The Chairman of the South Carolina Ports Authority told the graduating class of the Graduate School of the College of Charleston that “having a bit of a contrarian tendency can serve you well in this very competitive world”. CEO James Newsome III was the commencement speaker during the ceremony on May 9, 2014 in the TD arena.
Over 150 students received their degrees during the ceremony.
Newsome told the graduates that there are 10 things that will help them succeed:
- Do something that you love. It is the only way that you will want to work hard enough at it to be successful.
- Focus on getting to “yes”. Finding solutions is important. Saying “no is easy, but you do not accomplish anything by doing so.
- Never compromise your integrity.
- When you make a mistake, admit it readily and fix it. We are a very forgiving society and people will respect you more for it.
- Approach whatever you do with both a positive attitude and enthusiasm.
- Focus on things you can control and improve.
- Find a balance between work and personal life.
- Master time management and learn to say “no”. Not everything requires your involvement.
- Know your strengths and weaknesses. Surround yourself with people whose strengths are your weaknesses.
- Involve yourself in public service in your community and offer to help those who do not share your good fortune.
Newsome also praised College of Charleston President George Benson during the speech. Benson is stepping down as President of the College of Charleston on June 30. He told the crowd that President Benson and his wife Jane Benson “have served this college with competence, grace and distinction over the last seven years”.
Philanthropist and community leader Edwin S. Pearlstine also received an honorary degree during the ceremony.
