Dr. James Bross, long-time Southern Wesleyan University professor of religion, holds up a patchwork quilt as he urges graduates to become “patches of grace” sewn into the fabric of the lives of others.
What does the time-honored tradition of quilting have to do with new college graduates?
Dr. James Bross, a long-time Southern Wesleyan University faculty member, held up a patchwork quilt, describing its several pieces of cloth as a metaphor for the patchwork of people stitched into the fabric of our lives. Bross asked the graduates to consider how many different people have stitched quilting pieces into their lives and continue to do so.
“It is my prayer that you graduates will go and be patches of grace on many other lives. We’re all patchwork quilts in process and God is the great designer of our lives,” Bross said. He added, “Who are those who have helped shape you for the better? I am indeed a patchwork quilt. I have many quilt blocks that are part of God’s amazing grace in my life. It is my prayer that I may have been a similar patch of grace to you.”
Bross, who is retiring after 35 years of service to Southern Wesleyan, addressed graduates in two ceremonies May 10 at the university’s main campus in Central.
Bross first came to Central as a high school student at Wesleyan Methodist Academy. He later earned his A.B. degree from Central Wesleyan College and completed studies in mathematics education at Tennessee State. He earned a master’s degree in mathematics from the University of Illinois and his Ph.D. in religion from the University of Iowa. He returned to the Central campus in 1973 as assistant professor of religion.
He was promoted to associate and then professor of religion in 1979 and awarded tenure by the college at that time. In 1983 Bross was appointed as coordinator of planning and in 1987 he was appointed as director of the college’s new innovative degree program for working adults called Leadership Education for Adult Professionals (LEAP), which became the foundation for the university’s current Adult and Graduate Studies program. He has served in a number of leadership appointments including coordinator of the Master of Ministry program and as chairperson of the Division of Religion. He and his wife, Barbara, have four children and eight grandchildren.
Dr. David Spittal, Southern Wesleyan University president, presented Bross with an honorary doctor of humane letters degree during the morning ceremony.
“Dr. Bross has been recognized and is deeply appreciated by all who have benefited from his scholarship, his commitment to Christ and his commitment to the mission and purposes of Southern Wesleyan University,” said Dr. Spittal, who also recognized members of Dr. Bross’ family at the beginning of the morning ceremony.
During the presentation of degrees in the morning ceremony, Furman Scott Armstrong was posthumously awarded the bachelor of science degree in recreation. Dr. Spittal presented the degree to his mother, Sara Jackson of Cowpens, as brother Jamar Armstrong looked on.
Another highlight of the 2008 graduation ceremonies at Southern Wesleyan University was the start of a new tradition. Dr. Keith Connor, professor of physical education and a senior member of the faculty, led the graduation procession carrying Southern Wesleyan’s mace for its first ceremony. Crafted from cherry by Tom Boley of Purcellville, Va., the new mace bears the Southern Wesleyan University seal and represents more than a century of history and tradition.
Dr. Spittal challenged the graduates to begin a journey to becoming world-changing men and women. Dr. Charles Joiner, chairman of Southern Wesleyan’s board of trustees, urged the new graduates to remain true to the values Southern Wesleyan University represents and to pursue lifelong learning as alumni.
Southern Wesleyan University graduates included:
In South Carolina:
Abbeville
Andrew Harris, Master of Science in Management.
Aiken
Tamisa Barrow, Associate of Science in Business; Lisa Bishop, Master of Education; Mary Fallaw, Associate of Science in Business; Mike Glover, Bachelor of Science in Management; Janice Johnson, Master of Education; Dieter Marcum, Associate of Science in Business; Lillie Newbill, Master of Science in Management; Meredith Noland, Master of Education; Regina Sanders, Bachelor of Science in Management; Barbara Tate, Bachelor of Science in Management; and Amy Weber, Bachelor of Science in Management.
Anderson
Daniel Brothers, Master of Science in Management; Sherry Karnes, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Jannelynn Mundy, Master of Education; Dealto Marshall, Bachelor of Science in Recreation; Jeremy Palomo, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Jonathan Partridge, Master of Science in Management; and Joseph Thorndyke, Master of Business Administration.
Bath
Ryan Quinn, Associate of Science in Business.
Beech Island
Jacquline Paige, Associate of Science in Business.
Boiling Springs
Jonathan Thompson, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
Campobello
Kaylie Green, Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education.
Cayce
James Johnson, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
Central
Kendra Alston, Bachelor of Arts in English; Katherine Bowyer, Bachelor of Science in Psychology; Kayla Curry, Bachelor of Arts in Communication; Darryl Edwards, Bachelor of Science in Psychology; Melanie Gillespie, Master of Science in Management; Tyson John, Bachelor of Science in Sport Management; Melinda Klamer, Bachelor of Arts in History; Wanda Marshall, Master of Science in Management; Cami Miller, Master of Science in Management; Andrea Pilgrim, Bachelor of Arts in Communication; Tom Potterfield, Bachelor of Science in Sport Management; Scott Riechers, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Katie Stone, Bachelor of Science in Psychology; Barbara Tidwell, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Todd Vereen, Bachelor of Arts in Communication; John Wood, Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration; and Steven Zachary, Bachelor of Science in Sport Management.
Chapin
Brian Carter, Master of Science in Management; and Kelley Garick-Kelly, Master of Science in Management.
Charleston
Sonja Bailey, Bachelor of Science in Management; Crevon Brown, Master of Science in Management; Drucilla Brown, Master of Science in Management; Selina Brown, Bachelor of Science in Management; Marilyn Clifford, Bachelor of Science in Management; Kamilah Fletcher, Associate of Science in Business; Dannette Williams, Bachelor of Science in Management; Vera White, Associate of Science in Business; Christina Whitehair, Master of Education; and Kevin Whitsett, Bachelor of Science in Management.
Chesnee
Martha Dupes, Master of Education.
Clemson
Josh Eaker, Bachelor of Science in Management of Information Technology; Danielle Mathieu, Master of Education; and Chris Wroten, Bachelor of Arts in History.
Cleveland
John Williams, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
Columbia
Sul Black, Master of Science in Management; Tonita Brackett, Associate of Science in Business; LaShawna Brumfield-Washington, Master of Science in Management; Kimesha Dines, Master of Science in Management; Charles Dunlap, Associate of Science in Business; Shonna Elam, Master of Science in Management; Terrace Gilmore, Master of Science in Management; Michelle Grace-Williams, Master of Education; Linda Gray-Smith, Master of Science in Management; Lisa Jenkins, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Alisa Long, Master of Education; Clarence Lovick, Master of Science in Management; Roger Magar, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Hope McFadden, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Dawn McNair, Associate of Science in Business; Alexander Montgomery, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Ivey Norman, Master of Education; Robin Otterbacher, Master of Education; Jane Robinson, Master of Education; Harold Reed, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Chad Reich, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Joyce Owens, Associate of Science in Business; Rahsaan Richardson, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; and Carl Wilson, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
Cowpens
Jamar Armstrong, Bachelor of Science in Recreation.
Duncan
Melinda Schmidt, Master of Education.
Dalzell
Terrance Jenkins, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
Easley
April Anderson, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Billy Beasley, Master of Education; Lynn Boiter, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Steven Day, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Rita Gaillard, Master of Science in Management; Jason Griffin, Bachelor of Science in Psychology; Grace Henson, Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education; Rachaelle Hughes, Bachelor of Science in Psychology; Laura Kelley, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Willam McKinney, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Valerie Ramsey, Master of Ministry; Tasha Ross, Bachelor of Science in Psychology; and Bridget Smith, Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education.
Elgin
Jacqueline Giddins, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; and Tracy Gordon, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
Elko
Ernie Reed, Bachelor of Science in Management.
Fair Play
Gregory Connally, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; and Amanda Marcengill, Associate of Science in Business.
Fountain Inn
Catherine Morton, Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice.
Gaffney
Kim Guthrie, Master of Education; and Christy Phenicie, Master of Education.
Goose Creek
Michael Christmas, Associate of Science in Business; Nicolette Crow, Associate of Science in Business; Natalie Pittman, Master of Education; Jean Sullivan, Master of Science in Management; and Kyna Zealberg, Master of Science in Management.
Graniteville
Vonda Butler, Associate of Science in Business; and Elizabeth Wingard, Bachelor of Science in Management.
Greenville
Bridgett Archie, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Donna Bosley, Associate of Science in Business; Kimberly Blume, Master of Education; Kayor Burnside, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Quintella Childs, Master of Business Administration; Stephanie Cohens, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Jennifer Crawford, Master of Education; Lisa Davis, Master of Education; Patrick Flanagan, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Barnabas Galadima, Master of Business Administration; Faith Gaillard-Kennett, Master of Education; John Harris, Associate of Science in Business; John King, Master of Education; Mitchell Lesley, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Dallas Martin, Master of Science in Management; Steven Mikhail, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Jan Owens-Holland, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Scott Respass, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Leiza Roman, Master of Business Administration; Claire Teamer, Master of Business Administration; Kim Thrift, Associate of Science in Business; Matthew Thrift, Associate of Science in Business; Sarah Tollick, Master of Education; and Kendra Young, Master of Business Administration.
Greer
Thomas Berning, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Jennifer Meece, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Pamela Murray, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Hamilton Parks, Master of Education; Ashley Chinery, Master of Education; Stephanie Donald, Associate of Science in Business; Fred Fuller, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; and Mark Stewart, Master of Science in Management.
Hanahan
Jessica LeCroy, Master of Education.
Hodges
Brian McKenna, Master of Science in Management; and Mary Wideman, Master of Business Administration.
Holly Hill
Nicole Bryant, Master of Education.
Hollywood
Linda Mitchell, Bachelor of Science in Management.
Hopkins
Lee Gailliard, Master of Science in Management; and Robin Wright, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
Inman
Robert Culp, Master of Business Administration; and Erin Yarborough, Master of Education.
Irmo
Nicholas Gillcrese, Master of Education.
Johns Island
Hellen Gable, Master of Science in Management; and Annette Stoney, Master of Science in Management.
Ladson
Frank DeFelice, Bachelor of Science in Management; Francine Devine, Master of Science in Management; Jillian Fermin, Master of Science in Management; and Ericka Taylor, Master of Science in Management.
Laurens
Jennifer Coggins, Master of Education.
Lexington
April Bayne, Master of Science in Management; Susan Berresford, Master of Education; Lori Cook, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Justin Davis, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Kayla Eskew, Master of Science in Management; Marvin Haygood, Master of Science in Management; Brian Lackore, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Jeffrey Marz, Master of Science in Management; and Kathy Wilson, Associate of Science in Business.
Liberty
Angie Alexander, Associate of Science in Business; Chris Brewington, Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education; Heather Brooks, Bachelor of Science in Recreation; Laura Fipps, Bachelor of Arts in English Education; Elizabeth Parsons, Master of Science in Management; and Ricky Skipper, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
Marietta
Brandy Weiner, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
Mt. Pleasant
Michelle Gregory, Master of Education; Stephen Grimaldi, Master of Science in Management; and Bianca Sancic, Master of Science in Management.
New Ellenton
Julieta Slater, Associate of Science in Business.
Norris
Amber Bracken, Bachelor of Science in Biology.
North Augusta
Jacqueline Cromwell, Associate of Science in Business; Punita Desai, Master of Education; Rebecca Greer, Associate of Science in Business; Angela Jones, Associate of Science in Business; Allison Kervin, Master of Education; Shannon Kilpatrick, Master of Education; Stephanie Lovett, Bachelor of Science in Management; Angela Manly, Bachelor of Science in Management; Demetress Roberts, Master of Science in Management; Evelyn Robinson, Bachelor of Science in Management; and Perry Smith, Master of Education.
North Charleston
Micheal Bennekin, Master of Science in Management; Corliss Bannister, Master of Science in Management; Cynthia Garrison, Master of Education; Carolyn Gailliard, Master of Science in Management; Jo Logan-McGee, Bachelor of Science in Management; and Quanda Singleton, Master of Science in Management.
Orangeburg
Sergio Meza, Master of Education.
Pelion
Kevin Howard, Master of Science in Management.
Pelzer
Ronnie Brock, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Greg Marlatt, Bachelor of Science in Special Education; and Jessica McClain, Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education.
Pendleton
Melissa Mitchell, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
Pickens
Tyler Bruce, Bachelor of Arts in History; Dee Chappell, Bachelor of Arts in English Education; and Amy Davis, Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science.
Piedmont
Dale Harris, Associate of Science in Business; Ronnie Hoffman, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Sandeep Patel, Bachelor of Science in Pre Medicine/Dentistry; and Karen Sprinkle, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
Prosperity
Edward Chariker, Master of Education; and Susan Dawkins, Master of Education; Ronald Rambo, Master of Education.
Rembert
Herbert Dew, Master of Science in Management.
Ridgeville
Brenda Thompson, Associate of Science in Business.
Roebuck
Patrice Briggs, Master of Education.
Salem
Shannon Johnson, Associate of Science in Business; and Paul Lozada, Bachelor of Science in Management of Information Technology.
Seneca
Brian Bradley, Bachelor of Science in Psychology; Elizabeth Burrell, Bachelor of Science in Special Education; Curtis Eicher, Associate of Science in Business; Russell Johnson, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Amanda Link, Bachelor of Arts in English Education; William Seay, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Aubrey Seibel, Bachelor of Arts in English Education; Amanda Stephens, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; and Betty Vaughan, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
Simpsonville
Patrick Fortenberry, Master of Science in Management; Torila Goggins, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Natalie Goglia, Master of Education; Crystal Ledford, Master of Education; Leonard McFall, Master of Business Administration; and Joshua Pope, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
Six Mile
Kevin DeRossett, Bachelor of Arts in English Education.
Spartanburg
Thareta Frazier, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Christi Hollingsworth, Master of Education; Betty Meadows, Master of Education; Kimberly Threadgill, Master of Education; Marilyn Turturici, Master of Education; and Anna Varakin, Master of Education.
St. George
George Felder, Bachelor of Science in Management.
Summerville
Jamie Barnes, Master of Science in Management; Sanquinette Elmore, Bachelor of Science in Management; Jennifer Jordan, Master of Education; Miranda McCune, Master of Education; Steve Murdock, Bachelor of Science in Management; Rebecca Price-Lester, Master of Science in Management; Cassandra Rice, Bachelor of Science in Management; LaTasha Summers, Master of Education; Jennifer Tharp, Master of Education; and Kenneth Williams, Master of Science in Management.
Taylors
Timothy Marshall, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
Townville
Maria Ray, Master of Education.
Travelers Rest
Charlotte Dyal, Bachelor of Arts in English; and Tanya Harris, Master of Education.
Trenton
Joe Broadwater, Master of Education.
Union
Sarah O'Shields, Master of Education; and Ralph Thompson, Associate of Science in Business.
Walhalla
Joy Abercrombie, Associate of Science in Business; Andrew Guinn, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Debbie Rogers, Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education; and Becky Stasny, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
West Columbia
Kathleen Slice, Master of Education; Wanda Slaughter, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; and Cedora Vinson, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
Westminster
Kyle Blackwell, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Debra Brock, Master of Science in Management; and Eric Cole, Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education.
West Union
Ken Addis, Bachelor of Arts in Religion.
Williamston
Gregory Chandler, Master of Science in Management.
Winnsboro
Albertha Woodard, Master of Science in Management.
Woodruff
Michael Brown, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
In North Carolina
Asheboro
Heather Clifton, Bachelor of Arts in Music.
Brevard
Jared Mull, Bachelor of Science in Recreation.
Chapel Hill
Chris Bocanegra, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
Cleveland
Jennifer Hicks, Bachelor of Arts in English.
Etowah
Davey Blackburn, Bachelor of Arts in Communication.
Gastonia
Kelly Maney, Bachelor of Science in Psychology.
Hendersonville
Christina Mullinax, Master of Education.
High Point
Sean Gasperson, Bachelor of Science in Psychology; and Kenneth Wagner, Bachelor of Arts in Religion.
Pisgah Forest
Lyle Denton, Bachelor of Arts in Religion.
Rockingham
Jillian Hodges, Bachelor of Arts in English Education.
Tabor City
Emily Roy, Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education.
Winston-Salem
Heather Everhart, Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education.
In Georgia
Augusta
Shevon Badie, Bachelor of Science in Management; Rebecca Bedenbaugh, Master of Education; Jan Boulineau, Master of Education; Geneva Brinson, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Tiffany Chrisman, Master of Education; Nadine Collins, Master of Science in Management; Charlene Garrett, Bachelor of Science in Management; Annette Hartfield, Master of Science in Management; Mary Johnson, Associate of Science in Business; Bettina Kelly, Bachelor of Science in Management; Tasha Mohler, Master of Education; Carolyn Rainey-Jones, Master of Science in Management; and Dennie Smith, Bachelor of Science in Management.
Evans
Siobhan Carlile, Master of Science in Management; Cheryl Hartfield, Associate of Science in Business; and Roxan Pitter, Bachelor of Science in Management.
Grovetown
Amanda Alford, Master of Education; Giles Harrell, Bachelor of Science in Management; Leslie Marriott, Master of Education; and Michelle Walters, Master of Education.
Hartwell
Gregory Teasley, Master of Science in Management.
Harlem
Daniel Wandless, Associate of Science in Business.
Hephzibah
Tina Fletcher, Master of Science in Management; Linda Gary, Master of Education; Sue Jamroga, Master of Education; Felicia Lyons, Bachelor of Science in Management; Beverly Shaw, Associate of Science in Business; and Johnnie Warren, Master of Science in Management.
Stone Mountain
Sara Vollmer, Bachelor of Science in Recreation.
Waynesboro
Cynthia Frazier, Associate of Science in Business.
In Kentucky
Lancaster
Susan Smith, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
In Florida
Jacksonville
Stefani Patterson, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
In Tennessee
Dayton
Versell Wells, Bachelor of Arts in Communication.
In Ohio
Columbus
Thomas George, Bachelor of Arts in Religion.
Eastlake
Rachel Pacholke, Bachelor of Arts in Recreation and Leisure Services.
In Pennsylvania
Athens
Jennie Fairchild, Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education.
In Virginia
Elkwood
Violet Stoltzfus, Bachelor of Science in Human Services.
Galax
Lincoln Miller, Bachelor of Arts in Religion.
In Wisconsin
New Berlin
Jessica Smith, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
Canada
In Ontario
Grand Bend
Ben Douglas Bachelor of Science Physical Education.
Ottawa
Elizabeth Kiraly, Bachelor of Science in Physical Education.
Costa Rica
San Jose
Andres Salazar Quesada, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
Iceland
Elisabet Gunnarsdottir, Bachelor of Science in Psychology.