Nearly 2,300 students graduated from the College of Charleston on May 8, 2010. Two ceremonies were held under the majestic oak trees in the historic Cistern Yard. Forty-three states and 30 countries were represented in the graduating class. The School of Humanities and Social Sciences graduated the largest number of students. Business administration was the most popular major and communication was a close second.
More information on the Class of 2010.
Marco Cavazzoni, vice president and general manager of Final Assembly and Delivery at Boeing Company in Charleston, gave the commencement address. He shared with the graduates a few thoughts that have served him well throughout his life: have the courage to follow your heart, don’t discount the value of hard work, strive to work for something much larger than yourself, never give up and learn from every situation, choose a profession you’re passionate about and maintain your personal compass.
Using the state of the economy as an example, he told the graduating class, “Change and uncertainty has a considerable psychological impact on the human mind. To the fearful, it is threatening because it means that things may get worse. To the hopeful it is encouraging because things may get better. To the confident it is inspiring because the challenge exists to make things better.”
College of Charleston President P. George Benson also had advice for the graduates: don’t automatically avoid the riskier choice, don’t assume the crowd is correct, do your homework, be a visionary, and learn from your mistakes. He concluded with, “In short, think like an innovator… and build your own Dreamliner.”
Charleston philanthropist Anita Zucker received an honorary degree.
Congratulations, Class of 2010!
