College Holds Spring 2016 Commencement

The Hon. Richard E. Fields, retired South Carolina Circuit Court judge, receives an honorary degree from the College of Charleston.

Under a canopy of live oak trees draped in Spanish moss, the College of Charleston awarded over 2,000 degrees to the graduating class of 2016 during three ceremonies on May 6 and May 7, 2016.

All of the ceremonies took place in the College’s iconic Cistern Yard.

This was the first time in school history that the three ceremonies had three different commencement speakers.

U.S. Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James

U.S. Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James was the commencement speaker on the night of Friday, May 6.

Secretary James reminded the graduates that as they pass beneath the arch of Porters Lodge, they will enter into an exciting and dynamic world. She said that their education will help them succeed.

“You may not have all the answers right now, but the College of Charleston has given you an educational and moral compass to help guide the next chapter of your lives.”

The Hon. Michael Luttig, executive vice president of The Boeing Company, addressed the graduates during the Saturday morning ceremony on May 7, while Mike Couick, president & CEO of the Electric Cooperatives of South Carolina, was the speaker for the Saturday afternoon program.

The college also presented honorary degrees to the Hon. Richard E. Fields, retired South Carolina Circuit Court judge and S.C. Sen. Hugh Leatherman.

For more information on this year’s graduating class, take a look at the Class of 2016: By the Numbers.