Campus News Nearly 350 Earn Degrees at December Commencement

For the first time in more than a decade, Winthrop combined its graduate and undergraduate Com- mencements into one ceremony on Dec. 19.

President Dan Mahony presided over the ceremony, his first Commencement since starting work in July 2015 as the university’s 11th president.

Nearly 350 students — 268 undergraduate and 57 graduate — received degrees.

Jo Koster, the 2015 Distinguished Professor and a professor of English, spoke to graduates on how they can build successful communities in her ad- dress, entitled “Alchemy and Outcomes.”

Also during the ceremony, Professor of Political Sci- ence Adolphus Belk Jr. received the university’s top

Watch the December 2015 Commencement video to see re- cent graduates discuss their Winthrop experiences. Also watch a video of Ebony Wilkinson, the first graduate of the individu- alized studies program, who describes her Winthrop journey.

teaching accolade — the Kinard Award — in recognition of his dedication to students and commitment to his field of study.

Te ceremony marked another milestone as New York City native Ebony Wilkinson became the first graduate of the individualized studies program.

Westminster Abbey Organist Performs Feb. 14 Recital

More than 800 attendees were treated to a special gift of music on Valentine’s Day.

James O’Donnell, world renowned organist and mas- ter of the choristers of Westminster Abbey in London, England, performed a selection of classics on Win- throp’s famed D.B. Johnson Memorial Organ.

Te recital was the first of Te Friends of the D.B. Johnson Memorial Organ Performance Fund Recital Series, established by Hazel Bailes Somerville ’69 and her husband, Murray.

Winthrop’s organ, considered one of the most historic instruments in the Southeast, was the last complete installation by Aeolian-Skinner tonal designer G. Donald Harrison. Harrison’s granddaughter, Frances Stroscio, recently presented Winthrop’s Louise Pettus Archives and Special Collections with Harrison’s organ-related memorabilia.

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