Graduation this weekend

Approximately 350 graduates will receive diplomas at Limestone College commencement ceremonies on May 5 and May 6.

Graduating on Friday will be students from the Day program and the Upstate and Columbia Extended Campus Classroom sites. On Saturday, the graduates will include individuals from the College's other sites as well as students from the Extended Campus Internet program.

Ceremonies will begin at 4 p.m. each day in Fullerton Auditorium.

Dr. Charles Cunning, Executive Vice President of the College, will be the commencement speaker for both ceremonies.

Dr. Cunning has been at the College since 1995 and holds a Ph.D. from the University of Iowa. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology from Ohio State University and a Master of Arts in psychology from the University of Montana.

Dr. Cunning has also held the title of Vice President for Academic Affairs, Academic Dean, and currently teaches psychology courses.

Before coming to Limestone, Cunning served as Dean of the College of Undergraduate Studies at The Union Institute in Cincinnati, Ohio. He has more than 40 years of experience in higher education as an administrator and instructor.

During Dr. Cunning's tenure at Limestone, the College has experienced significant growth in enrollment, programs and faculty.

Limestone College will also bestow honorary degrees on three individuals during Friday's ceremony.

Alumna Faye Carter Edwards and her husband Dr. Preston Edwards, a former trustee, will each receive honorary doctorates of public service for their contributions to Limestone and the surrounding community.

Mrs. Edwards is a Life Trustee and a member of several civic organizations. Dr. Edwards has been a general practitioner in Gaffney for more than 50 years.

Molly Williams, a beloved student who died at the beginning of this year, will receive an honorary bachelor's degree, posthumously. Williams was a senior on the women's basketball team.