News Summary
Lander University celebrated its annual Honors College Awards Ceremony at the Abney Cultural Center Auditorium, recognizing graduating seniors for their remarkable achievements. Students like William Jermon Franklin excelled in research, while others like Saraiya Carr and Andrew Goforth are ready to pursue their dreams in law and education. The event highlighted personal growth outside academics, with awards for community service and leadership contributions.
Celebration of Success at Lander University’s Honors College Awards Ceremony
Greenwood, SC – The air was filled with excitement and accomplishment recently at Lander University, where the annual Honors College Awards Ceremony took place at the beautiful Abney Cultural Center Auditorium. Graduating seniors were in the spotlight, recognized for their incredible achievements and laying the foundation for their promising futures.
A Stellar Chemistry Major Shines Bright
Among the outstanding graduates was William Jermon Franklin, a chemistry major from Lexington. He didn’t just pass through his college years; he made waves! Franklin completed Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REUs) at prestigious institutions like the University of Cincinnati and the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. His research prowess earned him a remarkable second place at the South Carolina Academy of Science Conference, and he even showcased his findings at the American Chemical Society conference in Denver. But that’s not all – he was also deeply involved in campus life as a Presidential Ambassador and a senator for the Student Government Association. To top it off, he was crowned Homecoming King in 2024 and received the coveted Philosophy Discipline Award last year. As he steps into his next chapter, Franklin will be heading to the University of North Carolina at Charlotte to pursue a PhD in Chemistry.
Leadership and Law Dreams from a Daring Double Major
Saraiya Carr, another remarkable graduate, is a double major in English and History from Greenville. She’s all set to take on the world – planning to volunteer abroad for a year before diving into law school. Carr has already made her mark in leadership roles within Greek life, serving as president of the Order of Omega and the standards chair for Gamma Phi Beta. With internships at the Benjamin E. Mays Historic Site and the Jane Merrill Law Firm under her belt, she is ready to make her mark on society.
A Future History Teacher with a Heart
Andrew Goforth, a talented double major in History and English from Greenwood, has his eyes set on teaching. He will be teaching history and coaching football at Greenwood High School after completing his student teaching there. Goforth also interned at the Benjamin E. Mays Historic Site and the Greenwood Museum, and even studied abroad at the University of Stirling in Scotland. His passion for education is commendable, and he’s surely going to inspire many young minds!
From Biology to Music – A Future Dentist in the Making
Rebekah Long, a double major in Biology and Music from Greenwood, is another graduate to keep an eye on. She will continue her education at the Dental College of Georgia at Augusta University. Long has rich experiences as a surgery assistant and peer tutor, along with enchanting audiences as part of Lander’s Chamber Orchestra and Strings Trio. Not only that, but she expanded her horizons by studying abroad in Santiago, Chile, and sharing her martial arts skills as a black belt karate instructor!
Chasing Business Dreams Across the Pond
Noah Durham, a financial services major from Abbeville, will soon be pursuing his graduate studies in business analytics at the University of Southampton, marking his return to England after studying at the University of Winchester. His journey in higher education shows the global opportunities that Lander University provides.
Recognizing Excellence Beyond Academics
Dr. Lillian Craton, the director of Lander’s Honors College, commended graduates for their hard work and contributions to various fields including healthcare management, professional writing, marketing, and social work. The ceremony celebrated not only academic achievements but also personal growth and involvement.
A Night to Remember
Students were honored with the Honors Medal and Honors Pin for their academic excellence, alongside several special awards. Notable honors included the President’s Award for community service awarded to Lillian Fortenberry, Man and Woman of the Year accolades given to Luke Hopkins and Aiyana Gaines, and the Randall Bouknight Civility Champion Award going to Shannon Antonini and Dr. John Moore for upholding civility.
This splendid event underscored the critical role of student involvement outside of academics, which plays a crucial part in fostering a well-rounded college experience. Here’s to the amazing graduates of Lander University and their exciting journeys ahead!
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Additional Resources
- Lander Honors College Awards Ceremony
- Lander Student Life Awards
- Lander University Graduation Ceremony
- Wikipedia: Higher Education in the United States
- Google Search: Lander University
