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More than 150 college and seminary graduates were recognized at a ceremony under the towers of the Erskine Building May 10, with U.S. Rep. Sheri Biggs serving as Erskine鈥檚 commencement speaker. 鈥淵ou are stepping into a world that desperately needs light, integrity, and hope,鈥� Biggs told the students. 鈥淵ou are not just graduating into a career. You are stepping into a calling.鈥�

The first woman to represent South Carolina鈥檚 Third District in the House of Representatives, Biggs holds a bachelor鈥檚 degree in Christian Ministries from Carolina Bible College and a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from Samford University.

She is a board-certified family nurse practitioner and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner and a lieutenant colonel in the Air National Guard. She worked as an intensive care unit nurse and a nursing home administrator and was a medical crew director for five combat missions and three combat support missions in Afghanistan.

Biggs said she wanted to share her story with the graduates, not because she considers it extraordinary, but because it is 鈥渁 testimony to what God can do and to what he can do with a willing heart.鈥�

A native of rural Mississippi, Biggs was not born into privilege. 鈥淚 worked two or three jobs at a time for most of my life,鈥� she said. 鈥淚鈥檝e always maintained a deep sense of duty and desire to serve, which drew me into nursing.鈥�

Her path into the Air National Guard began when she was a nurse serving as an administrator in a facility for veterans. 鈥淕raduates, listen, because sometimes, God just whispers to you,鈥� she said. 鈥淎 lot of times we wait for a big clap of thunder or something just to fall in our lap, and I can tell you, it doesn鈥檛 happen like that.鈥�

While hosting a program for veterans at the facility, Biggs mentioned to the guest speaker her sense of regret that she had never considered military service. The speaker told her that the age cap for medical service personnel was higher than for other enlistees.

鈥淔rom that moment on, I鈥檓 not sure if I was running from something or running to it,鈥� Biggs said, 鈥渂ut after careful consideration and prayer, God whispered to me and made it very clear to push through that door.鈥�

Making her way 鈥渢hrough that door鈥� required a lot of effort, but she was determined. At the age of 40, Biggs found herself on a running course, seeking to meet the military鈥檚 physical requirements. She could hear the other candidates, most of them half her age, running behind her. 鈥淎ll that did was make me go faster,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 would rather have died on that course than to let any one of them pass me.鈥�

Based on her experience, Biggs issued a challenge to the graduates. 鈥淏e someone known for your drive, your grit, and your work ethic, and it will take you very far,鈥� she said.

The speaker encouraged the Class of 2025 to 鈥済o forward boldly鈥� with the assurance that they can trust God with the future. 鈥淭ake the lessons you鈥檝e learned here鈥攊n faith, in scholarship, and in community鈥攁nd build something beautiful,鈥� she said. 鈥淏uild strong families, strong communities, and help build an even stronger nation.鈥�

Finally, Biggs said, 鈥淟et your life preach the Gospel louder than your words ever could. And wherever God takes you, remember that He goes before you.鈥�

College awards were announced by the provost, Dr. Edward Clavell. The Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award was given to Jonathan David Claxton of Albemarle, N.C. a summa cum laude graduate who completed a major in Accounting with minors in Business Administration and Political Science; the Mary Mildred Sullivan Award was given to summa cum laude graduate Hailey Faith James of Beaufort, S.C., who completed a double major in Chemistry and Psychology; and the H.M. Young Ring, the highest honor for a member of the senior class, was given to Gabriel Paul Collier of Holly Hill, S.C., a summa cum laude graduate who completed majors in Bible and Religion and in English, with Departmental Honors in both majors, and a minor in Philosophy.

Five members of the 番茄社区 Class of 2025 tied for highest academic average: Sullivan Award winner Jonathan David Claxton of Albemarle, N.C.; H.M. Young Ring recipient Gabriel Paul Collier of Holly Hill, S.C.; Kayley Marie Preston of Williamston, S.C., who majored in Psychology with Departmental Honors; Jack Thomas Vogenitz of Anderson, S.C., who majored in Chemistry-Biochemistry with Departmental Honors and a minor in Biology; and Ryan Bates Vogenitz of Anderson, S.C., who majored in Accounting and History, with Departmental Honors in History.

Erskine President Dr. Steve Adamson welcomed guests and introduced the commencement speaker.

Dean of the College D. Shane Bradley presented the candidates for the Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees. Dean of the Seminary Dr. Seth J. Nelson presented the candidates for seminary degrees and offered the invocation and benediction. Dr. Edward Clavell and Board of Trustees Chairman C. Alan Runyan conferred the degrees.

Serving as faculty marshals were Dr. George Schwab, crucifer, and Dr. Kokou Abalo, mace bearer.

The graduates were inducted into the Erskine Alumni Association by its president, Dr. Sanita Cousar 鈥�77.

Each graduating student wore a 鈥淪tole of Gratitude鈥� to be presented to a family member or another person who had offered them support and encouragement during their college years.

Music for the event was provided by the 番茄社区 Choraleers, directed by Dr. Keith Timms and accompanied by Prof. Sharalyn Hicks, and 番茄社区 Sinfonia, conducted by Dr. Cassandra Fulmer. Stephanie Casanova, a graduating music major, led the singing of the alma mater.

See more Commencement 2025 photos .

This year鈥檚 graduates are listed below:

Bachelor of Arts

Graduates, Jan. 29, 2025: Anne Lauren Bruner, Simpsonville, S.C.; Noah Lin, summa cum laude, Paos Verdes Estates, Calif.; Zachariah Bertrund Miller, Laurens, S.C.; Kayley Marie Preston, summa cum laude, Williamston, S.C.

Graduates, May 10, 2025: Olivia Sam Allen, summa cum laude, Tar Heel, N.C.; Katherine Emma Andersen, Kansas City, Mo.; Stephanie Gabriela Casanova Rosales, Valencia Venezuela; Gabriel Paul Collier, summa cum laude, Holly Hill, S.C.; Micah May Diffley, cum laude, Suwanee, Ga.; Joshua Isaac Dorsey, summa cum laude, Honea Path, S.C.; Jasmine Douglas, Piedmont, S.C.; Emma Grace Ellison, Travelers Rest, S.C.; Annaleah Marie Gilreath, summa cum laude, Aynor, S.C.; Noah McCain Hill, summa cum laude, Laurens, S.C.; Tyler Christian Jackson, Rock Hill, S.C.; Hailey Faith James, summa cum laude, Beaufort, S.C.; Colin Wayne Marshall, Lexington, S.C.; John Andrew Meetze IV, Lexington, S.C.; Laurenz Meifels, Essen, Germany; Angie Munoz, Myrtle Beach, S.C.; Ardelia Raine Parker, Greer, S.C.; Shannon Kathleen Talbert, Stoneboro, Pa.

Candidates, Aug. 13, 2025: Adin J, Daniels, Lexington, S.C.; Isabella Rose Gonzalez, Easley, S.C.; Kaley Ann Ingle, Stoneville, N.C.; Nicholas West Stanton, Sacramento, Calif.

Bachelor of Science

Graduates, Jan. 29, 2025: Drayton Keshaun Benjamin, Spartanburg, S.C.; Ariel Hannah Bishop, summa cum laude, Greenwood, S.C.; Essence Monaysha Caviness, Blacksburg, S.C.; Jonathan David Claxton, summa cum laude, Albemarle, N.C.; Anzya N. Cook, Clinton, S.C.; Ethan G. Damron, Green Sea, S.C.; Kourtney Andreya Fowler, Greenville, S.C.; Daniel Joseph Freese, Abbeville, S.C.; Rashad Luckey Dowdy, Greenville, S.C.; Christopher Rahimi, Irvine, Calif.; Victoria Reyes Piz谩, Lima, Peru; Jalen Christopher Samuels, Snellville, Ga.; Brandon Simmons, Charleston, S.C.; Sally Ann Spangler, summa cum laude, Knoxvlle, Tenn.; Ryleigh Logan Taylor, Pendleton, S.C.

Graduates, May 10, 2025: Czarina Belle Aguirre, Duluth, Ga.; Joseph Stephan Alegre, Riverside, Calif.; Randi Brooke Allen, Greenwood, S.C.; Oluwafeyishayo Joseph Asiru, Orlando, Fla.; Curtis Allen Begley III, magna cum laude, West Columbia, S.C.; Robert Eugene Blackmon III, cum laude, Hanahan, S.C.; Aerion Kentravias Bond, Macon, Ga.; Matthew Alain Brault, Florence, S.C.; Marquell Romare Brown, Savannah, Ga.; Halen Alexander Button, North Myrtle Beach, S.C.; Mary Jolea Cackett, magna cum laude, Atlanta, Ga.; Davis Mitchell Cardew, magna cum laude, Spartanburg, S.C.; Janelle Kay Carter, Clover, S.C.; Moses James Cheek, summa cum laude, Beech Island, S.C.; Anna Kate Childers, magna cum laude, York, S.C.; Kyle Lee Conklin, Powdersville, S.C.; Payton LeAnn Cox, magna cum laude, Goose Creek, S.C.; Katarina Madison Diaz, McDonough, Ga.; Casey Ruben DiRisio, Orlando, Fla.; Amber Grace Elgin, Greenville, S.C.; Alessio Giammarinaro, magna cum laude, Due West, S.C.; Angelina Faith Gonzalez, Easley, S.C.; Olivia Joy Holm, cum laude, Hilton Head Island, S.C.; Andrew McNeil Hopkinson, cum laude, New Bern, N.C.; Kaleb Michael Horne, Honea Path, S.C.; Madeline Elizabeth Ingram, Summerville, S.C. Angelina Joy Jacobs, Raleigh, N.C.; Grace Kessler Johnson, magna cum laude, Anderson, S.C.; Amanda Elizabeth Johnston, summa cum laude, Trinity, Fla.; Shaun Thomas Jones, North Augusta, S.C.; Joshua Anthony Kamoto, Spartanburg, S.C.; Chaz Montana Knight, Williamston, S.C.; Munashe Marcel Lancaster, Newberry, Fla.; Kyale Ra鈥檓ir Lindsay, Irmo, S.C.; Jude Allen Littrell, Brawley, Calif.; Mary Grace Lowe, magna cum laude, Abbeville, S.C.; Kanisha Nitin Lunkad, Pune, India; Matthew Davis Martin, Jefferson, Ga.; Anthony Lamar McFadden, Simpsonville, S.C.; Carolina Noreen Moffatt, summa cum laude, Gainesville, Fla.; Jamaar Laurente Moore, Rock Hill, S.C.; Rebekah Lynn Moore, Due West, S.C.; Carlos Emanuel Murguia-Pulido, North Charleston, S.C.; Ailena Victoria Mykins, Harmony, N.C.; Oluremi Ianna Odulaja, Mableton, Ga.; Garrison Kohl Owens, Barnwell, S.C.; Austin Joseph Parker, cum laude, Lula, Ga.; Harvee S. Patel, magna cum laude, Winnsboro, S.C.; Georgia Brooke Patterson, cum laude, Hanahan, S.C.; Michael Anthony Peay, Jr., Columbia, S.C.; Thomas Craig Pender, Barnwell, S.C.; John Weston Plaisted, Johnson City, Tenn.; Peyton Dean Rabon, Aynor, S.C.; Joshua Anthony Randolph, White Plains, Md.; Jerry Thomas Robertson, Greenville, S.C.; Alexander J. Ruiz, Aurora, Ill.; Rupal, summa cum laude, Sonipat, India; Dakota Drake Russell, magna cum laude, Bamberg, S.C.; Dustin Chandler Scogins, Honea Path, S.C.; Sophie Rose Sedeska, Myrtle Beach, S.C.; Megan Rae Shearon, summa cum laude, Beaufort, S.C.; Bettina Arnold Solesbee, cum laude, West Union, S.C.; Teodora Stefanovic, cum laude, Belgrade, Serbia; Ashlyn Elizabeth Stroud, cum laude, Greenville, S.C.; William Glen-Edward Suber, Commerce, Ga.; Joseph Archer Suddeth, magna cum laude, Due West, S.C.; Collin Ray Sutherland, Iva, S.C.; Kipp Montgomery Thornton, Midland, N.C.; Jack Thomas Vogenitz, summa cum laude, Anderson, S.C.; Ryan Bates Vogenitz, summa cum laude, Anderson, S.C.; Reilly Helen Ward, magna cum laude, Conway, S.C.; Megan Ryan Watkins, magna cum laude, Anderson, S.C.; Hailey M. Watson, Westminster, S.C.; Chayney Morgan Whelchel, Mountville, S.C.; Antaja Jana茅 Whitehead, Chicago, Ill.; Brenna Kathleen Williams, cum laude, Simpsonville, S.C.; Joy Elizabeth Wilson, Mills River, N.C.

Candidates, August 13, 2025: Dylan Connor Beauford, Abbeville, S.C.; Jaheim Delano Bowman, Anderson, S.C.; Benjamin Davis Coggins, Simpsonville, S.C.; Kalea Diana Hamilton, Powder Springs, Ga.; Jalen Lemor Jennings, West Columbia, S.C.; Jonathan Quincy Joseph, Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; LaiSheion Kahlique Josey, Hartsville, S.C.; Ephraim Maxwell Liria, Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; Tanesia Kiara Lone, Powdersville, S.C.; Aidon Jeremy Love, Monroe, N.C.; Iliana Shunteice Moore, Simpsonville, S.C.; Nicholas Christopher Moya, Winter Garden, Fla.; Jorge Luis Pascual, Athens, Ga.; Makayl Xavier Rakestraw, Commerce, Ga.; Alexander Robert Richardson, Fuquay-Varina, N.C.; Joshua Carlos Thomas, Fayetteville, Ga.

Erskine Theological Seminary graduates:

Master of Arts in Practical Ministry

Graduates, January 1, 2025: Rebekah Grace Hurty, Carlton, Ore.; Morgan Kristine Roberts, Lynden, Wash.; Gregory A. Tournoux, Springfield, Ill.

Graduate, May 10, 2025: John Mark Porter, Columbia, S.C.

Master of Arts in Theological Studies

Graduate, January 1, 2025: Adam S. Grabowicz, Ozarow Mazowiecki, Poland

 

Master of Divinity

Graduate, January 1, 2025: Morris Allen Ridgdill, Lake Placid, Fla.

Graduates, May 10, 2025: Berma Valencia Anderson, Marion, S.C.; David Wally Campbell, Jr., Columbia, S.C.; Charles Gavin Hodges, Mullins, S.C.; Beverly June Ingram, Chapin, S.C.; Tanner Matthew Kennaw, Grove City, Ohio; Reid M. Thayer, Lake Placid, Fla.

Candidate, Sept. 1, 2025: Joshua Taylor Hatcher, Clayton, N.C.

Master of Theology

Graduate, May 10, 2025: Aaron Jay De Boer, Maple Falls, Wash.

Candidate, Sept. 1, 2025: Grant E. Van Brimmer, Lompoc, Calif.

Doctor of Ministry

Graduates, Jan. 1, 2025: Rhonda D. Heyward, Hollywood, S.C.; Charles E. Poore III, Honolulu, Hawaii

Graduates, May 10, 2025: James Jay Foster, Bend, Ore.; Alicia Douglas Hart, Spartanburg, S.C.; Kevin Hartley, Heath Springs, S.C.; Terrell LaMar Jones, Due West, S.C.

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