The class of 2008 knew it was part of something big. So big, in fact, the Cistern yard couldn't contain The Class of 2008 knew it was part of something big. So big, in fact, the Cistern Yard couldn't contain it.
That's why, for the first time in the College's history, May Commencement was split into two ceremonies: a morning ceremony for the School of the Arts, the School of Humanities and Social Sciences and the School of Languages, Cultures, and World Affairs, and an afternoon ceremony for the School of Business and Economics, the School of Sciences and Mathematics and the School of Education, Health, and Human Performance.
But the 1,600 students were part of something much bigger than themselves or even their graduating class. As Ronald Tschetter, the national director of the Peace Corps, reminded them in his address, they are part of a global community that must learn to understand and assist one another.
And they're off to a good start. With 133 alumni having served in the Peace Corps, the College is the No. 1 school for producing Peace Corps volunteers in South Carolina, and the sixth-ranking producer of Peace Corps volunteers in the Southeast.
"Just imagine the legacy that this one school has left all over the world. Country after country. Village after village. Project after project," Tschetter implored. "The College of Charleston is there - represented by the finest young people imaginable. Changing the world a little bit at a time - one person at a time."
Urging the graduates to consider public service, Tschetter concluded: "Keep in mind that success in the eyes of the world is all fine and good, but at the end of the day what really matters is the difference you are going to make in the lives of others."
And, to honor Tschetter's own public service, the College presented him with an honorary degree of Doctor of Human Letters. South Carolina Representative Harry B. "Chip" Limehouse III was also presented an honorary degree. 