Under the shade of live oak trees draped with Spanish moss, United States Senator Tim Scott told the College of Charleston Class of 2014 that great things are in store for them. Senator Scott was the featured speaker for the 2014 College of Charleston May Commencement in historic Cistern Yard.
Over 1,800 students received undergraduate degrees during the two ceremonies.
Scott told the crowd that growing up poor in a single parent household in North Charleston was not easy. He admitted that he was not a good student in high school and failed several classes. However, he said that his life turned around when he met John Moniz. Moniz owned a Chick-fil-A franchise where Scott was employed and later became Scott’s mentor. Moniz convinced Scott that he could use his intelligence and problem-solving skills to find a way out of poverty and become successful.
Scott urged the graduating class to use their skills and knowledge to become mentors, too.
The Senator also had three pieces of advice for the graduates:
- Failure is not final, if you do not quit.
- If you want to stand out in life, you must stand up for somebody who is not able to stand for themselves.
- In order to walk on water, you must first get out of the boat.
Senator Scott was sworn into office in 2013 to fill the U.S. Senate seat vacated by Jim DeMint. Prior to the Senate, Scott was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives to represent the 1st district in South Carolina.
Also during the commencement ceremonies, honorary degrees were granted to philanthropist Marlene Addlestone and College of Charleston Board of Trustee Emerita Marie Land.
This graduation also marks the last ceremony for College of Charleston President George Benson. Benson is stepping down as president of the College on June 30, 2014.