USC to award 1,643 degrees at commencement

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — The chaplain of the U.S. Senate offered two words of advice for summer graduates of the University of South Carolina.

Barry Black told the graduates Saturday to pursue excellence. Black told the class to strive for great preparation, exert themselves for a cause that is worthy and refuse to give less than their best. He said the graduates have potential that they haven’t begun to tap.

Black, who was awarded an honorary doctorate of public service, is the first African-American and first Seventh-day Adventist to serve as Senate chaplain.

The school awarded 1,643 degrees during summer commencement. The graduates earned baccalaureate, master’s and professional degrees from all eight campuses.

Kaye Gorenflo Hearn, an associate justice of the S.C. Supreme Court, also received an honorary doctor of laws degree.