Nearly 1,800 undergraduate and graduate students will participate in the College of Charleston’s Spring Commencement exercises on May 6 & 7, 2016.

At the College’s iconic graduation ceremony on Mother’s Day weekend, undergraduate students wear white dresses and white tuxedos. Against the backdrop of historic Randolph Hall and the Cistern Yard’s signature live oaks, the scene is among the most remarkable and memorable in all of higher education.

Beyond the beauty and regalia of the ceremony is a diverse collection of graduates – 1,641 undergraduates and 146 graduate students. The youngest undergraduate is 20, and the oldest is 69.

The undergraduate major with the largest number of graduates is business administration, while the school with the largest number of graduates is the School of Humanities and Social Sciences.

This year’s top honors were awarded to the following graduates:

Bishop Robert Smith Award – Patricia Cooney
  • This is the highest and most selective honor an undergraduate can achieve at the College of Charleston.
Theodore S. Stern Cup Award – Warren Steele III
The Theodore S. Stern Cup Award – Wesli Jones
  • Named for the late Ted Stern, president of the College from 1968-1978, this award honors the most deserving member of the senior class.
Alexander Chambliss Connelley Award – Olivia Cohen
  •  This award is presented to the student of the senior class who has made the most unselfish contribution to the student body and the College of Charleston.
For a closer look at the Class of 2016, visit the Graduating Class Profile website.

Details about this year’s commencement speakers and honorary degree recipients can be found on The College Today.