Academics, Campus Events, Campus Wide, Graduation

Diploma pickup for CSU Class of 2020

By Jenna Johnson | May 29, 2020

Recent graduates had a unique opportunity to pick up their diplomas earlier today. Donned in cap and gown, Charleston Southern University’s newest alumni trickled into the Health Science building—six feet apart and with masks—to grab a quick photo with President Dondi Costin and receive a Bible and alumni gift. More than 214 participated from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., unmasking only for their photo in front of the CSU backdrop.

Bluffton resident and communication studies major Andrew Boyles ’20 said the diploma pick-up event was an innovative approach to giving students a taste of graduation. “The event staff was very welcoming,” he said. “And being able to take a picture with Dondi Costin made the drive well worth it.”

Kaitlyn Rickard ’20 and SarahBeth McKenzie ’20 share a socially distant moment on campus for the May 29 diploma pick up event. Photo provided

Kaitlyn Rickard ’20, an early childhood education major, agreed. “It was truly a special moment in my life.”

Graduates like Boyles and Rickard are looking forward to the future. Rickard will be teaching at Foxbank Elementary School in Berkeley County School District this fall. “I’m very excited because teaching kindergarten is my dream job. God used CSU to make my dream a reality,” she said. “CSU is a truly special place that I will always consider home.”

Boyles said that he’ll begin to apply for jobs in the marketing and public relations field soon, once the dust settles from quarantine, but it’s bittersweet.

“The thing I will miss most from CSU are the relationships I have made during my time as a student. I have become lifelong friends with many people from campus, and I will miss seeing friends, roommates, and my girlfriend every day,” Boyles added.

CSU leaders continue to plan for an in-person commencement for the Class of 2020 later this year, when it is deemed safe.