News Summary
Lander University recently held its Hooding and Pinning ceremony, celebrating the graduation of 167 students, including 106 graduate students and 61 online undergraduates. This event highlights the university’s response to workforce demands, showcasing its growth in graduation figures from previous years. The stories of resilience from graduates emphasized the challenges overcome during their academic journeys. As Lander prepares for its Class of 2024 commencement, it continues to enhance educational opportunities and community engagement.
Greenwood, SC – Lander University held its Hooding and Pinning ceremony, celebrating the graduation of 167 students, 106 of whom were graduate students, while 61 were online undergraduate students. This event marks a milestone for the university during its significant growth phase, as noted by Dr. Lloyd Willis, Dean of the College of Graduate and Online Studies.
The latest data indicates a robust increase in program completion, as Lander University has seen a dramatic rise in its graduation figures. Just a few years ago, in the fall semester of 2018, only 74 graduates were recorded, in addition to just two online undergraduate students. This shift toward more graduates illustrates Lander’s responsiveness to the local and national economies, workforce demands, and job market requirements.
Looking ahead, Lander University has enrolled over 1,000 graduate and online undergraduate students for the 2024-25 academic year, reflecting a continued commitment to educational growth and community service.
Diverse stories of resilience emerged during the ceremony, with many graduates returning to education after significant time away while balancing full-time employment and family obligations. The personal journeys shared highlighted individual motivations and the challenges overcome during their academic pursuits.
Among the graduates, Ann Griffith, who once served as Lander’s mascot, achieved her MBA as a tribute to her mother’s aspiration for her to complete her education, emphasizing the impact on her professional development. Leon Floyd, a special education teaching assistant, earned his master’s degree after discovering a passion for empowering students, reinforcing that it is never too late to pursue one’s goals. Additionally, Kasey Tucker sought a master’s degree in education driven by her National Guard service, aiming to enhance her leadership and mentoring skills in both military and educational environments.
Additionally, Lander University is preparing for its forthcoming commencement ceremony for the Class of 2024 on December 12, where 442 graduates are scheduled to participate. This event will feature two separate ceremonies based on academic colleges, with Dr. Shana Southard Dobbs serving as the keynote speaker. Dr. Dobbs was honored as Lander’s 2024 Distinguished Professor of the Year for her remarkable contributions to teaching and research.
Attendance at the commencement will require tickets, with each graduate allotted up to nine tickets for guests. To facilitate attendance, Lander University will provide free parking for all guests, though there will be a strict clear bag policy in place to ensure a secure environment during the ceremonies.
As Lander University continues to expand its educational reach and connect with the community, the recent hooding and pinning ceremony stands as a testament to its commitment to fostering student success and enhancing workforce capabilities.
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Additional Resources
- Lander University Commencement 2025
- Determination & Persistence at Lander Hooding Ceremony
- Lander University Commencement Set for December 12
- Pinning Ceremony Recognizes Lander’s Education Graduates
- Lander’s Commencement News
- Wikipedia: Lander University
- Google Search: Lander University commencement
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Lander University
- Google News: Lander University
Author: HERE Greenwood
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