As Lander University graduates prepared to step into the next chapter of their lives, South Carolina Chief Justice John W. Kittredge encouraged them to embrace the moments that shape character and purpose in life. Drawing from his own journey in law, public service and life, Kittredge shared lessons of practical wisdom that the graduates can take into their everyday lives and careers.
Kittredge gave the keynote address at Lander’s 173rd Commencement Ceremonies, where the University conferred 621 bachelor’s and master’s degrees to Spring and Summer 2026 graduates.
Speaking with warmth and honesty, Kittredge told the Class of 2026 that success is measured by the relationships they build throughout their lives. He spoke about the importance of merging “the mind and the heart” to form meaningful and lasting connections with others.
“The merging of the mind and the heart is what life, what relationships are all about,” said Kittredge, who was elected an associate justice of the South Carolina Supreme Court in 2008 and elected the court’s chief justice in 2024.
“Yes, we must have accountability. But enduring, meaningful relationships must be tempered with the heart, with understanding, forgiveness and mercy,” he said. “Embedded in the DNA of the human spirit is a yearning for relationships.”
New Beginnings on the Horizon
For Bethany Bagwell, of Pelzer, commencement is more than a ceremony: it marks the culmination of years of dedication and the beginning of a promising new chapter. “Commencement day means new beginnings in the next step of life,” she said.
A biology major with a concentration in genetics, Bagwell has been accepted into a Ph.D. program in biomedical sciences at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, where she hopes to study molecular genetics and cellular biology. She credits the research opportunities offered through Lander’s College of Science and Mathematics -- along with the preparation and mentorship of her professors -- with laying the groundwork for that next step. “Over the years, Lander has helped me build my scientific and professional skills, giving me the background needed to be accepted into graduate school,” she said.
An Honors College student, Bagwell said commencement also represents personal growth beyond the classroom. “I’d always been a bit of a loner, but as I grew throughout my time at Lander, I realized how important it is to put yourself out there and rely on your support group for encouragement, love and support.”
Bagwell, who was recently named to Lander’s Hall of Leaders, hopes to pursue a career at NASA. “The environment here has been so welcoming that it’ll be hard to leave it behind.”
From Sports to Sport Management Success
For Braylon Barbour, commencement represents more than earning a degree. The day defines a milestone that reflects personal growth and the promise of opportunity ahead. A transfer student to Lander and a first-generation college graduate, Barbour said his journey found purpose through Campus Recreation, where he discovered both community and a pathway to his future.
“Working for Campus Recreation is what started it all,” said Barbour, who earned a bachelor’s degree in sport management. “I wouldn’t have any of the friends I have now if it weren’t for working in this office.”
From competing in intramural sports to serving as an assistant for the Lander men’s basketball team last summer and fall, Barbour found experiences that helped shape his college career and his sense of belonging -- making commencement a moment to celebrate how far he has come.
Barbour, who recently received the School of Business Sport Management Discipline Award, translated his passion for sports into meaningful academic and professional experiences. Through his studies with Dr. David Zinn, assistant professor of sport management, he gained hands-on opportunities working behind the scenes at major college and professional sporting events.
“If it wasn’t for Dr. Zinn’s persistence in getting his students hands-on experience in the sport management world, I wouldn’t be in the position I am in today,” Barbour said. “Now I have multiple interviews with some of the highest sports teams in the world.”
Inside Knowledge: A Staff and Student Perspective
Chelsey Driver, who earned her bachelor’s degree in public health, experienced Lander from two perspectives: as a staff member in the College of Nursing, Human Performance and Health Sciences, and as a student.
“As an employee, I always saw Lander from a staff perspective, but being a student showed me just how much support and care faculty have for their students,” said Driver, who became involved in numerous public health activities and even created a newsletter for the Department of Public Health. “It gave me a new appreciation for the campus community and the impact professors have on student success.”
Driver, of Abbeville, always knew she wanted a career in healthcare but wasn’t sure which path to take. After beginning her work in higher education, she found her direction in public health. “It ended up being a great fit because it allows me to combine my interest in healthcare with helping people on a larger scale,” she said.
Driver plans to continue working at the University while pursuing a master’s degree in emergency management. “Lander has given me so many meaningful experiences, both as a student and an employee, that have helped me grow in confidence and skill,” she said. “I’m very thankful for my time here, and I truly feel prepared and encouraged to take the next step in my education and career.”
While her path may not align with that of a more traditional college journey, Driver said the lesson is simple: “What matters most is not when you finish, but that you finish and keep moving forward.”
Crossing the Finish Line
Autumn Lockhart, of Chesnee, knew as early as age four that she wanted to be a teacher. Now graduating from Lander with a double major in early childhood education and Spanish, she sees commencement as a defining moment.
“Commencement feels like crossing the finish line,” said Lockhart. “Your time here flies by, and you know you’re working hard and putting in the effort. But until this day arrives, you don’t truly realize how far you’ve come.”
A first-generation college graduate, Lockhart came to Lander as a Teaching Fellow and member of the Honors College. She served as an orientation leader and was active in the Palmetto State Teachers Association and Kappa Delta Pi, an international honor society for educators.
“All of these experiences have helped shape me into an organized leader with a stronger sense of teamwork, time management and communication — skills that will serve me well in the workforce,” she said.
As she prepares for a career as a kindergarten teacher or elementary school Spanish teacher, Lockhart reflects on the moments that defined her college experience.
“Some of my favorite memories include attending as many sporting events as I could, meeting my best friends, learning from my professors, and studying abroad and living on campus, which helped me develop a sense of independence,” she said.
A Day to Appreciate Dedication
Elias Carls, a public history and public administration double major from Summerville, sees commencement as both a milestone and a moment of reflection.
“Commencement is an opportunity to celebrate the work I’ve done and to take a break from the progress mindset to look back and appreciate what I’ve done in my field so far.”
Despite the demands of pursuing two degrees, Carls made the most of his time at Lander. He studied abroad for a semester at the University of Stirling in Scotland and took on multiple leadership roles, serving as a Presidential Ambassador and as president of the History Club, Phi Alpha Theta and the Political Science Association.
Even with his rigorous schedule, Carls made time for connection and community. “All my best memories came from the great friends I met at Lander. I’ve been hosting a game night every week for the past two years that always has a rotating cast of friends I’ve met at Lander.”
Carls, who plans to pursue a doctoral degree in American politics, also extended his passion for history beyond the classroom. He worked at The Museum in Greenwood and volunteered as a living historian at Ninety Six National Historic Site.
“I gained valuable research experience, and Lander professors provided me with a strong foundation in political science and history that I can continue to build on,” said Carls, who was a research assistant with Dr. Ryan Floyd and participated in the Experiencing History Lab with Dr. Franklin Rausch.
Enduring Lessons Beyond Commencement
In his keynote address, Kittredge also offered lessons which he said were learned through his own trials and experience. Saying people are human and make mistakes, Kittredge noted, “The key is to learn from our mistakes and not repeat them.”
Among the lessons he offered:
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