More than 1,600 students graduated from the College of Charleston on May 7, 2011. Two ceremonies were held under the majestic oak trees in the historic Cistern Yard. Forty-one states and 33 countries were represented in the graduating class. The Class of 2011 included the first graduates in the College’s newest majors: women’s and gender studies, and international studies. View photos from the ceremony.
View highlights of the ceremonies. Full videos of both ceremonies will be available soon.
Dr. Richard Besser delivered the commencement address. Dr. Besser is the ABC News senior health and medical editor, providing medical analysis and commentary for all ABC News broadcasts and platforms. He came to ABC News in 2009 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention where he was responsible for all of CDC’s public health emergency preparedness and emergency response activities.
During his commencement address, Dr. Besser encouraged the graduates to pursue their dreams.
“If you are lucky enough to have something you are passionate about, don’t let it go,” Dr. Besser told the Class of 2011.
Honorary degrees were also awarded to John Ziegler and Tony Meyer. The College confers honorary degrees in recognition of outstanding intellectual or creative achievements in scholarship, high distinction in service to humanity, including meritorious contributions to the College or for exemplary leadership in education, business, public service, or other appropriate sector of society.
At almost 99 years old, John Ziegler is well-known for his poetry and beloved by College of Charleston alumni from years past as the owner of the Book Basement (1941 – 1971). From scholarships to support for competitions, Mr. Ziegler has given close to $1,000,000 to the College. Recognizing his efforts to help its students, the College honored him with the Alumni Medal of Honor in 2010.
Tony Meyer is the unofficial “keeper of traditions” for the College. A native of Charleston, he graduated from the College in 1949 and joined the faculty in 1954. In addition to teaching, he coached basketball, tennis, and track and field and served as Athletic Director, Dean of Men, and Director of Student Activities and Residence Halls. He received the Alumni Award of Honor and is a member of the College’s Athletic Hall of Fame.
