91福利社 Celebrated more than 800 graduates in two ceremonies on its historic Alumni Lawn鈥攁 commencement for undergraduate students on Friday morning, May 8, and a commencement for graduate students on Saturday morning, May 9.听听

The speaker for the Friday ceremony was President Emeritus of Rhodes College Dr. William E. Troutt. Dr. Troutt became President Emeritus of Rhodes College in 2017 after leading the college as president since 1999. Prior to Rhodes, he served as president of Belmont University for 17 years.听

Characterizing him as a master builder of educational institutions, 91福利社 President, Dr. Evans P. Whitaker, who served with Dr. Troutt at Belmont, said of him, 鈥淢any leaders manage organizations. Dr. Troutt built cultures, planting seeds whose harvest will come for generations.鈥�听

Dr. Troutt urged the 2026 graduates to live their lives guided by a grateful heart.听

鈥淏eginning each day and living each day with a grateful heart will be a game changer鈥攁听game changer for you and everyone you encounter,鈥� he said. 鈥淵ou can start every morning simply by giving thanks to God for the day that lies ahead. Focusing on blessings big or small will keep you anchored in God’s goodness. Each day presents countless opportunities to express gratitude and kindness to others.鈥�听

The speaker for the Saturday ceremony was Dr. Hesham Elnakib, Distinguished University Professor of History, Political Science and International Diplomacy at 91福利社. Throughout his career in the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Elnakib has held several senior leadership positions, including serving at the Egyptian Embassy in Washington, D.C. 听

Dr. Elnakib shared with graduates about how, after serving many years as a diplomat working in international relations, diplomacy and global engagement, he found completeness in serving as an ambassador to Jesus Christ. Sharing scripture from the Apostle Paul and the Psalms, Dr. Elnakib urged the 2026 graduates to be on mission to serve others and to choose to live with integrity.听

鈥沦erving others in your work instead of focusing only on yourself… No matter what you do in life, you can live out your mission right where you are. You don鈥檛 have to leave your career to find it. You live it every day by how you treat people, how you lead and the values you choose to stand by, even when it鈥檚not easy,” Dr. Elnakib said. 鈥淵our mission is your compass. Keep your eyes on it, and don鈥檛 let anything pull you away from it.鈥�听

In addition to degrees conferred to Anderson graduates, ceremony highlights included AU Board of Trust Chair Shawn McGee giving the invocation in the Friday ceremony and Chair of the Academic Affairs Committee of the Board of Trust Dr. Margaret Wooten in the Saturday ceremony. Associate Professor of Chemistry Dr. Fritz Moise gave the benediction during the Friday ceremony, and Associate Dean of Education in the Graduate Program Julie Smart gave the benediction in the Saturday ceremony.听听

During the Friday ceremony, D鈥橝ndre Hicks, student body president, presented the Class Gift, a black marble emblem to be installed at the Merritt Administration Building, inscribed with the concluding words of the Alma Mater, “We know we love our alma mater, We know the joy of life she brings, Ah but there鈥檚 one thing that only God can know; what Anderson means to me.鈥�听

Former Anderson President Dr. Lee Royce received an honorary Doctor of Humanities degree. Dr. Royce was president from 1995 until 2002, presiding over a period of significant growth in enrollment and the size of the endowment. He was succeeded by President Whitaker, who credited Dr. Royce with turning around the then two-year college during desperate times. 听

Recognizing her sacrificial and outstanding service to Anderson as First Lady alongside her husband, current First Lady Diane Whitaker presented Rhoda Royce with the Annie Dove Denmark Award.听听

In the Saturday ceremony, University Provost Ryan Neal presented posthumous Doctor of Philosophy in Leadership听to Ryan Gaither Karp, who was on track to graduate in May. The degree was presented to his wife Jessica and their three children.听

Ruby Dean and D鈥橝ndre Hicks received the President鈥檚 Award. The Michael Bolles Excellence in Teaching Award was presented to Professor Lauren Imhoff of the South Carolina School of the Arts.听听

Students and faculty from the South Carolina School of the Arts at 91福利社 presented musical selections throughout the ceremonies.听听

The post May Commencement: Celebrating Graduates and Honoring a Former President appeared first on 91福利社.

The Rotunda was gifted to the University by an anonymous supporter, with other individuals providing their support as well.

After nearly two decades of service to 91福利社, Dr. Talmadge died in 2020. Additionally, he taught at the Billy Graham Center and was a member of Boulevard Baptist Church in Anderson. His wife, Billie, lives in Florida with family.

鈥淔or nearly 20 years, on this campus, Dr. Talmadge influenced, shaped and bettered the lives of countless young minds and the colleagues with whom he served,鈥� said 91福利社 President Evans P. Whitaker, Ph.D. 鈥淚t appropriately epitomizes the life of its namesake: an intelligent, wise, kind, thoughtful, humorous, and steady Christian gentleman who was a giant among AU leaders. All his life, Paul quietly, humbly, and thoroughly made life a little easier and more beautiful for those around him.鈥�

The structure is known as a 鈥渢emple鈥� or 鈥済arden folly.鈥� It鈥檚 not a temple in the religious sense, but rather as a 鈥渢emple of ideas鈥� and a testament to Dr. Talmadge鈥檚 lifelong commitment to teaching and learning.

The name and inscription add to the campus鈥檚 unique identity rooted in its history and values. The rotunda doesn鈥檛 just tell a story; it honors Dr. Talmadge and connects the campus to timeless philosophical ideals, becoming a physical representation of the University鈥檚 commitment to cultivating not just knowledge, but also personal integrity and the classical virtues around which society is built and grows stronger.

鈥淢ay this rotunda, the words inscribed on it, and the man for whom it honors always point and remind our students, our campus family, and the Anderson community of the character, love, and perfection of Jesus,鈥� President Whitaker said.

鈥淭his great man may no longer be with us, but his impact, contributions and even footprint are yet still evident among us,鈥� he said. 鈥淚t is this University鈥檚 hope that this rotunda鈥攎uch like Paul Talmadge did in his life鈥攚ill encourage us and remind us that character is destiny. This holds true in Scripture, in that a person鈥檚 moral qualities profoundly shape their life in the here and now.鈥�

The post 91福利社 Dedicates Talmadge Rotunda of Character appeared first on 91福利社.

鈥淭hey never forget how you make them feel. I always want all my students to believe they are the best,鈥� Gray said, adding, 鈥淥nce you鈥檙e in my class, you鈥檙e always one of my kids.鈥�听

Gray, an 91福利社 graduate, takes to heart the importance of being a positive mentor to students who come into her classroom at ACE Academy, a new alternative elementary school in Anderson District 5. Photos of every student she鈥檚 taught grace a door in her room, serving as a reminder of why she鈥檚 there.听

Because of all that, ACE Academy recognized Gray, a graduate of the 91福利社 College of Education, as their Teacher of the Year. She鈥檚 pictured above with Principal Josh Bacchus.听

Gray, who initially received her Bachelor of Science in Human Services and Resources from Anderson, didn鈥檛 initially want to teach. While a student studying human services, she did an internship with the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice and worked in the Anderson County Solicitor’s Office. She also was the Drug Court Coordinator for Anderson County, a job she held for six years. 听

When she and her husband talked of plans for starting a family, she decided to go back to school and become a certified teacher. A few years into her teaching career, Gray returned to 91福利社, where she earned her master鈥檚 degree in education.听

鈥淲hen I decided to go back to school,鈥� Gray recalls, 鈥淚 was a working adult and was pregnant at the time with my second child. It was so convenient because I was a听teacher at Concord Elementary and went to school (at 91福利社) at night. It was exactly what I needed. You can’t beat the professors and the help and support that you get.鈥�听

Having been named Teacher of the Year at her former school, Concord Elementary, and at Anderson Adult Education, she jokingly says of her latest honor that the third time is a charm.听

鈥�Now I think after being selected by my peers three times, it’s very clear where I’m supposed to be,” Gray said. 鈥淚’m just trying to be an encouragement and a positive role model for all these kids who need me, and I need them just as much as they need me.鈥�听

“I come from a divorced family,” Gray said. “Thank goodness I had a strong steady support system, but so many don’t have that.鈥� Thinking of the children in her classroom today, she reflects, 鈥淏ut for God’s grace, this could have been my life. And so, we’re just here as a team to fully support however we can.鈥�听

91福利社 College of Education Dean Dr. Channon Horn said, 鈥�Lani is a testament to the power of a passionate, dedicated, quality educator who intentionally invests in the lives of her students. Mrs. Gray fulfills the mission of the College of Education at 91福利社 well. We are proud of her accomplishments!鈥�听

Gray will never forget one experience of being there for one of her students.听

鈥沦he brought me a little piece of paper and wrote down when her basketball game schedule was at the rec center. I walk in and her eyes just are like, 鈥楳iss Gray, what are you doing here?鈥� I said, 鈥榃ell, I’m here for you. You gave me the calendar.鈥欌��听

Looking back on that day, Gray commented, 鈥淚 think just allowing them to let me come to another part of their life out to the school… It meant a lot to me. I know it meant a lot to her, too.鈥�听

Gray鈥檚 oldest daughter Catherine is a junior at Anderson majoring in Nursing. Her in-laws, George and Barbara (Merck) Gray, also attended Anderson. All that said, 91福利社 is a family tradition. They recently celebrated George and Barbara鈥檚 fiftieth wedding anniversary in the Banquet Hall of theStudent Center at听and love coming out to football games in the fall to cheer on the Trojans.听听

鈥淚t鈥檚 really a 360鈥攁 circle that鈥檚 been completed in lots of ways,鈥� she said.听

The post ACE Academy Names Gray Teacher of the Year appeared first on 91福利社.

In all, 960 supporters provided 1,057 gifts and pledges to put the 2026 A Day total over the million mark.听

鈥�Together, we have shown the true spirit of 91福利社. To our friends, alumni, faculty, staff, and students鈥攖hank you for making A Day a remarkable success. Your generosity and passion have strengthened the bonds that make our university a place we all love,鈥� said Executive Director of Annual Giving Chad Alewine.听

鈥淎 Day at 91福利社 is proof that, when our community comes together with purpose and heart, we can achieve the extraordinary,鈥� said 91福利社 Senior Vice President for Development and Presidential Affairs Wayne Landrith.听

Every A Day gift impacts one of the following areas: academic achievement, athletic endeavors, campus enhancements, ministry opportunities, student scholarships or the senior class gift.听

Pictured are some of the festivities on campus during the 2026 A Day.

One of the most important days of the year at 91福利社, A Day was re-instituted as an annual event in 2017. Since then, supporters have generously provided nearly $4 million, helping transform AU into the largest private university in South Carolina and one of the fastest growing private colleges or universities in the United States.听

Please view this special video.听

To give to 91福利社 or learn more about areas worthy of support, please visit the Office of Development鈥�web page.鈥�听

The post More than $1 Million Raised During A Day appeared first on 91福利社.

GREEN Charter Spartanburg celebrated听Goodwin鈥檚听unwavering dedication to special education and her ability to create an environment where every student feels valued and capable of success.听

“I am truly honored to receive the nomination and subsequent awarding of Teacher of the Year for GREEN Charter Spartanburg,”听said Goodwin. “I have always dreamt of being a teacher and advocating for students with disabilities. Having my peers recognize my heart and passion for exceptional students is an honor.”听

As a special education teacher, Goodwin works with students who need extra guidance and encouragement, including managing the school’s self-contained classroom鈥攁 role that requires extraordinary patience,听skill听and dedication. Her colleagues say she approaches this demanding responsibility with both compassion and professionalism, ensuring each student receives the individualized support they need to thrive.听

“One of the most remarkable aspects of Lauren’s work is her role in teaching and managing our self-contained class,” said听Chastiva听Henderson, a sixth-grade English Language Arts teacher at GREEN Charter. “Lauren approaches this responsibility with compassion and professionalism, ensuring that her students receive the individualized support and structure they need to thrive. Her ability to balance these demanding responsibilities while still supporting other teachers is a true testament to her leadership and heart for education.”听

But Goodwin’s influence extends far beyond her own classroom. She serves as a resource and an advocate throughout the school, building strong relationships with parents, families, general education听teachers听and support staff. Her collaborative approach ensures that students receive consistent support across all aspects of their educational experience.听

“One of her greatest strengths is the strong relationships she builds with everyone involved in a student’s success,” said Jennie Lewis, a fellow special education teacher. “She fosters trusting partnerships with parents and families, maintains open and consistent communication and collaborates effectively with general education teachers and support staff. Students feel safe, valued, and understood in听her听classroom, which allows them to thrive academically and听emotionally.”听

Lewis added that听Goodwin听often works听beyond school hours听to ensure her students听receive the services,听accommodations听and opportunities they deserve, adding that she听regularly spends听several听hours after work collaborating with colleagues, refining instructional plans, and completing thorough, well-organized documentation.听

For Goodwin, the work is deeply personal and rooted in a fundamental belief about what every child deserves.听

“Every student deserves to have a place where they feel loved,听where they feel听welcomed and where they feel they belong,” Goodwin said. “Every听child should听deserve to feel like they have a future and that the future is possible, no matter their limitations. Being able to support my students and help create a better future that is inclusive and accepting is one of the greatest joys of my life.”听

Through her work, Goodwin reminds the GREEN Charter community daily that success looks different for everyone, and that every student deserves someone in their corner cheering them on. Her patience,听humor听and problem-solving skills have made her an invaluable member of the school family.听

“Your impact reaches far beyond the听classroom听and we are lucky to have you as part of our school family,” the school community shared in recognizing her achievement.听

Lewis summed up what sets Goodwin apart from other educators: “Beyond her technical skill and work ethic, what truly sets her apart is her heart. She approaches her work with empathy, patience, and a deep belief in the potential of every child she serves. Her dedication inspires those around her and makes a lasting impact on the students, families, and colleagues fortunate enough to work with her.”听

As Goodwin continues her work at GREEN Charter School, she carries forward the mission she developed during her time at 91福利社 College of Education鈥攅nsuring that every student, regardless of their challenges, has access to an education that honors their potential and prepares them for a bright future.听

Her recognition as Teacher of the Year stands as a testament to 91福利社鈥檚 pillar of Great Academics, as well as to her professional excellence and to the transformative power of educators who听truly believe听in the limitless potential of every child they serve.听

The post GREEN Charter School Names Goodwin Teacher of the Year appeared first on 91福利社.

鈥�We work with听public and听private colleges and universities throughout the Southeast. My day-to-day could be working on renovations or new buildings for technical colleges or four-year universities in the Carolinas, Tennessee, or Georgia.鈥澨�听

She says that being promoted to a senior associate听is something a designer听attains听in recognition of their commitment to the firm and a desire to continue to strive for design excellence, while helping to mentor younger designers.听

According to School of Interior Design Dean Anne Martin, 鈥淚t鈥檚 rare for a graduate to receive a senior associate position within 10 years of their graduation; however, this remarkable accomplishment does not surprise me as Melissa demonstrated remarkable project management skills and talent as a student of interior design as well as leadership in her role as president of the student chapter of the American Society of Interior Design (ASID).鈥�听

Jakobowski says of her promotion,听鈥淚t happened naturally, from going out on business development opportunities and career fairs, collaborating with others in the design field and mentoring those that are entering the field soon.听I鈥檓听doing what I love and helping to promote the wonderful work听we鈥檙e听doing here at MPS.鈥�听

In 2022, The International Interior Design Association (IIDA)听recognized Jakobowski and her team at McMillan Pazdan Smith for design excellence on a project to enhance a teen space for the Nancy Guinn Memorial Library in Conyers, Georgia.听

Jakobowski feels听she鈥檚听achieved听her听project鈥檚听goal when she听gets positive feedback听from听students using spaces she and her team designed.听She鈥檚听gratified听to hear how听the听students are听engaging with听inviting spaces MPS has designed听and how听they’re听excited to show up for their classes and听labs.听

Jakobowski enjoys returning to 91福利社 periodically to interact with current Interior Design students. She also feels blessed to be able to听work with AU students who enter her firm as interns.听听

鈥淲e’ve had some Anderson interns over the last few years; we鈥檝e currently got one working with us part time, which has been great, and we take any opportunity we can to review student projects,鈥� she said.听

Jakobowski鈥檚 advice to those entering interior design is to be willing to work hard听and also听take every opportunity possible to connect with people in the field.听听

鈥淢ake those connections, ask questions, stay engaged, always be curious and learning. Don’t wait around for someone to bring something up, but really take that initiative, pushing yourself to grow more,鈥� she said, adding that involvement in professional organizations including ASID and IIDA are invaluable sources of opportunities and experiences to help students grow as designers during their college years and in their subsequent careers. Jakobowski was involved in both organizations as a student and was president for the ASID student chapter at 91福利社. She continues to be actively involved in IIDA as professional member.听

The听91福利社 School of Interior Design听

The听91福利社 School of Interior Design听is one of only nine such programs to be offered in a Christian institution of higher learning and has graduates working as professional interior designers across the nation and internationally.听

The post Interior Design Graduate Promoted as Firm鈥檚 Senior Associate appeared first on 91福利社.

“Growing up, my parents always instilled in me that I could do anything with God on my side,” Bentley said. “God made me unique for a reason. I might look a little different or take a little longer to run, but I was always competitive.”听听

That competitive spirit led Bentley to basketball. Growing up in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley and later Greer, South Carolina, he found his place on the court through the camaraderie of team sports. When his peers physically outgrew him, Bentley pivoted to coaching and managing.听听

Bentley’s path to 91福利社 began with an unexpected encounter while he was a student at Greer High School. Then-AU head coach Jason Taylor arrived听to听recruit star players Chandler Hash and another athlete. Greer听Boys Basketball听Coach Jeff Neely was unable to meet with Taylor, so he asked Bentley, the team manager, to run drills with the prospects so they could see them in action.听听

“Coach Taylor came back and told Coach Neely, ‘I really like your players, but I want your manager.听What’s听he got听going on?'” Bentley recalled.听听

Taylor, who is currently associate head basketball coach at Morehead State University, recalls听observing听Bentley鈥檚 鈥渋nfectious energy鈥� that people听tended听to gravitate toward.听听听

Though Bentley had his sights set on Division I programs, Anderson’s scholarship听opportunities听and proximity to听home听made听practical sense. The relationships he built on campus made it听life-changing.听听

Hash initially played basketball at USC Upstate, but听credits听Bentley鈥檚听encouragement as part of what made him听seek a transfer to Anderson. He admires Bentley鈥檚听commitment to Christ and听a听resilience born out of the struggles听he鈥檚听faced.听And through it听all,听Hash听is inspired by听Bentley鈥檚听consistency in听encouraging听others.听

鈥淗e’s a guy that anyone can be around, anyone can have a conversation with.听He’s听going to treat people the same no matter who they are,鈥� Hash said.听听

As a Physical Education major, Bentley became a bridge-builder. He forged partnerships between campus safety and athletics, breaking down barriers that听benefited听the entire AU community.听听

“Being a little person, Anderson’s campus is straight uphill from the dorms to the cafeteria,” Bentley said. “The officers would pick me up on golf carts. We broke down those walls.”听听

Bentley and a campus safety officer working there at the time transformed what the relationship between athletics and security looked like; What began as mutual avoidance became genuine partnership.听听

A few years after graduating from 91福利社, Bentley鈥檚 physical difficulties鈥攁lready a challenge鈥攚ere getting worse.听听听

“I couldn’t walk, and I was in a lot of pain,” Bentley said. “The pressure was cutting off communication to my legs.”听听

Bentley relied on a wheelchair and holding onto walls to move. He went to see an orthopedist, who quickly听identified听a neurological issue. He ordered an MRI, which revealed Bentley’s spinal canal had narrowed to a pinpoint. The diagnosis was spinal stenosis, a common complication of dwarfism where his spinal cord narrowed, cutting off nerve communication to his legs.听听听

Bentley underwent surgery in 2016, which relieved the pressure and eliminated the pain.听While Bentley听remains听dependent on his wheelchair, the experience deepened his faith and empathy.听听

“I haven’t been in pain since my surgery,” Bentley said. “Whether I’m able to walk again, that’s up to the Lord.”听听

Bentley returned to coaching with renewed purpose. In 2018, he joined Upward Stars, where he coaches, runs events, and recruits talent.听听

During his time at Anderson, Coach Taylor gave Bentley a nickname that still defines him: “The Glue.”听听

Taylor commented, 鈥淚 nicknamed him 鈥榯he glue鈥� simply because he听literally had听his hands on everything in our program. He was best friends with our players… Also, he did an incredible job navigating that world of being a full-tme听student assistant manager, friend of the team鈥攁nd had the integrity to do those things. He kept the trust of all the players and kept the trust of all the coaches鈥攖hat’s听fairly rare.鈥澨�听

91福利社 First Lady Diane Whitaker remembers going to games and听observing听Bentley on the bench and how听set听the tone for the action on the court.听听

鈥淗e always had a clipboard in听hand听and he would start beating that clipboard,” Whitaker said. 鈥淚 can remember looking down and going,听鈥榦kay, things are about to get heated because听he’s听out of his seat, clapping on that clipboard and cheering those guys on.鈥櫶齏hen David got cranked up, it was听鈥榞o time.鈥櫶齀 loved seeing that enthusiasm. He always had a heart for the game and a heart for his teammates.鈥�听

David Bentley and the Trojans Men’s Basketball Team. Bentley is on the first row, third from left.

91福利社 Senior Vice President for Enrollment Management Dr. William Monts has fond memories of coaching with Bentley and, like Taylor, agrees with Bentley鈥檚 being 鈥渢he glue鈥� because of his special gift of bonding coaches and players.听 听

鈥淚 am absolutely a better person for knowing David,鈥� Dr. Monts said. 鈥淗e has brought joy to my life through our many conversations about basketball and life. He is an inspiration to many people simply due to his positive and optimistic outlook on life and his faith in Jesus Christ.鈥澨�听

Key to Bentley鈥檚 coaching has been听maintaining听and cultivating caring relationships. He measures success not by wins and losses, but by “living trophies”鈥攆ormer players who become educated, employed, and devoted husbands and fathers.听听

Jason Rutland, who was coaching Anderson鈥檚 baseball team while Bentley was in college, saw how he befriended members of his team. Rutland, who himself uses a wheelchair for mobility, formed a bond with Bentley at Anderson and beyond听when he听was facing increasing physical听challenges听himself.听听听

鈥淗e鈥檚 a wonderful guy. He鈥檚 incredibly driven,鈥� said Rutland, who currently serves as associate vice president for parent and family engagement, stewardship and major gifts at 91福利社. 鈥淗e has a lot of respect of all those guys鈥擟handler Hash and Myson Jones and all those guys on that team… When you鈥檙e in college trying to figure out who you are and how you fit in… He鈥檚 really come into his own just knowing who God made him, what鈥檚 that purpose鈥攈e’s fully embraced that.鈥� 听

“If they know you care about them and have their best interests, they’ll go through a wall for you,” Bentley said. “The greatest sense of accomplishment is seeing them go on to college, get an education, and become husbands and fathers. One of the highest听accompliments听you can receive is a parent telling you they trust their child with you.”听听

Mrs.听Whitaker continued, 鈥淔rom day one, David was all in, and I really appreciate people that that recognize听talent, and听we don’t all have to look the same or have the same gifts to be really valuable.鈥澨�听

Bentley continues to maintain relationships with former players, texting birthday wishes and celebrating their milestones. Recently, he organized a reunion (pictured above) at an 91福利社 basketball game, bringing former players back to campus. He hopes there will be more such reunions. 听

Bentley’s ambitions听remain听high. He dreams of coaching at the Division I or NBA level, driven by the same competitive fire that fueled him as a child.听听

“If you’re not growing, you’re not going,” Bentley said. “The future is in God’s hands, but I want to see how much success we can achieve at the highest level possible.”听听

For the 91福利社 community, Bentley exemplifies servant leadership and the University鈥檚 pillar of Great Purpose.听He proves that while the road may be uphill, the right relationships鈥攁nd a little bit of “glue”鈥攎ake the journey worthwhile.听听

The post Building Bridges: How Bentley Became “The Glue” appeared first on 91福利社.

Self, a resource teacher at Whitehall Elementary School and Concord Elementary School, said, 鈥淚 have known I wanted to be a teacher since I was in second grade. I attended Varennes Elementary in Anderson 5 and had amazing teachers who made learning fun. I also received extra help in the areas of reading, writing and math from a teacher, Mrs. Altman. It was in her classroom and seeing her pour into the students, helping each one overcome their own learning difficulties, I knew I wanted to grow up and be just like her.鈥�听

Self has been teaching for 19 years. She previously served as a second-grade teacher at Calhoun Academy of the Arts before teaching听virtually during听the COVID shutdown. While听teaching with听Anderson听5听Virtual Academy, she made the decision to transition into a new role as a听resource听teacher.听听

鈥淚t was one of the best decisions I鈥檝e ever made,鈥� Self said. 鈥淚 absolutely love being able to support students in a听small听group听setting, meet them where they are, and help them grow.鈥�听

Moved by Self鈥檚 dedication in helping their son navigate his learning disability, his father and grandmother nominated her for the . To them, Self was like an angel of mercy鈥攕omeone who helped him rediscover joy in learning, particularly in reading, writing, and math, areas that had previously been challenging for him. The student鈥檚 father shared with WYFF-TV, 鈥淗e loves school and does not complain. He does his homework, and he is excited about learning now. He is happy about school, and we wanted to recognize Mrs. Self for helping him.鈥�听

Self jokes听about the day she found out she was receiving the Golden Apple Award. Her principal, Missy听McKenzie, had carefully kept the honor a surprise, so听Self had听no idea until a news crew suddenly walked into听her classroom. When WYFF reporter Destiny Chance and her videographer appeared, she looked up in shock and asked, 鈥淲hat are y鈥檃ll doing here?鈥� Beyond the surprise, Self says she is grateful to those who nominated her and believes any one of her coworkers would be just as deserving. 鈥淚 work with some of the best teachers,鈥� she said. 鈥淚t was just听a very听amazing moment.听I鈥檓听very honored to receive this award, especially knowing how few teachers are selected each year.鈥�听

Self is passionate about building strong relationships with her students and sees the potential in every child who walks into her classroom.听听

鈥淭here is something special and unique about each one of them, and I鈥檓 going to find it,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 want my classroom to be their safe space, and I want to be their person鈥攖he one they can cry to, set goals with, celebrate successes with, or simply release frustration.鈥�听

Self finds joy in watching students begin to believe in themselves. Over the years, she has seen many overcome their fears and grow in self-confidence.听听

鈥淚 love when a student tells me, 鈥業听can鈥檛听do this,鈥� because I see it as a challenge and an opportunity to show them that they听can鈥攁nd they will鈥攚ith my help,鈥澨齭he said.鈥�听

Self loves staying in touch with her former students, living by her motto, 鈥淥nce your teacher,听always听your friend.鈥� She shared many stories, but a few stood out as especially meaningful. One former student is currently pursuing a master鈥檚 degree at Yale, and whenever he is home, they meet up for sushi to catch up. Thanks to technology, he still听FaceTimes听her for pep talks and shares his success stories. Another student, whom Self describes as being 鈥渓ike a daughter,鈥� recently joined her family on a cruise to Jamaica鈥攁 trip neither of them will ever forget. Still another former student welcomed a baby two years ago, and Self was invited as a surprise guest to the baby shower and later to the hospital after the baby was born. When the new mother placed the baby in her arms, she smiled and said, 鈥淢eet your听grand-student.鈥� Self proudly added, 鈥淚鈥檓听a听grand-teacher! I have so many former 鈥榖abies鈥� I still keep in touch with because, again, that relationship truly matters.鈥�听

After finishing high school, Self had nearly enough college credit to pursue a business degree, but her heart was set on teaching. As she explored her options and visited several campuses, Self ultimately fell in love with Anderson and decided to enroll. She looks back fondly on her professors, who made her feel like more than just a number. 鈥淭he professors at Anderson teach from the heart鈥攖hey truly care,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 saw Jesus in my professors at Anderson, and I want my students to see the same in me.鈥� Self graduated in 2007 with a degree in special education and elementary education. In 2014, she returned to earn a master鈥檚 degree in education.鈥�听

鈥淢rs. Self鈥檚 words resonate with the mission of the College of Education and the high quality, devoted, servant leaders we are striving to prepare,鈥� said 91福利社 College of Education Dean Dr. Channon Horn. 鈥沦he understands the lasting impact an educator can have on the life of a child and has spent her career听facilitating听positive change, one student at a time. We congratulate her on her accomplishments and thank her for听representing听91福利社 and the College of Education so well.鈥�听

Self shared听a fun memory from her college days.听听

鈥淗ave you ever heard the legend of the swings on campus?鈥澨齭he听laughed. 鈥淭hey say if a couple sits there together enough times, wedding bells will follow鈥攁nd it worked for my husband and me.鈥澨�听

Self听lived听in Kingsley Dorm, where her husband would often visit, and the two would sit together on the swing outside.听听

鈥淭hat鈥檚 where we shared our first kiss,鈥� she said. Years later, when the听Selfs听were expecting and choosing a name, they knew Kingsley was the perfect fit for their daughter.听听

鈥淚 love 91福利社鈥攁nd I have so many wonderful memories there,鈥澨齋elf added.听鈥淜ingsley loves visiting campus, I hope that one day she will听walk听those grounds as an AU Student.鈥�听

When asked what advice she would give to future educators, Mrs. Self鈥檚 response reflects both her heart and her faith. 鈥淛ust love those babies. They are precious and so unique,鈥� she said. 鈥淚听truly believe听there are no mistakes on听a class听roster. God knows which children are meant to be in your classroom and places you there for a purpose.听Find听the reason that听child听is on your roster and not across the hall, and听you鈥檒l听find your purpose too.听That鈥檚听huge.鈥濃��听

It鈥檚听that belief鈥攑aired with compassion, dedication, and faith鈥攖hat continues to shape the lives of her students long after they leave her classroom. For Mrs. Self, teaching is more than a profession鈥攊t is a calling.听

The post College of Education Graduate Recognized with Golden Apple Award appeared first on 91福利社.

They addressed the significance of interior designers having a seat at the table in the beginning of the design process with the architect and builder/construction management team, along with critical skills of collaboration and communication throughout the construction management process.听

Pictured from left are Baylie Weeks and Susan Peace-Vernon, both of Tribus Design Studio; AU School of Interior Design Dean Anne Martin; and Jon Warrigton, Vice President of Design, Dillard Jones Builders.听

Peace-Vernon, a 1994 graduate, earned her associate degree when Anderson was a two-year institution, then transferred to Western Carolina for further study, but returned to Greenville, where she married and continued to pursue her design career. When Anderson became a four-year baccalaureate degree granting institution, she returned and became one of the first four-year graduates in December 1994, in Interior Design. She is carrying on her family鈥檚 legacy of home building and creative pursuits.听

Weeks, junior designer at Tribus, is a 2018 Anderson graduate. During her senior year at Anderson, Dean Anne Martin shared with seniors that Tribus was interested in having students assist with installations of luxury homes during fall break at the Cliffs and The Reserve Lake Keowee. Weeks responded to this request by taking her fall break to assist with these installations, little did she know that experience lead to a part-time job the final semester of her senior year, and she secured full-time employment with Tribus prior to May graduation. Weeks specializes in eclectic, cozy and collected design, bringing vibrancy to spaces through her appreciation for color and statement pieces. She finds Tribus鈥� projects in diverse geographical locations exciting challenges presented by a broad spectrum of architecture and clientele.听听

Peace-Vernon and Weeks, representing Tribus Design Studio, were joined by architect Jon Warrigton, Vice President of Design, Dillard Jones Builders; and DOMA Architects marketing team at the AU School of Interior Design.听

Incidentally, Warrington is the father of AU Junior Interior Design major Liza Warrington. Tribus, Dillard Jones and DOMA have locations in South Carolina at Greenville, Bluffton and Johns Island, Beaufort; and in North Carolina at Asheville and Cashiers.听

鈥淥ur students were the beneficiaries of hearing from these accomplished graduates who not only shared their career pathway as well as shared phenomenal success with multiple projects which included collaboration with architects, construction management/builder and landscape architects,鈥� Martin said.听

The post Accomplished AU Interior Design Graduates Share Their Professional Journey with Current Interior Design Students appeared first on 91福利社.

Crowds donned their Black and Gold and came out Saturday, October 4 to enjoy tailgating in the stadium parking lot of Anderson鈥檚 Athletic Campus.鈥齌hen fans gathered鈥痜or鈥痶he Trojan Walk鈥痶o cheer on the AU Football Team arriving at Melvin and Dollie Younts Stadium on buses provided by Electric City Transport.鈥�听

At halftime, Ada Dooley was crowned Homecoming Queen and鈥疍’Andre Hicks鈥痺as crowned Homecoming鈥疜ing. Also honored were Emily Butts as Ms. Senior, Alex McCain as Mr. Senior; Abby Turlington as Ms. Junior, Weston Pack as Mr. Junior; Peyton O鈥橞rien as Ms. Sophomore, Samuelan Faulkner, Mr. Sophomore; and Camryn Johnson as Ms. Freshman, Romante Adams, Mr. Freshman.听

The Trojans soundly鈥痙efeated UVA Wise on Spero Financial Field with the final score of 50-7 in a record-setting football game鈥攖he highest point total and marking a record-setting number of wins for this point in the season. 听

In other Homecoming competition, the Women鈥檚 Volleyball Team defeated Carson Newman 25-17, 25-21 and 25-21.听

Homecoming highlights included a faculty meet and greet outside Melvin and Dollie Younts Stadium; also a reception honoring retiring Senior Vice President for Enrollment Management Pam Ross at the Merritt Administration Building. 听

There were also performances of the South Carolina School of the Arts production of the musical 鈥淭he Prince of Egypt鈥� Friday and Saturday night, and also Sunday afternoon in the Henderson Auditorium.听听

Also on Saturday night was an Ivy Leaves Centennial Celebration Dinner and Reading at the G. Ross Anderson Student Center, celebrating a century of the student-produced publication. 听

A week of Homecoming festivities for students included Fall Fest, Homecoming Dance, a movie night, a faculty vs. staff kickball game and a powderpuff football game. 听

91福利社 is grateful to Homecoming Sponsor South State Bank. Also, promotional and production support was provided in part by funds from the City of Anderson Accommodations Tax (ATAX).听听

The post 2025 Homecoming and Family Day appeared first on 91福利社.