Commencement Speeches

Ray Greenberg had big shoes to fill when he became the president of the Medical University of South Carolina in 2000. The 44-year-old provost was replacing Jim Edwards, a former governor of South Carolina and a College of Charleston alumnus, who had presided over the state university, medical center and six medical colleges for 17 years. Thirteen years later, thanks to Greenberg’s leadership, MUSC is recognized as a leading health and research university. Perhaps most important, he has continued MUSC’s core mission: the enhancement of health for residents of the Palmetto State. “The Medical University exists to preserve and optimize human life in South Carolina and beyond,” says Greenberg. “It is to that end – preserving and optimizing human life – that remains the benchmark against which we must measure our progress.”

Attorney Arlinda Locklear encourged the 2012 graduating class at the College of Charleston to consider a life dedicated to public service. View photos. “There is great work to be done in many fields,” said Locklear. “ I daresay there is a field of public service perfectly suited to every member of the 2012 graduating class. As you leave the College and embark on your life’s work, you have a responsibility to consider and an opportunity to enjoy the rewards of a life in public service.” A 1973 graduate of the College of Charleston, Locklear began her career as an attorney at the Native American Rights Fund. During her 35-year career in federal Indian law, she has represented tribes throughout the country in federal and state courts on treaty claims to water and land, taxation disputes with states and local authorities, reservation boundary issues, and federal recognition of tribes. In 1984, Locklear appeared before the U.S. Supreme Court, where she successfully challenged South Dakota’s authority to prosecute a Native American for on-reservation conduct. In doing so, she was the first Native American woman to appear before the Court.

Robert “Bobby” M. Hitt III, South Carolina Secretary of Commerce, delivered the commencement address telling the graduates, “Your contribution to the 32% of adults with four-year degrees helps build Charleston’s creative class, its manufacturing business savvy and its entrepreneurial spirit. Your talent is the backbone of a solid economy in this region, and our state as a whole.” On a lighter note, he said, “If you remember anything today, remember to thank those who have picked up the phone when you have called them for money over the past four years. Your support networks have helped you through the wild ride of college. You will always need them in life.” Hitt was appointed by Governor Nikki Haley to serve as Secretary of Commerce in January 2011. Hitt most recently was manager of corporate affairs at the BMW Manufacturing Company in Spartanburg. He is a native of Charleston and graduate of the University of South Carolina. USC recognized him as Distinguished Alumni of the Year in 2006. As director of planning and development for the Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough law firm in Columbia, Hitt was involved in bringing the BMW Manufacturing Company to the Upstate, one of the state’s largest success stories. He worked for 17 years at The State and The Columbia Record newspapers, and served as managing editor for three years. Hitt is the immediate past chairman of the S.C. Manufacturers’ Alliance, vice chairman of the Public Affairs Steering Committee for the Southeast Region of the National Association of Manufacturers and the immediate past president and tournament chairman of S.C. Charities Inc. (BMW Charity Pro-Am).

Dr. Richard Besser delivered the commencement address. Dr. Besser is the ABC News senior health and medical editor, providing medical analysis and commentary for all ABC News broadcasts and platforms. He came to ABC News in 2009 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention where he was responsible for all of CDC’s public health emergency preparedness and emergency response activities. During his commencement address, Dr. Besser encouraged the graduates to pursue their dreams. “If you are lucky enough to have something you are passionate about, don’t let it go,” Dr. Besser told the Class of 2011.

Charleston Mayor Joseph P. Riley, Jr. urged the over 500 graduates at the College of Charleston’s Winter Commencement Ceremony to create better cities. Mayor Riley was the keynote commencement speaker for the ceremony.

Nearly 2,300 students graduated from the College of Charleston on May 8, 2010. Marco Cavazzoni, vice president and general manager of Final Assembly and Delivery at Boeing Company in Charleston, gave the commencement address.

Charlotte Beers-Beadleston, Queen of Branding and one of Fortunes most powerful women in America, spoke at the spring 2009 graduations on May 9.

President P. George Benson urged graduates to build their brand and challenged them to figure out what they have to contribute to society.

Jennet Robinson Alterman, executive director of the Center for Women in Charleston delivered the address for the College of Charleston Winter Commencement on December 20, 2008. Alterman was awarded an honorary degree during the ceremony.

Ronald Tschetter, the national director of the Peace Corps was the commencement speaker for the College of Charleston Spring Graduation Ceremonies on May 10, 2008.

Nearly 2,300 students graduated from the College of Charleston on May 8, 2010. Marco Cavazzoni, vice president and general manager of Final Assembly and Delivery at Boeing Company in Charleston, gave the commencement address.

Charleston Mayor Joseph P. Riley, Jr. urged the over 500 graduates at the College of Charleston’s Winter Commencement Ceremony to create better cities. Mayor Riley was the keynote commencement speaker for the ceremony.

President P. George Benson urged graduates to build their brand and challenged them to figure out what they have to contribute to society.

Charlotte Beers-Beadleston, Queen of Branding and one of Fortunes most powerful women in America, spoke at the spring 2009 graduations on May 9.

Jennet Robinson Alterman, executive director of the Center for Women in Charleston delivered the address for the College of Charleston Winter Commencement on December 20, 2008. Alterman was awarded an honorary degree during the ceremony.

Ronald Tschetter, the national director of the Peace Corps was the commencement speaker for the College of Charleston Spring Graduation Ceremonies on May 10, 2008.