Dozens of family members and friends gathered in the Abney Cultural Center Auditorium on April 17 to recognize the accomplishments of graduating seniors of Lander University’s Honors College.
“Our students are committed, ambitious and brave,” proclaimed Dr. Lillian Craton, director of The Honors College, and professor of English. “They contribute to their community, support each other, and make my job an absolute joy!”
Honors Medal
The Honors Medal is a bronze medallion worn around the neck during the graduating senior’s commencement ceremony. It is the most elite award presented by The Honors College.
To receive this medal, students must maintain high grades while taking an array of honors courses and complete a major challenge beyond Lander’s campus - often referred to as their breakaway. This may include studying abroad, original scientific research, a high-level internship or a major contribution to an important cause.
“Whatever they choose, these students took a leap into the unknown and proved to themselves, and to us, that they can rise to any challenge,” noted Craton.
Recipients of the 2023 Honors Medal: Matthew Bailey, of Leesville; Jordan Cannon, of Chapin; Maya Chandler, of Simpsonville; Courtney Clavel, of Bluffton; Sheyla Cortes-Leyva, of Greenville; Mia Crankfield, of Conway; Aaron ‘AJ’ Davidson, of North Augusta; Ayla Edmiston, of Cayce; Ali Faile, of Lancaster; Brianna Ferullo-Szakacs, Bluffton; Moises Joban Flores, of Saluda; David Eric Floyd, of Troy; Thomas Histon, of Greenville; Luke Jamison Hopkins, of Donalds; Elisabeth Howansky, of Westminster; Reagan Hunter,of Fort Mill; Justin Leonhardt, Mauldin; Mitchell Miller, of Boiling Springs; Bongwe Ngwenyama, of Zimbabwe; Miranda Scott, of Abbeville; Alyssa Still, of Barnwell; and Sarah Wise, of Bluffton.
Honors Pin
The Honors Pin is awarded to students who have earned recognition through maintaining high grades throughout their rigorous coursework, taking classes that challenge them to explore the world beyond their major and are active members of the campus community.
Recipients of the 2023 Honors Pin: Taylor Nicole Fendley, of Anderson; Molly Foxworth, of Inman; Isabella Nicole Jones, of Lancaster; Shelby Machado, of Fountain Inn; Emily ‘Abby’ Mitchum, of Abbeville; Houston Moore, of Little Mountain; Nathan Seigler, of Leesville; and Leah Tuten, of Estill.
Alpha Chi National Honor Society
Alpha Chi National Society is an exclusive honor society that recognizes top academic achievers. To be eligible, student must rank in the top 10% of their class and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.5.
Graduating seniors of Lander’s chapter of Alpha Chi were presented blue and green honor cords to wear during their upcoming commencement exercise. Dr. Whitney Craig, faculty advisor for Alpha Chi and assistant professor of Chemistry, presented the cords.
Senior Members of Alpha Chi: Emily Banks, of Taylors; Sidney Bush, of Chapin; Jordan Cannon, of Chapin; Kaitlyn Nicole Charping, of Starr; of North Augusta; Lillian Fortenberry, of Edgefield; Taylor Kirkland, of Greenwood; Alex Langley, of Greenwood; Tashure Lott, of Union; Bongwe Ngwenyama, of Zimbabwe; Missy O’Toole, of Irmo; Katelyn Elizabeth Ramey, of Anderson; Cameron Smith, of Niota, Tennessee; James Brandon Weeks, of Orangeburg; and Glenn Williams, of Lexington.