Southern Wesleyan University Celebrates Class of 2013

More than 300 graduates received their associate, bachelor’s and master’s degrees during three ceremonies at Southern Wesleyan University in Central.

Each ceremony began with a processional along Wesleyan Drive, as students, anticipating their new degrees, were led by the City of Greenville Pipes and Drums, playing “Scotland the Brave.” The musical aspect of this celebration continued inside with inspirational music from the University Singers.

“The heart of the university’s mission and purpose is most evidenced through the teaching and mentoring the students receive from our faculty,” said Todd Voss, university president, in his opening remarks. “The scholarship and commitment of our faculty to their students and their faith in Christ in the classroom and throughout the learning process is the substance of this university and what we strive to fulfill.”

The commencement speaker was Rev. Ken Dupin, who has served as a pastor in The Wesleyan Church for 31 years and is a research fellow at Virginia Tech’s Corporate Research Center. In 2008, Dupin founded N2Care, a result of his Ph.D. research and his passion for issues affecting the aging population. N2Care’s team under Dupin’s leadership created the MEDCottage, an innovation the media has affectionately called the “granny pod.”

Dupin shared about how in midlife he began observing successful people. He found a common denominator was that they have experienced times of sacrifice somewhere in their lives.

“Sacrifice generates passion. No change is greater than your willingness to make a sacrifice, but if there is no sacrifice, you end up blaming other people for your mediocrity. Whatever your dream is today, dream it. Don’t be afraid to sacrifice. The greater the sacrifice, the greater the opportunity,” concluded Dupin.

Southern Wesleyan University President Todd Voss presented Dupin an honorary doctorate for his achievements.

Students graduating from the university’s traditional program participated in a ceremony May 10, while students enrolled in the adult evening program participated in two ceremonies May 11. Each ceremony took place in the auditorium of Newton Hobson Chapel and Fine Arts Center.