“I have been to dozens of graduations in my lifetime,” said former North Carolina Gov. Jim Hunt during the commencement ceremony at St. Andrews Presbyterian College. “But I have never been in a setting as marvelous as this one – the grove over here (to the right), the lake over here (to the left), and the bagpipers playing.

“And I understand you (graduates) are leaving and the geese are coming!”

The graduation at St. Andrews was held outside on DeTamble Library Terrace between an acre grove of trees and the college’s 70-acre lake. A brisk wind off the lake kept attendees cool during the 83-degree ceremonies. There were 135 graduating seniors at the college. Additionally, one honorary degree and three award recipients were announced.

“Your achievements are significant,” College President Paul Baldasare to the St. Andrews graduates on Saturday. “We are proud of you.”

Hunt gave the graduates six suggestions for their lives going forward. He encouraged them to never stop learning, develop and use their potential to the fullest, be interested in the world around them, be optimistic about life, love others, and aspire for something better.

“Risk failure by trying new things,” he said. “This will keep you new and fresh all of your life. And by the way, that will make you interesting.”

Hunt also lauded St. Andrews and what it means to the educational community.

“This college is important to North Carolina and America,” he said, urging all in attendance to continue their support. “We’re all going to commit to make it greater in the days to come.”

Hunt also received an honorary doctor of law degree in recognition of his efforts on early childhood development and the improvement of the quality of teaching in the United States. He led the development of Smart Start, a nonprofit, public-private partnership that provides quality educational opportunities for children in every county in North Carolina.

Since 1967, St. Andrews annually recognizes an outstanding graduating senior and one member of the community with the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Awards. The award recognizes those who place service to others above self in daily living.

Mike Kryszak, a graduating elementary education major from Plainville, Conn., was named this year’s student recipient, receiving a standing ovation from faculty members.

“Mike was nominated for his caring nature, his thoughtfulness, and his pleasant personality,” said Paul Baldasare, college president. “He has a big heart, looks out for everyone and gets along with all who cross his path. He is also known as one who puts his own needs aside for the needs of others.”

Kryszak has volunteered with the Scotland County Special Olympics and represented the college at Model UN and at the Scotia Village Quiz Bowl. He also volunteered with the college’s Therapeutic Horsemanship Ride-Like-A-Knight program.

The community recipient of the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award, Doug Yongue was lauded by College President Paul Baldasare for his career in education and support of St. Andrews. Yongue is a member of the North Carolina House of Representatives, serving eight and a half terms thus far.

Baldasare said the retired educator has championed the cause of education and is presently paying attention to increasing the level of physical activity of students in schools.

“Life is full of surprises and folks I can assure you this is certainly a surprise,” said Yongue. “There are many more deserving people of this award than I am, but I can assure you I’m not going to give it back.” Those attending chuckled at his comment.

Dr. Larry Schulz was named this year’s recipient of the Distinguished Faculty Service Award sponsored by the Class of 1991. The award is given annually to a full-time faculty member who has demonstrated intellectual vitality, instructional excellence, effective communication skills, the ability to motivate or inspire, compassion and concern for student success, collegiality, and leadership.

“Dr. Schulz is an extremely valuable contributor to all aspects of the academic life of the college,” said Dr. Robert Hopkins, vice president of academic affairs and dean of the college. “He has traveled the globe in service to the college including leading students to China, served as vice president for academic affairs, and even taught Tai Chi for the physical education program.”

Upon receiving the award, Schulz said, “This is a big surprise. I deeply appreciate this award. Thank you very much.”

Two students from the graduating class gave remarks on behalf of the graduates – Stephanie E. Capps, an elementary education major from Raeford, and Caitlin Haney, a politics and philosophy major from Austin, Texas.

“The achievement of goals, believing in oneself, and the opportunities for success are only the beginning,” said Capps. “It is genuine wisdom in action that will reveal our true capacity for success in life.”

Haney reflected on her St. Andrews education.

“We were taught to view the world in a more fluid way than other people find comfortable,” she said. “We are aware that our perspectives are one among many and inherently complete. This ability to see what others cannot anticipate, our creativity, is our greatest tool.”

The Rev. Dr. Richard Prust, distinguished professor of philosophy at St. Andrews, gave the sermon for the graduation class’ baccalaureate services Friday. Students participating in the ceremony were Joanna Hipp, Kanny Bright, and Kyle Loda.

“I suggest that it is true that most people have one belief in kind. If you want a community you must suppress individuality and if you want individuality you must suppress community,” said Prust in his address. “But St. Andrews doesn’t believe it. This place was founded on a belief that comes from the Pentecost miracle. It has made us a different college.

“In the classroom we try hard to get you to form your own thoughts and articulate your position rather than simply reiterating the professor’s beliefs. We want you to bond in an academic community in a discourse of respect.”