Ironman triathlete, attorney and motivational speaker Jay Hewitt will give the keynote address when Lander University conducts its Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, Dec. 16. More than 200 graduates are expected to cross the stage and receive their degrees during the University's 156th commencement.
Commencement Ceremony - Finis Horne Arena
The ceremony begins at 11 a.m. in Finis Horne Arena. All guests, including children, must have a ticket to enter the arena. Guests are encouraged to arrive early to allow time for parking, security checks, and to avoid standing in the usual long lines.
"Many people come at the last minute and risk not getting in," said campus Police Chief Eddie Briggs. "The doors will be locked 15 minutes prior to the start of the event, and even though we have the drop-off at the PEES circle in front of the arena, you still have to park and walk back and go through security."
Security Measures
Security measures will include metal detectors at both main entrances of Horne Arena. No bookbags or large packages will be allowed inside All items are subject to search.
Live Stream on Projection Screen -Josephine B. Abney Cultural Center Auditorium
Late arrivers or guests without tickets will be directed to watch the ceremony on closed-circuit TV in the Abney Cultural Center auditorium.
Live Stream online - www.Lander.edu
A live stream of the ceremony will begin shortly on this site before 11 a.m. that morning.
About the Speaker
Jay Hewitt has enraptured audiences all over the world with his motivational message on reaching goals while balancing work, life and health. A three-time member of the U.S. National Team for Long Distance Triathlon, Hewitt competed around the world while managing Type 1 diabetes.
An experienced attorney of 20 years, Hewitt practices law in Greenville. He has negotiated multi-million dollar business agreements, served as leading trial counsel for several Fortune 500 companies, and argued appeals before the Supreme Court of South Carolina and the U.S. Court of Appeals.
A board member for several health-related organizations, Hewitt has been the focus of television documentaries and featured on the cover of Diabetes Health, Diabetes Forecast and other national publications.
Graduates to Pickup Diplomas Immediately After Ceremony
In a effort to get diplomas into the hands of graduates, the university is initiating a new process this year. Instead of exiting the arena to a hub of excited family and friends, graduates will remain in a formal recession and led to nearby Joe V. Chandler Center where they will receive their official diplomas. Upon receiving the diploma, graduates will join family, friends and faculty outside on the Front Lawn near the fountain for a Graduate Reception.