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CLOSED CAPTIONING PROVIDED BY BUFORT COUNTY.
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, IF YOU ARE ABLE, PLEASE RISE FOR THE PROCESSION, THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA, BEAUFORT, MACE AND MACE PARTY, THE UNIVERSITY DEGREE CANDIDATES, THE FACULTY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA BUFORT,
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THE UNIVERSITY OFFICIALS AND DISTINGUISHED GUESTS, THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA BUFORT EDUCATION FOUNDATION, THE BUFORT JASPER HIGHER EDUCATION COMMISSION, AND THE BUFORT COLLEGE TRUSTEES, THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA BEAUFORT EXECUTIVE VICE CHANCELLOR FOR ACADEMIC AFFAIRS, THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA BOARD OF TRUSTEES, THE CHANCELLOR OF THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA BEAUFORT, DR.AND THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR JOINING US TODAY.
PLEASE REMAIN STANDING FOR THE NATIONAL ANTHEM AND THE INVOCATION DELIVERED BY REVEREND DANIEL KANA.
WHAT A WONDERFUL DAY TO HONOR, CELEBRATE AND CHERISH THESE GRADUATES HERE TODAY.
AND WHAT AN HONOR TO BE HERE WITH YOU TODAY.
IF YOU FEEL SO INCLINED, JOIN ME IN THIS PRAYER OF BLESSING.
LORD, WE INVITE YOU HERE ON THIS SPECIAL OCCASION.
WE THANK YOU FOR THIS JOYOUS DAY AND WE PAUSE TO TAKE THIS MOMENT IN.
WE ASK FOR THE WISDOM TO RECOGNIZE OUR GIFTS AND TO SERVE WITH GRATITUDE.
BLESS THESE GRADUATES AS THEY PURSUE THEIR DREAMS IN UNEXPECTED WAYS.
PROVIDE THEM WITH THE COURAGE TO MOVE BEYOND FEAR AND DOUBT, TO FIND STRENGTH IN THEIR CAPACITY TO CARE FOR OTHERS THROUGH YOUR STRENGTH.
WE ASK THAT YOU BLESS THEM WITH PATIENCE AS THEY EXPLORE NEW HORIZONS.
BLESS THEM WITH HUMILITY IN THE FACE OF SUCCESS AND ABUNDANCE.
BLESS THEM WITH GRATITUDE FOR FRIENDS, MENTORS, AND FAMILY WHO HAVE SUPPORTED THEM THROUGH THIS JOURNEY.
AND BLESS US ALL, FAMILY, FRIENDS, FACULTY, MENTORS AND SUPPORTERS AS WE SHARE IN THE JOY OF THEIR ACCOMPLISHMENTS.
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PLEASE BE SEATED.WELCOME TO THE FALL 2025 COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY AT UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA.
I WANT TO OFFER MY HEARTFELT CONGRATULATIONS TO THE CLASS OF 2025.
I ALSO WANT TO WELCOME YOUR FAMILY, FRIENDS, AND ALL THOSE WHO HAVE SUPPORTED YOU OVER THE COURSE OF YOUR ACADEMIC JOURNEY TO REACH THIS MOMENTOUS OCCASION.
AND OF COURSE, I WANT TO ACKNOWLEDGE MEMBERS OF THE ADMINISTRATION, OUR FACULTY AND STAFF, AND INVITED GUESTS WHO ARE HERE TODAY.
YOU HAVE REACHED ONE OF LIFE'S MAJOR MILESTONES.
YOU ARE ABOUT TO RECEIVE A BACCALAUREATE DEGREE SIGNIFYING THE COMPLETION OF A RIGOROUS COURSE OF STUDY IN PREPARATION FOR A REWARDING LIFE AND CAREER.
EARNING A BACHELOR'S DEGREE TAKES A COMBINATION OF PERSISTENCE AND BALANCE.
YOU HAVE COMPLETED DEMANDING COURSEWORK WHILE JUGGLING EVERYDAY RESPONSIBILITIES SUCH AS JOBS, FAMILY, WELLBEING, AND RELATIONSHIPS.
EACH OF YOU HAS EXPERIENCED YOUR OWN JOURNEY TO EARNING A BACHELOR'S DEGREE.
EACH OF YOU, EACH OF YOU, IS A SUCCESS STORY NOW AND IN THE MAKING.
TAKE FOR EXAMPLE, YOUR CLASSMATE, RACHEL VALVO, A VILLE NATIVE RACHEL WAS HOMESCHOOL AND DUAL ENROLLED HERE AS A HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT.
SHE COULD HAVE GONE ANYWHERE TO COLLEGE THAT SHE WOULD'VE CHOSEN, BUT SHE CHOSE USCB.
SHE IS GRADUATING TODAY WITH HER BACHELOR'S OF SCIENCE IN INFORMATION SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AND A MINOR IN COMMUNICATION STUDIES SUMMA CUMLAUDE AT USCB, RACHEL HAS DEVELOPED THE SKILLS OF A LEADER, A CREATOR, AND A PROBLEM SOLVER.
THESE CHARACTERISTICS WILL SERVE HER WEALTH FOR THE REST OF HER LIFE.
YOU TOO HAVE DEVELOPED THESE SKILLS AT USCB AND LIKE MANY OF YOU, RACHEL HELD DOWN A JOB WHILE SHE WAS A STUDENT.
SHE WORKED IN THE UNIVERSITY'S IT DEPARTMENT SUPPORTING STUDENTS, FACULTY AND STAFF, AND LEADING MAJOR TECHNICAL PROJECTS THAT IMPROVED CAMPUS TECHNOLOGY.
HER ZEAL FOR INNOVATION SHINES THROUGH HER WORK IN AND OUT OF THE CLASSROOM.
SHE IS PASSIONATE ABOUT GAME DESIGN, UTILIZING NON UKRAINIAN GEOMETRY PRINCIPLES.
SHE HAS DESIGNED AND LAUNCHED GAMES ON STEAM, EXPLORED ETHICAL AI PRACTICES AND MASTERS' MASTER TOOLS LIKE UNITY AND UNREAL ENGINE.
SHE HAS PRESENTED HER WORK ON STUDENT RESEARCH AND SCHOLARSHIP DAY.
HER PROJECTS HAVE EARNED AWARDS AND PROFESSIONAL RECOGNITION, INCLUDING A CONFERENCE PRESENTATION PROVING THAT CREATIVITY AND TECHNOLOGY GO HAND IN HAND.
RACHEL HAS GIVEN BACK TO OUR COMMUNITY ON CAMPUS.
SHE SERVED IN LEADERSHIP ROLES WITH THE ASSOCIATION FOR COMPUTING MACHINERY, INCLUDING CHAPTER PRESIDENT AND GENIUS CHAIR.
SHE HAS BOOSTED MEMBERSHIP AND HOSTED EVENTS SUCH AS THE WOMEN IN TECH CONFERENCE THAT FEATURED THREE GUEST SPEAKERS AND THE PANEL OF SIX USCB GRADUATES OF CAMPUS.
RACHEL VOLUNTEER TO TEACH CODING TO AREA MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS, PAYING IT FORWARD BY INSPIRING THE NEXT GENERATION OF TECH LEADERS.
TODAY, WE CELEBRATE ALL OF YOU AND RACHEL JOURNEY IS JUST ONE USCB
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STORY, BUT IT IS A TESTAMENT TO HARD WORK CURIOSITY AND A COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE THAT YOU ALL SHARE.AS SHE STEPS INTO THE NEXT CHAPTER OF HER LIFE, WE KNOW SHE WILL CONTINUE TO PUSH BOUNDARIES AND CREATE SOLUTIONS THAT MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THE WORLD.
SHARKS HAVE YOUR OWN SUCCESS STORIES OR YOU WOULDN'T BE HERE TODAY.
THE ENTIRE UNIVERSITY COMMUNITY IS PROUD OF YOU AND YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS.
WE COULDN'T BE PROUD OF TODAY'S STUDENT SPEAKER SHIRLEY ANN VELAZQUEZ RODRIGUEZ.
YOU WILL HEAR FROM HER IN A LITTLE WHILE.
SHIRLEY'S STORY IS ONE THAT TRULY EMBODIES USB'S VALUES OF EMPATHY, LEADERSHIP, CREATIVITY, AND SERVICE.
SHE HAS LONG DREAMED OF BEING A TEACHER, AND TODAY SHE IS RECEIVING HER BACHELOR OF ARTS IN ELEMENTARY EDUCATION.
HER JOURNEY BEGAN IN PUERTO RICO, BUT IN 2014 SHE MOVED WITH HER FAMILY TO HILTON HEAD ISLAND.
ISLAND SCHOOL OF THE ARTS SURELY DISCOVERED HER LOVE FOR THEATER STORY, STORYTELLING AND CREATIVE EXPRESSION PASSIONS THAT WOULD SHAPE HER APPROACH TO TEACHING AND LIFE.
AT USCB, SHIRLEY IS KNOWN FOR HER KINDNESS, HER ENTHUSIASM, AND HER HER UNWAVERING COMMITMENT TO CREATING SPACES WHERE EVERYONE FEELS WELCOME AND VALUED.
AS A MEMBER OF THE EXECUTIVE BOARD OF THE VOICES OF DIVERSITY CLUB, SHE HAS CHAMPION CULTURAL REPRESENTATION AND SPARKED CONVERSATIONS THAT BROUGHT TWO STUDENTS TOGETHER.
HER WORK AS A STUDENT TEACHER IN LOCAL CLASSROOMS HAS REFLECTED THAT SAME COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE.
SHE INFUSED CREATIVITY AND INCLUSION INTO EVERY LESSON, INCLUDING ENGLISH, LANGUAGE ARTS, SOCIAL STUDIES, AND SCIENCE.
AND NOW SURELY STEPS INTO THE NEXT CHAPTER OF HER JOURNEY.
SHE WILL BE A SIXTH GRADE MATH TEACHER AT BRIDGES PREPARATORY SCHOOL IN BEAUFORT.
HER MISSION IS CLEAR TO INSPIRE HER STUDENTS TO BELIEVE IN THEMSELVES, STAY CURIOUS, AND EMBRACE LEARNING IN ALL ITS FORMS. SHIRLEY LIVES BY VALUES THAT MATTER DEEPLY, PURPOSE, POSITIVITY, AND EMPATHY VALUES.
WE HOPE USCB HAS HELPED INSTILL IN EVERYONE OF OUR GRADUATES FROM THIS DAY FORWARD.
REMEMBER, OBSTACLES MAY THREATEN TO DERAIL YOUR PROGRESS IN LIFE, BUT DON'T LET THEM STOP YOUR JOURNEY.
HEED THE WORDS OF THE GREATEST OF ALL TIME.
MICHAEL JORDAN, WHO SAID, IF YOU RUN INTO A WALL, DON'T TURN AROUND AND GIVE UP.
FIGURE OUT HOW TO CLIMB IT, GO THROUGH IT OR WORK AROUND IT.
USCB HAS PREPARED YOU TO NAVIGATE LIFE'S OBSTACLES.
YOUR CAREER CONNECTED EDUCATION HAS ALSO INSTILLED IN YOU TRAITS THAT WILL HELP YOU NAVIGATE YOUR FUTURE.
FIRST, USCB HAS TRAINED YOU TO BE A CRITICAL THINKER AND A PROBLEM SOLVER.
YOUR PROFESSORS CHALLENGE YOU TO VENTURE INTO THE REALM OF DEEP LEARNING AND DEEP THINKING.
THE ESSENCE OF CREATIVITY AND INNOVATION.
DEEP THINKING SHAPES HOW WE FRAME QUESTIONS, HOW WE GATHER AND ANALYZE INFORMATION, HOW WE SEPARATE FACT FROM FICTION AND HOW WE RESPOND TO THE CHALLENGES WE ALL
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ENCOUNTER.THE SECOND TRAIT THAT USCB HAS INSTILLED IN YOU IS THE ABILITY TO BE A KNOWLEDGEABLE AND SKILLED PROFESSIONAL.
OVER THE COURSE OF YOUR USCB CAREER.
WE HAVE EMPHASIZED THROUGH CLASSROOM AND EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING, THE DEVELOPMENT OF YOUR INTERESTS AND SKILLS.
AND WHILE YOUR SKILLS DIFFER DEPENDING ON YOUR MAJOR, THEY EMPOWER ALL OF YOU FOR A LIFETIME OF LEARNING.
USCB HAS ALSO HELPED YOU DEVELOP GOODNESS OF CHARACTER.
GOODNESS IS THE FOUNDATION FOR EMPATHY, JUSTICE, PEACE, AND INTEGRITY.
IT IS THE FOUNDATION FOR A CIVIL AND FUNCTIONING SOCIETY.
YOU WERE PROBABLY A GOOD PERSON BEFORE BECOMING A SAND SHARK, BUT AT USCB, WE PURPOSEFULLY NURTURE THE TYPE OF GOODNESS THAT IS ESSENTIAL IN FORMING RELATIONSHIPS AND BUILDING COMMUNITY.
HIGHER EDUCATION IS CONSIDERED A PUBLIC GOOD, SO IT IS OUR OBLIGATION TO GRADUATE GOOD CITIZENS.
DO YOU REMEMBER THE SAINT CHUCK CAROLINIAN CREED? THE CREED IS OUR TOOL FOR TEACHING THE CORE VALUES OF RESPECT, INTEGRITY, AND KINDNESS.
THE WORLD NEEDS THIS VALUE NOW MORE THAN EVER BEFORE.
AFTER YOU LEAVE THIS CEREMONY AND FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE, UH, ASK THAT YOU CONTINUE TO BE A FORCE FOR GOOD, A FORCE FOR GOOD IN A WORLD, AND TO EVEN TAKE IT TO THE NEXT LEVEL.
MAKE THE THE MAKE YOUR CORNER OF THE WORLD A BETTER PLACE.
MAKE A POSITIVE CONTRIBUTION TO YOUR COMMUNITY.
MAKE YOUR LIFE STORY ONE OF GOOD DEEDS, LARGE AND SMALL.
AND WHEREVER YOU ARE AND WHATEVER YOU DO REMEMBER THAT USCB WILL CONTINUE TO SUPPORT AND ENCOURAGE YOU.
STAY CONNECTED TO YOUR ALMA MATER.
ENGAGE WITH OUR EVER-GROWING ALUMNI COMMUNITY.
TELL US WHAT YOU'RE DOING YEARS FROM NOW.
WE WANT, WE WANT TO TELL YOUR STORY, BUT FOR NOW, DON'T STOP LEARNING.
WORK HARD, HELP OTHERS PRACTICE KINDNESS.
BE AN INFLUENCER FOR THE COMMON GOOD.
MAKE YOURSELF AND YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY PROUD.
I AM ALREADY BEYOND PROUD OF ALL OF YOU, AND I CAN'T WAIT TO SHAKE YOUR HAND WHEN YOU WALK ACROSS THIS STAGE.
SO LET'S EMBRACE THIS MOMENT OF ACHIEVEMENT TOGETHER.
IT IS NOW MY PLEASURE TO RECOGNIZE TODAY'S SPECIAL GUESTS.
AS YOUR NAME IS CALLED, PLEASE STAND IF YOU ARE ABLE.
PLEASE HOLD YOUR APPLAUSE UNTIL ALL GUESTS HAVE BEEN RECOGNIZED FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA BOARD OF TRUSTEES, THE HONORABLE ROSE BY NEWTON VICE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEE FROM THE BEAUFORT JASPER HIGHER EDUCATION COMMISSION, DR.
TRICIA RIDGE, REPRESENTING THE BEAUFORT COLLEGE TRUSTEES, DR.
THE TRUSTEES ARE HERE EACH YEAR AS A SYMBOL OF OUR REGION'S LONGSTANDING COMMITMENT TO HIGHER EDUCATION, WHICH DATES BACK TO THE FOUNDING OF BEAUFORT COLLEGE IN 1795.
FROM THE USCB EDUCATION FOUNDATION, MR. JUSTIN RICE, CHAIRMAN FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA BEAUFORT, DR.
KIMBERLY DOAS, INTERIM PROVOST AND EXECUTIVE VICE CHANCELLOR FOR ACADEMIC AFFAIRS,
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DR. DAVID FUSI, FACULTY CENTER CHAIR, MR. NORMAN BARNES, OUR KEYNOTE SPEAKER, THE REVEREND DANIEL KANA AND MS. SHIRLEY VELASQUEZ RODRIGUEZ, OUR STUDENT SPEAKER.AND BECAUSE SERVICE TO THE UNIVERSITY IS A TEAM EFFORT, PLEASE JOIN ME IN RECOGNIZING MY DEAR WIFE, MRS. JUDITH PUNE, FIRST LADY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA BEAUFORT.
I AM PROUD TO TELL YOU THAT USCB HAS A WORLD CLASS GROUP OF TEACHER SCHOLARS WHO ARE COMMITTED TO TEACHING, RESEARCH AND SERVICE.
THEY INSPIRE, MOTIVATE, AND LEAD OUR STUDENTS TO DISCOVER POWERFUL FUTURES ON THEIR EDUCATIONAL JOURNEY.
THEIR DEDICATION IS UNWAVERING AND A BIG PART OF OUR STUDENT SUCCESS WILL THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA BEAUFORT FACULTY.
USCB IS ALSO GRACED WITH SUCH A TALENTED STAFF WITHOUT WHOM THIS INSTITUTION WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO SERVE OUR STUDENTS.
THEIR DEDICATION TO STUDENT SUCCESS AND TO THE UNIVERSITY IS UNSURPASSED, AND THEY ARE AMAZING TALENT AND COMMITMENT.
CREATE THIS COMMUNITY IN WHICH OUR STUDENTS THRIVE.
WILL THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA BEAUFORT STAFF WHO ALREADY SCOUTED ALL THROUGHOUT, PLEASE STAND AND BE RECOGNIZED.
OUR GRADUATES ACCOMPLISHMENTS REFLECT THE SACRIFICES THAT THEY AND DEAR FAMILIES AND FRIENDS HAVE MADE TO REACH THIS MILESTONE.
MANY FAMILY MEMBERS AND FRIENDS ARE HERE WITH US.
WHILE OTHERS ARE JOINING VIRTUALLY FOR THE ENCOURAGEMENT AND SUPPORT YOU HAVE GIVEN, WOULD ALL FAMILY MEMBERS AND FRIENDS PLEASE STAND TO BE RECOGNIZED? PLEASE STAND.
CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OF YOU.
IT IS NOW MY GREAT PLEASURE TO INTRODUCE OUR KEYNOTE SPEAKER TODAY.
HE IS ONE OF USB'S TREASURES AND A BELOVED MEMBER OF OUR CAMPUS COMMUNITY, A RECIPIENT OF THE VINCE MAZAR AWARD RECOGNITION.
HE JOINED U-S-C-B-A LITTLE OVER A DECADE AGO AND CURRENTLY SERVES AS THE GROUND LEAD IN OUR FACILITIES DEPARTMENT.
BORN IN FLORIDA, AND HAVING EARNED A BACHELOR'S OF SCIENCE DEGREE FROM WEST VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY, HIS PATH HAS LENDED HIM HERE IN A LOW COUNTRY.
WHILE HE USES HIS DEGREE IN AGRI BUSINESS MANAGEMENT AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT.
IN HIS DAY-TO-DAY JOB, HE REALLY MAKES AN IMPACT WITH THE RELATIONSHIP, THE RELATIONSHIPS THAT HE BRING THAT HE, UH, BUILDS ACROSS CAMPUS.
SOME DAYS YOU'LL FIND HIM SUPPORTING THE GREENHOUSE ON CAMPUS, AND OTHER DAYS YOU'LL SEE HIM SERVING ON THE STAFF ADVISORY COUNCIL.
TODAY HE WILL SHARE SOME OF HIS WORDS OF WISDOM.
AS OUR KEYNOTE SPEAKER, I AM PRIVILEGED TO INTRODUCE YOU TO MR. NORMAN BARNES.
PNU, HONORED GUEST, FAMILY, FRIENDS, FACULTY AND STAFF, BUT MOST IMPORTANTLY, CLASS OF 25.
THIS IS MY 11TH COMMENCEMENT AND PEOPLE, I'LL TELL YOU, IT'S NOT GETTING ANY EASIER TO WATCHING MY KIDS LEAVE THIS CAMPUS FOR THE CLASS OF 25.
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CONGRATULATIONS.YOU'VE REACHED ANOTHER MILESTONE IN YOUR LIVES.
FOUR YEARS OF TRIALS AND TRIBULATIONS.
LONG DAYS AND LONGER NIGHTS, BUT THE EASY PART'S OVER PEOPLE.
THERE'S SO MUCH MORE THAT LIES AHEAD OF YOU.
A LONG WAY, BUT DON'T GET IN NO BIG DAMN HURRY TO GET THERE.
PEOPLE
DON'T MISS ANYTHING BECAUSE YOU'LL FAR MORE REGRET THE THINGS YOU DIDN'T DO THAN THE THINGS YOU DID DO.
I COULD STAND UP HERE ALL DAY AND TELL YOU HOW SCREWED UP THE WORLD IS.
BUT THE QUESTION IS, DO YOU THINK THE WORLD SCREWED UP? IF YOU DO, HOW YOU GOING TO FIX IT? IT'S TOO LATE FOR ME, BUT Y'ALL ARE YOUNG AND INTELLIGENT.
Y'ALL HAVE THE TIME TO FIX IT, AND I'M JUST GONNA THROW OUT A RANDOM THOUGHT FOR YOU.
Y'ALL CAN PICK IT UP AND RUN WITH IT.
Y'ALL CAN LEAVE IT WHERE IT'S AT.
HOMO SAPIENS THINKING, MAN, BUT PEOPLE, ARE WE DEVOLVING AS A SPECIES? ARE WE MAKING A WORLD OUTTA CLICKING A MOUSE AND HITTING ENTER TO SOLVE OUR PROBLEMS? WE NEED TO REMEMBER HOW TO USE THE OLD BRAIN HOUSING GROUP.
LIKE I SAY, TAKE IT OR TAKE IT OR LEAVE.
I BELIEVE IN LUCK OR OTHER WAY AROUND.
THAT'S I BELIEVE IN HARD WORK, NOT LUCK.
I KNEW I SCREWED ONE THING UP.
THANK YOU NORMAN, FOR THOSE INSPIRING WORDS.
A FEW WORDS, BUT DEEP THOUGHT AND AND AND INCREDIBLE IMPACT.
I CERTAINLY AGREE THAT HARD WORK IS THE KEY INGREDIENT TO A SUCCESS, AND YOUR CHALLENGE TO LOVE IS JUST AS CRITICAL AS IN, AS, AS, AS WELL.
SO PLEASE, LET'S GIVE NORMAN ONE MORE ROUND OF APPLAUSE.
ONE OF MY GREATEST JOYS IN THIS ROLE IS BEING ABLE TO SHOUT AT THE TOP OF MY LUNGS HOW GREAT THE STUDENTS OF USCB ARE.
I GET TO DO THAT ONCE MORE AGAIN TODAY.
YOU'VE ALREADY HEARD ME TALK ABOUT HER, BUT NOW I WOULD LIKE TO INTRODUCE YOU OUT TO OUR STUDENT SPEAKER TODAY, SHIRLEY VELASQUEZ RODRIGUEZ.
SHIRLEY ANN VELASQUEZ RODRIGUEZ.
SHIRLEY
THANK YOU TO THOSE WHO TRAVELED FROM FAR AWAY OR WOKE UP WAY TOO EARLY TO WATCH YOUR GRADUATE, TAKE THE STAGE AND START THE REST OF THEIR LIVES TODAY MAKES ALL THE 8:00 AM LECTURES, THE ALL-NIGHTERS, THE COUNTLESS HOURS IN THE LIBRARY, THE HOMESICKNESS, OR LONG COMMUTES TO SCHOOL WORTH IT.
ALONG THE WAY, WE HAVE MADE LIFELONG FRIENDS DISCOVERED PASSIONS WE NEVER EXPECTED.
GROWN TRO STRONGER THROUGH EVERY CHALLENGE AND CREATED MEMORIES THAT WILL STAY WITH US LONG AFTER WE LEAVE THIS CAMPUS.
YOU DID THIS AND WHETHER IT WAS WITH THE HELP OF A VILLAGE OR THROUGH YOUR OWN DETERMINATION TODAY, YOU GET TO CELEBRATE ALL YOUR HARD WORK PAYING OFF.
MY NAME IS SHIRLEY ANN VELAZQUEZ RODRIGUEZ,
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AND I'M GRADUATING WITH A DEGREE IN ELEMENTARY EDUCATION.THE FIRST CLASSES I EVER TOOK HERE WHERE WHEN I WAS A SENIOR IN HIGH SCHOOL BACK IN 2022, I'VE NEVER BEEN SHY, BUT WALKING INTO A UNIVERSITY WITH A HUGE BOOK BAG AND A LUNCHBOX IN HAND IS A LITTLE FRIGHTENING.
WHEN I FIRST ENTERED COLLEGE, I TOLD MYSELF I WOULD NOT BE THE SAME GIRL WHO IN SCHOOL ALWAYS RAISED HER HAND FIRST BECAUSE SHE ALWAYS HAD A QUESTION WHO CAREFULLY, CAREFULLY CURATED HER NOTES TO LOOK LIKE A PINTEREST BOARD, AND WHO ALWAYS STOOD OUT FOR BEING WAY TOO LOUD AT TRY HARD AND OVERLY NICE TO EVERYONE.
I TOLD THAT GIRL THAT THIS WAS HER OPPORTUNITY TO FIT IN AND BE COOL.
I TOLD HER THAT NOT EVERYONE NEEDED TO KNOW THAT SHE GREW UP IN PUERTO RICO AND HAD ALWAYS WANTED TO BE A TEACHER.
I TOLD THAT LITTLE GIRL INSIDE OF ME TO KEEP IT DOWN, TO HOLD BACK THAT SPARK BECAUSE OTHERWISE I'D BE JUDGED.
BUT THANKFULLY THAT DIDN'T LAST VERY LONG.
I REALIZED THAT HERE AT U-S-C-B-I DIDN'T HAVE TO CHANGE WHO I WAS TO MAKE ANY FRIENDS.
I DIDN'T HAVE TO STOP ASKING SO MANY QUESTIONS BECAUSE MORE OFTEN THAN NOT OTHERS HAD THE SAME QUESTION, BUT WERE JUST TOO AFRAID TO ASK.
MY PINTEREST NOTES TURNED INTO FUN PRESENTATIONS MY STUDENTS REALLY ENJOY AND BEING TOO LOUD AND A TRY HARD GOT ME HERE ON THIS STAGE TODAY WITH A JOB LINED UP AS A SIXTH GRADE MATH TEACHER.
BEING DIFFERENT IS A STRENGTH.
DON'T FORCE YOURSELF TO FIT INTO A BOX YOU WEREN'T MEANT TO FIT IN.
DON'T BE AFRAID TO STAND OUT JUST BECAUSE YOU MIGHT BE JUDGED.
WORK HARD AND PROVE TO YOURSELF AND OTHERS THAT ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE.
IF YOU PUT IN THE EFFORT, LIFE WILL ALWAYS THROW OBSTACLES YOUR WAY.
IT WILL ALWAYS TRY TO TRICK YOU INTO THINKING YOUR DREAMS ARE UNATTAINABLE.
YOUR LIFE WILL ALWAYS BE IN A STATE OF CONSTANT CONSTRUCTION, AND THOUGH YOU WON'T ALWAYS BE IN CONTROL OF WHAT HAPPENS, YOU ARE IN CONTROL OF YOUR SELF AND YOUR DECISIONS.
CHOOSE TO MAKE AT LEAST ONE PERSON SMILE A DAY.
CHOOSE TO DEFEND THE PEOPLE WHO NEED DEFENDING.
CHOOSE TO BRING POSITIVITY INTO A WORLD THAT DESPERATELY NEEDS IT, AND CHOOSE TO NOT LET LIFE GET IN THE WAY OF THE PERSON YOU ARE MEANT TO BECOME.
AND AS I STAND HERE TODAY, I WOULD LIKE TO TAKE A MOMENT TO HONOR THE TWO WOMEN WHO TAUGHT ME THOSE VALUES.
MY MOTHER WHO RAISED MY OLDER BROTHER, MY LITTLE SISTER, AND ME AS A SINGLE MOM.
SHE HAS DEDICATED HER LIFE TO US AND OUR SUCCESS.
SHE'S DONE EVERYTHING IN HER POWER TO MAKE SURE THAT WE GET THE LIVES WE DREAMED OF, EVEN IF IT MEANT GIVING UP ON HER OWN DREAMS. AND I ALSO DEDICATE THIS TO MY FIRST EVER STUDENT, MY GRANDMOTHER.
SHE PASSED AWAY ONLY FOUR MONTHS AGO AND I'M ABOUT TO LIVE THE REST OF MY LIFE MAKING HER PROUD.
SHE ALWAYS SAID AMIKA, GREAT TEACHER.
EVEN WHEN I DOUBTED MYSELF AS A LITTLE GIRL, I SPENT MY SUMMERS TEACHING HER ENGLISH WHILE SHE TAUGHT ME HOW TO DANCE, ENJOY ELAS AND OF COURSE CHEAT AT BOARD GAMES,
I'D CALL HER ON MY WAY HOME FROM STUDENT TEACHING AND TELL HER MY HAPPIEST, MY SADDEST AND MOST FRUSTRATING MOMENTS.
AND SHE ALWAYS KNEW EXACTLY WHAT TO SAY.
THOSE TWO WOMEN MADE ME WHO I AM TODAY, AND I THANK THEM FOR ALWAYS BEING THERE FOR ME.
I DEDICATE THIS MOMENT AND EVERY ACCOMPLISHMENT THAT FOLLOWS TO THEM.
SO CLASS OF 2025, TAKE THIS ALL IN.
NOW YOU GET TO CHOOSE WHAT YOU'LL DO WITH IT.
BE THE POSITIVE CHANGE YOU WISH TO SEE IN THE WORLD.
MAKE IT A BETTER PLACE FOR YOUR FAMILY, FOR THE NEXT GENERATION OR FOR YOURSELF.
YOU HAVE FAR MORE POWER THAN YOU THINK YOU DO.
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THANK YOU SO MUCH.SHE ANN, FOR YOUR MOTIVATING MESSAGE AND YOUR WORD.
MAKE IT EASY TO SEE WHY THIS CLASS OF 2025 IS A SPECIAL GROUP OF STUDENTS.
SO PLEASE ONE MORE TIME, LET'S, UH, SHOW OUR GRATITUDE TO SHIRLEY HAD.
NOW WE COME TO THE MOST SPECIAL PART OF OUR CEREMONY, THE DEGREE CONFERRAL.
EVERY GRADUATE'S FAMILY AND FRIENDS WOULD LIKE TO HEAR THE GRADUATE'S NAME READ AS THEY CROSS THE STAGE.
MAY I ASK YOU TO PLEASE HOLD YOUR APPLAUSE AND EXCLAMATIONS UNTIL THE LAST NAME IS READ.
I PROMISE YOU YOU'LL HAVE PLENTY OF TIME TO CELEBRATE YOUR GRADUATE'S ACHIEVEMENT AFTER THE LAST NAME IS CALLED.
KIMBERLY DOAS, INTERIM PROVOST AND EXECUTIVE VICE CHANCELLOR FOR ACADEMIC AFFAIRS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA TO PRESENT THE CANDIDATES FOR DEGREES.
WILL THE CANDIDATES FOR THE DEGREES PLEASE RISE.
CHANCELLOR PNU, ALL CANDIDATES WHO STAND BEFORE ME AND OTHERS WHO CANNOT BE PRESENT, BUT WHOSE ACHIEVEMENT IS BEING RECORDED OFFICIALLY BY THE UNIVERSITY HAVING COMPLETED THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE RESPECTIVE DEGREES, ARE HEREWITH RECOMMENDED BY THE FACULTY OF THE UNIVERSITY FOR THE CONFERRAL OF THEIR DEGREES, BY VIRTUE OF THE AUTHORITY VESTED IN UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA BOARD OF TRUSTEES BY THE PEOPLE OF THIS STATE ACTING THROUGH THEIR REPRESENTATIVES IN THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY.
AND UNDER RECOMMENDATION OF THE FACULTY OF THIS INSTITUTION, THE UNIVERSITY CONFERS UPON EACH OF YOU THE DEGREE FOR WHICH YOU HAVE BEEN RECOMMENDED TOGETHER WITH ALL THE RIGHTS, HONORS PRIVILEGES AND RESPONSIBILITIES THERETO PERTAINING CONGRATULATIONS AS THE DEGREE CANDIDATES COME FORWARD.
PLEASE NOTE THAT SOME WEAR GOLD CORDS ON THEIR SHOULDERS.
THE CORDS SIGNIFY DEGREES EARNED WITH ACADEMIC LATIN HONORS.
ALSO NOTE THAT SOME DEGREE CAN CANDIDATES WEAR A MEDALLION.
THIS MEDALLION REPRESENTS COMPLETION OF USC BUFORD'S COLLEGE HONORS PROGRAM.
POU WILL NOW GREET THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA DEGREE RECIPIENTS.
VELAZQUEZ RODRIGUEZ, BACHELOR OF ARTS IN ELEMENTARY EDUCATION.
MICHAEL CAMPBELL, BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION.
EVAN KOTTER, A BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION.
VANCE FLEMING, BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION.
MERRICK FA, BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION.
TYLER FULLER, BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION.
MAGNA C*M LADI, LEANDRO MALDONADO, BACHELOR
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OF SCIENCE IN BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION.ANDREW RADDA, BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION, C*M CUDI.
BRANDON RAY, BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION, C*M LADI.
IAN RAY, BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION.
JOHN RAY, BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION.
LONDON SMITH, BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION.
MARIAH STEVENS, BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION.
KAYLA TTE, BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION.
BRANDER WASHINGTON, BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION.
SIDNEY WEESE, BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION.
ZACHARY ZALLER, BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION.
MARY BASHAW, BACHELOR OF ARTS IN COMMUNICATION STUDIES.
ASHTON MCNAIR, BACHELOR OF ARTS IN COMMUNICATION STUDIES C*M LAUDE.
BETSY PHEROS NAVA, BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT, MAGNA C*M LAUDE.
JOSHUA HAMILTON, BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT, MAGNA C*M LAUDE.
LAURA PAYNE, BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT, MAGNA C*M LAUDE.
ASHLEY BECKER, BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN INFORMATION SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY.
HARLEY GREEN, BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN INFORMATION SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, MAGNA C*M LAUDE.
SEAN POOLE, BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN INFORMATION SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY.
RACHEL VO, BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN INFORMATION SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY.
MCKINLEY COLEMAN, BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN MATHEMATICS.
KENDALL MARIE, BACHELOR OF ARTS IN EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION.
MARISSA LOWY, BACHELOR OF ARTS IN ELEMENTARY EDUCATION.
ALYSSA ROBERTS, BACHELOR OF ARTS IN ELEMENTARY EDUCATION, MAGNA C*M LAUDE.
ELI SMITH, BACHELOR OF ARTS IN ELEMENTARY EDUCATION AND STUDIO ART, SUMMA C*M LAUDE.
LUCY HOLT, BACHELOR OF ARTS IN ENGLISH, MAGNA C*M LAUDE.
LINDSAY SAXTON, BACHELOR OF ARTS IN ENGLISH.
EMILY SCHUMANN, BACHELOR OF ARTS IN ENGLISH, MAGNA CUDI.
QUA WILLIAMS FERRELL, BACHELOR OF ARTS IN ENGLISH.
SEVER ROSADA, BACHELOR OF ARTS IN INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES.
POLK BACHELOR OF ARTS IN INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES.
[00:50:03]
CARLY ROSSI, BACHELOR OF ARTS IN INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES.ASHLEY SCHAFER, BACHELOR OF ARTS IN INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES.
ROSE VAN ETTEN, BACHELOR OF ARTS IN INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES.
ORIENTA VERDEN, BACHELOR OF ARTS IN INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES.
MORGAN DANDRIDGE, BACHELOR OF ARTS IN STUDIO ART.
ETHAN DEAN, BACHELOR OF ARTS IN HISTORY.
SARAH BASS, BACHELOR OF ARTS IN PSYCHOLOGY.
CHARITY BROOKS BACHELOR OF ARTS IN PSYCHOLOGY.
MARIAH BROWN, BACHELOR OF ARTS IN PSYCHOLOGY.
ROBIN FALA RAGSDALE, BACHELOR OF ARTS IN PSYCHOLOGY.
MAGNA C*M LADI, THE KAYLEE GIDO, BACHELOR OF ARTS IN PSYCHOLOGY C*M LAUDE.
A ALEXANDRA HORNE, BACHELOR OF ARTS IN PSYCHOLOGY.
LESLIE RODRIGUEZ, BACHELOR OF ARTS IN PSYCHOLOGY.
QUENTIN ROSS, BACHELOR OF ARTS IN PSYCHOLOGY.
ANGELA SANDOVAL, BACHELOR OF ARTS IN PSYCHOLOGY.
DESIREE SHARP, BACHELOR OF ARTS IN PSYCHOLOGY.
MERC STEVENS, BACHELOR OF ARTS IN PSYCHOLOGY.
MARIA COROLLAS, BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN BIOLOGY, C*M LAUDE.
KIRSTEN GRIFFITH, BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN BIOLOGY.
LAUREN GIBO, BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN BIOLOGY, THE NISHA MOISE, BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN BIOLOGY, CU LAUDE.
SARAH RODELLA, BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN BIOLOGY.
ANDRE SAVILLE, BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN BIOLOGY.
VERONICA YEZ CRUZ, MASTER OF SCIENCE IN NURSING C*M LAUDE.
RACHEL GARRETT, BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN HUMAN SERVICES.
POLLY HEATER, BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN HUMAN SERVICES.
RANISHA MARSH, BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN HUMAN SERVICES, MAGNA C*M LAUDE.
KATRINA O'GRADY, BACHELOR OF ARTS IN PUBLIC HEALTH, MAGNA C*M LADI HEAVEN.
ALLAH DAVIS, BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN PUBLIC HEALTH, C*M LAUDE.
LILY ANN HAGA, BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN PUBLIC HEALTH, C*M LADI.
MARISSA HALL, BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN PUBLIC HEALTH, C*M LAUDE.
[00:55:05]
LAYLA JONES, BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN PUBLIC HEALTH.CORY LANE, BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN PUBLIC HEALTH JOURNEY.
LAWRY BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN PUBLIC HEALTH, C*M LAUDE.
KRISTIN MOORE, BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN PUBLIC HEALTH, MAGNA C*M LAUDE.
BRITTANY BERNARD, BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN PUBLIC HEALTH.
KAITLYN WILLIAMS, BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN PUBLIC HEALTH, C*M LOUDY.
AMARI WOODS, BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN PUBLIC HEALTH, MAGNA C*M LOUDY.
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE CLASS OF 2025.
NOW IS THAT TIME FOR US TO CHEER ON THEM? WILL THE GRADUATES PLEASE RISE? ALL RIGHT, YOU ARE NOW GRADUATES OF THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA BEAUFORT, AND YOUR STATUS MUST BE MADE KNOWN TO THE ACADEMIC COMMUNITY AND TO THE WHOLE WORLD.
PLEASE JOIN TOGETHER AND MOVE YOUR TASSELS FROM THE RIGHT SIDE OF YOUR MOTOR BOARD TO THE LEFT SIDE, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, LET'S GIVE OUR NEW GRADUATES ANOTHER ROUND OF APPLAUSE.
I'M THE ALUMNI RELATIONS AND EVENTS MANAGER FOR THE UNIVERSITY'S ADVANCEMENT DEPARTMENT.
IT IS WITH GREAT PLEASURE THAT I OFFICIALLY INDUCT YOU INTO THE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION INSIDE YOUR DIPLOMA FOLDERS, YOU'LL FIND OUR SAND CHART PLEDGE.
AS YOU TAKE YOUR PLACE AMONGST FELLOW USCB ALUMNUS, KNOW THAT YOU'LL BE A PART OF THIS COMMUNITY FOREVER.
THE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION WOULD LIKE TO PRESENT A SMALL GIFT FOR ALL OF TODAY'S GRADUATES WITH A PERSONAL VIDEO CLIP OF YOU GUYS WALKING ACROSS STAGE TO SHARE WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS WHO WERE NOT ABLE TO JOIN US TODAY.
THESE PERSONALIZED VIDEO CLIPS WILL BE EMAILED OUT TO EVERYONE NEXT WEEK.
AGAIN, CONGRATULATIONS AND WELCOME TO THE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION.
PLEASE STAND AS REVEREND DANIEL OV KAIZEN LEADS US IN THE BENEDICTION, FOLLOWED BY THE FIRST VERSE OF THE CAROLINA ALMA MATER.
THE WORDS ARE FOUND ON THE LAST PAGE OF YOUR PROGRAM.
THE ALMA MATER WILL BE FOLLOWED BY THE RECESSIONAL OF THE PLATFORM PARTY AND THEN THE GUESTS AND GRADUATES.
PLEASE REMAIN IN YOUR SEATED AREA THROUGHOUT THE RECESSIONAL.
PLEASE JOIN YOUR GRADUATES ON THE NORTH AND WESTERN LAWN OF THE SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY BUILDING AFTER THE RECESSIONAL END TO VISIT WITH FRIENDS AND FACULTY AND THANK YOU FOR CELEBRATING WITH US AS YOU HEAD INTO THE FUTURE.
MAY YOU STRIVE FORWARD TOWARDS EXCELLENCE AND INTEGRITY.
ON THE DAYS WHEN YOU FEEL DEFEATED, MAY YOU LIFT YOUR HEADS TO
[01:00:01]
REMEMBER THIS DAY AND ALL THAT YOU HAVE ACCOMPLISHED.AND I WILL LEAVE YOU WITH THIS.
MAY THE LORD BLESS YOU AND KEEP YOU.
MAY THE LORD SMILE ON YOU AND BE GRACIOUS TO YOU.
MAY THE LORD SHOW YOU HIS FAVOR AND GIVE YOU HIS PEACE AND MAY OUR LIVES BE A BLESSING TO ALL.
WE BE CAREFUL AND SEE WE TO BE.
[01:05:04]
YOU ARE WATCHING BC TV LIVE, WORK PLAY.THE COUNTY IS ONE OF THE OLDEST FORMS OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT IN THE UNITED STATES.
EARLY SETTLERS FROM ENGLAND BROUGHT THE TRADITION OF COUNTY GOVERNMENT TO AMERICA.
TODAY MORE THAN 3000 COUNTY GOVERNMENTS PROVIDE SERVICES THAT AFFECT ALMOST EVERY CITIZEN'S LIFE.
SOUTH CAROLINA'S 46 COUNTIES ARE VERY REPRESENTATIVE OF HOW COUNTY GOVERNMENT HAS EVOLVED NATIONALLY.
THE COUNTY UNIT IN SOUTH CAROLINA WAS REGARDED AS THE LOCAL EXTENSION OF STATE GOVERNMENT, BUT A STATE CONSTITUTIONAL REFORM MOVEMENT IN THE EARLY 1970S LED TO THE SOUTH CAROLINA GENERAL ASSEMBLY, PASSING THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT LAW, ALSO KNOWN AS THE HOME RULE ACT.
IN 1975, THE HOME RULE ACT GREATLY EXPANDED COUNTY AUTHORITY AND CHANGED THE NATURE OF COUNTY ORGANIZATION AND ADMINISTRATION TO WHAT WE KNOW TODAY.
BEAUFORT COUNTY WENT FROM HAVING A BOARD OF DIRECTORS TO A COUNTY COUNCIL.
MEMBERS OF THE 1975 COUNCIL INCLUDED CHAIRMAN ARTHUR HORN, VICE CHAIRMAN GRADY THAMES, LEROY BROWN, GARY FORDHAM, WILLIAM GRANT, HARRIET, KAISER LING, DAVID JONES, BILL MCBRIDE, AND BOOKER WASHINGTON.
AS THE NEW COUNCIL SOUGHT TO DISTINGUISH ITSELF, COUNCIL MEMBERS DESIRED AN OFFICIAL SYMBOL THAT WOULD REPRESENT THE JURISDICTION'S IDENTITY AND UNIQUE CHARACTER COUNCIL APPOINTED AN AD HOC COMMITTEE TO UNDERTAKE THE TASK AND CARRY OUT A CONTEST FOR THE BEST COUNTY SEAL DESIGN.
HARRIET K WAS A MEMBER OF COUNTY COUNCIL AND IT WAS HER IDEA BECAUSE WE DIDN'T HAVE ANYTHING THAT COULD SIGNIFICANTLY IDENTIFY OUR BEAUTIFUL BEAUFORD COUNTY.
WE MET THEN UP AT, UH, I THINK IT WAS A CAROLINA BANK AND SOME YEARS AGO BACK THERE ON WEST STREET.
YOU KNOW, LIKE GOOD, BAD MAYBE UNTIL WE FINALLY GOT IT DOWN TO THE ONE THAT WE NOW USE.
COUNTY COUNCIL APPROVED THE SEAL COMMITTEE'S RECOMMENDATION, WHICH REFLECTED THE COUNTY'S HISTORY, TRADITIONS, AND NATURAL BEAUTY.
THE SEAL'S COLORS OF BLUE AND GREEN REPRESENT THE COLORS OF THE COUNTY'S OUTDOOR ENVIRONMENT WITH ITS MANY WATERWAYS, MARSHLANDS, AND MARITIME FOREST.
THE FIVE IMAGES WITHIN THE SEAL DEPICT SOME OF THE COUNTY'S DISTINGUISHING FEATURES.
ANCIENT LIVE OAK TREES, THE SEAFOOD INDUSTRY, RICH NATURAL RESOURCES, AND A RARE MARINE ECOLOGY, LOW COUNTRY ARCHITECTURE AND MILES OF RIVERS, CREEKS AND INLETS.
I THOUGHT IT ENCOMPASSED WHAT, WHAT WE AS A BODY WERE LOOKING FOR A SEAL THAT WOULD, WHEN YOU LOOKED AT IT AND JUST THOUGHT ABOUT IT A LITTLE BIT, IT REALLY COVERS THE ASPECTS OF BEAUFORT COUNTY.
SO HE DID A GOOD JOB OF BRINGING TOGETHER THE THINGS THAT WE, UH, WHOLE, SO DEAR AND WHAT WE REALLY LIKE ABOUT BEAUFORT COUNTY.
COUNCILMAN BILL MCBRIDE WAS IN OFFICE WHEN THE CONTEST WAS HELD AND WAS PRESENT WHEN THE COMMITTEE REVEALED THE WINNING TO SIGN.
I THINK COUNCIL WAS ECSTATIC ABOUT IT.
UH, WE THOUGHT THAT THE, THE SIMS ON THE SEAL REPRESENTED, UM, ASPECTS OF LIFE IN BEAUFORT COUNTY.
THERE IS A SLIGHT CHANGE IN THE ORIGINAL ON DRAFT THAT WAS PRESENTED TO US WHERE YOU HAVE THE SHRIMP BOAT TODAY.
INITIALLY, THAT WAS A PLEASURE CRAFT, A SAILBOAT YACHT TYPE BOAT.
AND, UH, IT WAS CHANGED BY COUNTY COUNCIL BECAUSE WE FELT THAT THE SHRIMP BOAT WAS A BETTER REPRESENTATION, UM, OF A MORE COMPREHENSIVE, UH, ASPECT OF BUT COUNTY LIFE BECAUSE YOU HAD OTHER THINGS ON THE SEAL THAT REPRESENT THE PLEASURE AND RECREATION, THE FISHING AND THE BEACH.
SO THEY THOUGHT THE SHRIMP BOAT, WHICH WAS A VERY IMPORTANT PART OF BEAUTIFUL COUNTY CULTURE SHRIMPING, ESPECIALLY AT THAT TIME, WOULD BE REFLECTED ON THE SALE.
THE WINNER OF THE CONTEST WAS AN ARTIST FROM HILTON HEAD ISLAND, THE LATE LEE PAYNE, WHOSE DESIGN WAS SELECTED FROM MORE THAN 126 CENTURIES SUBMITTED FROM AS FAR AWAY AS INDIANA AND TENNESSEE.
HE WAS AWARDED $250 FOR HIS DESIGN, BUT MORE IMPORTANTLY, HE CAPTURED THE LEGACY OF OUTDOOR BEAUTY, CULTURE, AND HISTORY THAT HELPED TO DEFINE IMPORTANT ASPECTS OF LIFE IN BEAUFORT COUNTY.
TO SEE MORE BEAUFORT COUNTY MOMENTS GO TO THE BEAUFORT COUNTY LIBRARY HOMEPAGE AND CLICK ON THE LOCAL HISTORY TAB.