Coastal Carolina University honors graduates
Commencement speaker William W. Wilkins, chief judge of the Circuit Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit, urged graduates to consider careers in the public sector. “There is so much good that you can accomplish,” said Wilkins, who has served on the federal court for 25 years and is the top federal judge in a five-state area that includes South Carolina. “Seize every opportunity to do more good things that will live beyond our years.”
Wilkins received the honorary degree of Doctor of Public Service along with Gerrita Postlewait, superintendent for Horry County Schools, and David Harwell, a retired chief justice of the Supreme Court of South Carolina. Myrtle Beach photographer Jack Thompson received the honorary degree Doctor of Fine Arts.
Two students received for the President's Award for Academic Achievement, which recognizes students with the highest cumulative grade point averages. The recipients of the award were Jason Adamec, a marine science major of Niskayuna, N.Y., and Lena Butingaro, a history major of Myrtle Beach. Both students earned perfect 4.0 grade point averages for all their collegiate work.
Nine retiring faculty members were recognized during the ceremony. They are: Wade K. Baird, distinguished professor emeritus; Darcy R. Carr, distinguished professor emeritus; Richard F. Dame, distinguished professor emeritus; Val Dunham, distinguished professor emeritus; James F. Eason, emeritus professor; Claudia J. McCollough, emeritus professor; Daniel A. Selwa, emeritus professor; J. Touzel, distinguished professor emeritus; and Philip Schneider, emeritus professor.