Graduates,
Commencement inspires excitement and provides a sense of fulfillment. I join your parents, family and friends in extending congratulations for having met the requirements for graduation from Claflin University. It has been a challenge, but now is the time to move on to new adventures and even greater challenges. You must possess the courage, confidence, strength, obedience, and discipline to act on what you know to be true.
You must never forget that your time in this life is precious. You must give joyously, share willingly, and love unconditionally. Let every moment that you have left in this life be a channel through which some measures of God’s love and light may reach those with whom you come in contact.
At this graduation time, I trust we all share a unique commitment to Claflin University. As you go forth to live the kind of lives that will foster pride in the University, we commit ourselves to maintaining a level of institutional excellence that will make you proud to be alumni. May we be ever mindful of our special obligations.
As you transition beyond the walls of Claflin, you must accept the real responsibility for applying what you have learned to the task of living the rest of your lives. I urge you to keep up the momentum of this very fine beginning in seeing life through to a greater conclusion. Remember that the ultimate test of your character rests not so much in your enthusiastic start as it does in your ability to maintain that enthusiasm in seeing life through to a successful finish. It is then, and only then, that you bring credibility and honor to your Alma Mater.
I trust that Claflin has instilled in you a lifelong responsibility to make positive and lasting contributions through visionary leadership and selfless service. Empowered with the Claflin Confidence, we know that you are prepared to compete and succeed in the global marketplace.
You are a part of a very special joy that we feel today, for you are becoming a unique part of the history of Claflin University. There can be no greater pleasure than that of presenting to you your academic diploma. Congratulations!
Sincerely,
Dr. Dwaun J. Warmack
President