Sonya Lawrence, Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Anderson, S.C.
Hannah Todd, Bachelor of Science in Biology; Joseph Fant, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Bryan Horton, Master of Education in Classroom Leadership; Emily Williams, Master of Education in Classroom Leadership; Katlyn Von Ins, Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice; Lacey Schmidt, Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education; Robert Colbert, Bachelor of Science in Human Services; Amanda Latham, Master of Business Administration; Anna Brannon, Bachelor of Science in Recreation and Sport Management
Augusta, Ga.
Laverne Bussey Kemp, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Paul Whitley, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
Boiling Springs, S.C.
Jessica Biershenk, Master of Education in Classroom Leadership
Bremen, Ohio
Megan Mast, Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood and Family Studies
Brookline, Mo.
Felis Bigby, Associate of Arts in General Studies
Brooksville Fla.
Caitlynn Nixon, Bachelor of Arts in Religion
Camden, S.C.
Meccah Nelson, Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
Cary, N.C.
Javier Bravo, Master of Science in Management and Leadership
Cayce, S.C.
Tara Eichelberger, Associate of Arts in General Studies
Central, S.C.
Amy Lewis, Master of Education in Classroom Leadership; Justyn Martin, Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems; Thomas Price, Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems; Adam Ladd, Associate of Arts in General Studies; Kaitlin Messick, Master of Science in Management and Leadership; Magdalene Rice, Bachelor of Arts in Media Communication; Seth Williams, Bachelor of Arts in Media Communication; Cody Bolick, Bachelor of Science in Recreation and Sport Management; Benjamin Rosenberger, Bachelor of Arts in Religion
Charleston, S.C.
Brianna Gibson, Master of Education in Classroom Leadership
Charlestown, Ind.
Kristin Orr, Master of Business Administration
Charlotte, N.C.
Hunter Hoskins, Master of Education in Classroom Leadership
Clemson, S.C.
Myles Webb, Bachelor of Science in Recreation and Sport Management
Columbia, S.C.
Duane Nesmith, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Jeremy Brower, Associate of Arts in General Studies; Macy Woodburn, Master of Business Administration; Ladonna Young, Master of Business Administration; Sye Watson, Bachelor of Science in Recreation and Sport Management
Cumming, Ga.
Stacie Peterson, Associate of Arts in General Studies
Denton, N.C.
Chandler Myers, Bachelor of Arts in Religion
Easley, S.C.
Christopher Dillard, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Lashonda Griffin, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Mariah Royce, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Amanda Trapp, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Shannon Wydman, Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood and Family Studies; Laura Wells, Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education, Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education; Shannon Cobb, Associate of Arts in General Studies; Susie Wood, Associate of Arts in General Studies; Erin Debnam, Bachelor of Science in Human Services; Rachael Lum, Bachelor of Science Human Services; Sarah Markley, Bachelor of Science in Special Education
Elgin, S.C.
John Gallagher, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Taylor Scott, Master of Education in Classroom Leadership
Enoree, S.C.
Steven Henry, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
Gaffney, S.C.
Jadzia Fernanders, Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
Goose Creek, S.C.
Jacquelyn Williams, Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood and Family Studies
Graniteville, S.C.
Kimberly Krepps, Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Greenville, S.C.
Elizabeth Crane, Master of Education in Classroom Leadership; Ellen Wilson, Master of Education in Classroom Leadership; Riley Winningham, Master of Education in Classroom Leadership; Taylor Hames, Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science; Jennifer McKay, Master of Science in Management and Leadership; Sergio Lopez Hernandez, Bachelor of Science in Social Science
Greenwood, S.C.
Angela Rush, Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood and Family Studies; Lashonda Goodwin, Bachelor of Science in Human Services; Felicia Smith, Bachelor of Science in Human Services
Greer, S.C.
Stephanie Brazell, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Susan Kennemer, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Stephanie Saenz, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Lura Whitworth, Master of Business Administration
Grover S.C.
Jennifer Goodnite, Master of Education in Classroom Leadership
Hephzibah, Ga.
Gary Winferry, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
Hickory, N.C.
Ashley Cross, Bachelor of Science in Special Education
Hollywood, S.C.
Tameka Matthews, Bachelor of Science in Human Services
Hopkins, S.C.
Avary McGee, Master of Business Administration
Inman, S.C.
Chiniqua Johnson, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
Jackson, S.C.
Heather Logan, Master of Education in Classroom Leadership
Jacksonville, Fla.
Nathaniel Frayer, Bachelor of Science in Human Services
Ladson, S.C.
Daniel Dees, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Angela Nix, Associate of Arts in General Studies
Lake Charles, La.
Christopher Clifton, Bachelor of Science in Human Services
Lexington, S.C.
Katrina Nichols, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Christy Rhodes, Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood and Family Studies; Danielle Johnson, Master of Business Administration; Karen Jones, Master of Business Administration
Liberty, S.C.
Christopher Lycett, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Frankie Costner, Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education; Vera Cameron, Bachelor of Arts in History; Jenna Belfance, Master of Business Administration; Crystal Davis, Master of Business Administration; Madison Ramey, Bachelor of Science in Social Science
Macon, Ga.
Katherine Rentz, Bachelor of Science in Recreation and Sport Management
Marietta, Ga.
Kristi McCollum, Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood and Family Studies
Mauldin, S.C.
Thomas Mansell, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
Mount Pleasant, S.C.
Jessica Lucas, Master of Education in Classroom Leadership
Murrells Inlet, S.C.
Aaron Gruber, Master of Business Administration
Newberry, S.C.
Stephanie Boozer, Bachelor of Science in Human Services
Ninety Six, S.C.
Amber Belk, Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education; Rebecca White, Bachelor of Science in Recreation and Sport Management
North Augusta, S.C.
Robert Rinder, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Katina Green, Associate of Arts in General Studies; Christie Reed, Associate of Arts in General Studies; Melissa Barnes, Bachelor of Science in Nursing; Rachel Soto, Bachelor of Science Nursing
North Charleston, S.C.
Sherina Frasier, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
Pendleton, S.C.
Caitlin Yasika, Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education; Shawana Hunter, Master of Business Administration
Perry, Ga.
Sean Gadsden, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
Pickens, S.C.
Peyton Haney, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Lori Willoughby, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Dana Fowler, Master of Education in Classroom Leadership; Tristin Childress, Bachelor of Science in Human Services; Crystal Dennis, Bachelor of Science in Human Services; Lucas Hannah, Bachelor of Science in Recreation and Sport Management
Piedmont, S.C.
Alejandra Godina, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Sonya Davis, Bachelor of Science in Human Services; Tina Bamberg, Master of Science in Management and Leadership; Amanda Seals, Master of Business Administration
Plum Branch, S.C.
Margaret Wideman, Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood and Family Studies
Ridgeville, S.C.
Vladimir Jankov, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Ashley Holbird, Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood and Family Studies
Roebuck, S.C.
Brienna Leamon, Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood and Family Studies
Ruffin, S.C.
Angela Walker, Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood and Family Studies
San Antonio, Tex.
Swati Vyas, Master of Business Administration
Seneca, S.C.
Jessica Sparks, Bachelor of Science in Biology Pre-Medicine/Dentistry; Anthony Haguewood, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Jason Rogers, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Charles Webb, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Julie Bellotte, Associate of Arts in General Studies; Marissa Johnson, Bachelor of Science in Human Services
Simpsonville S.C.
Claudia Cadavid, Associate of Arts in General Studies; Jan Marlar-Tinsley, Associate of Arts in General Studies; Georgia Gayle, Master of Business Administration
Six Mile, S.C.
Ashley Porter, Master of Business Administration
Spartanburg, S.C.
William Crocker, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Sharon Oglesby, Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood and Family Studies; Matthew Summey, Bachelor of Science in Human Services
Startex, S.C.
Danielle Prado, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Chara Baxter, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
Summerville, S.C.
Bryan Carpenter, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Rhondel Wade, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; William Hunter, Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice; Jessica Baker, Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood and Family Studies; Melody DeLisa, Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood and Family Studies; Myrtle Lewis, Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood and Family Studies
Sumter, S.C.
Michael Mota, Bachelor of Science in Physical Education
Syracuse, N.Y.
Daniel Wicks, Bachelor of Arts in Religion
Taylors, S.C.
Alexandria Colson, Master of Education in Classroom Leadership; Andrea Rosier, Master of Business Administration
Travelers Rest, S.C.
Ashley Burgess, Master of Education
Trenton, S.C.
Sincerenay Upson, Bachelor of Science in Human Services
Walhalla, S.C.
Abigail Neal, Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education; Josue Rico, Bachelor of Science in Human Services
Walterboro, S.C.
Colleen Marion, Bachelor of Science in Human Services
West Union, S.C.
Kathryn Ballard, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Latosha Simpson, Associate of Arts in General Studies; McKenzie Jones, Bachelor of Science in Social Science
Westminster, S.C.
Kevin Carlton, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Maygan Moore, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Leslie Davis-Jones, Master of Education in Classroom Leadership; Kelsey Ramey, Bachelor of Science in Math Education; James Singleton, Bachelor of Science in Recreation and Sport Management
Williamston, S.C.
Lauren Wanner, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Debra Chapman, Associate of Arts in General Studies; Courtney Davis, Associate of Arts in General Studies; Tyler Wanner, Bachelor of Science in Recreation and Sport Management
Windsor, S.C.
Latoya Bates, Master of Science in Management and Leadership
Dominican Republic
Santo Domingo
Julio Cesar Justo Hernandez, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
Southern Wesleyan University is a Christ-centered, student-focused learning community devoted to transforming lives by challenging students to be dedicated scholars and servant-leaders who impact the world for Christ. For details about degree programs, go online to swu.edu.
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