South Carolina Lieutenant Governor Glenn McConnell will deliver the commencement address at the College of Charleston Graduation Ceremonies on May 11, 2013. The Spring Commencement Ceremonies will be held at 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Both ceremonies will be held in Cistern Yard.
The College of Charleston will also present an Honorary Degree to Trident Technical College President Mary Thornley during the ceremonies.
A 1969 graduate of the College of Charleston, McConnell later received his law degree and began his career in public service by working as a staff attorney with the Neighborhood Legal Assistance Program.
In 1980, he was elected to represent the 41st District in the South Carolina Senate, where he has served as Chairman of the Rules Committee and then as Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee. In 2001, he was elected the first Republican President Pro Tempore of the South Carolina Senate since Reconstruction. During his time as President Pro Tempore, McConnell created an atmosphere of non-partisanship and mutual respect in the Senate. As the incumbent Senate President Pro Tempore, he ascended to the office of Lt. Governor on March 13, 2012.
Thornley has been president of Trident Technical College since 1991. She started her career at the college in 1974 as an adjunct instructor. She later became a full-time instructor and moved up the ranks holding positions including program coordinator, department head and vice president for academic affairs.
Over 1500 students are expected to receive their degrees during the two ceremonies.
