Newberry College has conferred degrees upon its largest fall graduating class, honoring 125 graduates, a beloved professor, and new inductees into the Bachman Honor Society. The commencement exercises were held Dec. 13 in Wiles Chapel.

Commencement Address

Each spring, the Student Government Association selects a Professor of the Year, whose honors include the keynote address at fall commencement. This honor was presented to the Rev. Dr. Lerone Wilder, assistant professor of religion, who joined the faculty in 2021.

“The impact of Hurricane Helene taught us that whatever the circumstances, the situation or the condition, the Wolves are built to handle the expected, the unexpected, the planned, the unplanned, the wanted and the unwanted, the seen and the unseen. The Wolves say, ‘bring it on!’” said Wilder.

“Let us now take this time of celebration and contemplation into a charge to which we must commit — the commitment to keep learning, build bridges, become a blessing … become helpful, courageous, creative and collaborative … to think critically, and to be the change we want to see,” said Wilder.

Special Awards

Newberry College took the opportunity to pay tribute to the late Rev. Dr. Mike Beggs, beloved professor of religion who passed away in October 2023. With his family in attendance, the college presented Beggs with emeritus status and the Luceo Mea Luce award, the faculty’s highest honor. The award is given to individuals whose lives of devotion, learning and service exemplify the motto, “by my light, I enlighten.” Beggs’ sons, Zach and Nathan, accepted the awards, respectively.

“Dr. Mike Beggs dedicated 21 years of service to Newberry College, enriching the lives of countless students, faculty, staff and community members,” said President Maurice Scherrens.

“Dr. Beggs was known for his open-door policy. Students could often be found in his office discussing everything from the quality of the cafeteria food to the theological complexities of the Bible and the early church fathers,” said Dr. Beth Hinga, vice president for academic affairs. “In his deliberateness and thoughtfulness, in his ability to listen, in his laughter, he enlightened us.”

Bachman Honor Society

Founded in 1962 by Phi Beta Kappa-affiliated professors, the Bachman Honor Society recognizes seniors in the top 8% of their class, as well as distinguished members of the faculty and staff. The society is named for the Rev. John Bachman, Newberry College’s principal founder and first chair of its Board of Trustees. Induction is the highest academic honor the College bestows. The following seven graduates were inducted:

Joe Castles IV, a biology major from West Columbia.

Victor Deji, a pre-engineering student from Ile-Ife, Nigeria.

Benedikt Fischer, a political science major from Regensburg, Germany.

Lea Hamilton, an elementary education major from Pomaria.

Cecil Lilly, a biology major from Edgefield.

Rachael Slayman, a psychology major from Leesville.

Taylor Spires, an early childhood education major from Winnsboro.

Among the faculty inductees were:

Matthew Fuller, professor of theatre and director of technical theatre.

Dr. Jodie Peeler, professor and chair of communications.

Dr. J. Tracy Power, associate professor of history and college archivist.

 

Class of 2024 Quick Facts

The fall class comprised 114 undergraduates and 11 master’s graduates, who represented 16 states and 10 other countries — Belarus, Canada, the Czech Republic, Ecuador, Germany, Kenya, Nigeria, Sweden, the United Kingdom and Zimbabwe. The most popular majors were respiratory therapy (18), nursing (18), business administration (10), biology (nine) and exercise science & human performance (seven).