Description

Keynote Address:

The Honorable John W. Kittredge, chief justice of the Supreme Court of South Carolina, will deliver the keynote address at both ceremonies. Kittredge was elected an associate justice of the South Carolina Supreme Court in 2008, and elected the court’s chief justice in 2024. He previously served with distinction as a judge on the South Carolina Court of Appeals (2003-2008), S.C. Circuit Court (1996-2003) and S.C. Family Court (1991-1996).

A native of Greenville, Kittredge is an alumnus of the University of South Carolina, where he graduated Summa Cum Laude, as well as an alumnus of the university’s Joseph F. Rice School of Law. He enjoyed a successful career as an attorney before serving as a judge, and has been actively involved in community and government service across his distinguished career.

Kittredge’s academic honors include memberships in Phi Beta Kappa, the Order of the Coif and the Order of the Wig and Robe. He previously gave the inaugural address to the Curtis G. Shaw Pre-Law Society at Lander earlier this year. Chief Justice Kittredge and his wife, Lila, have three children and seven grandchildren. 

Tickets:

Tickets are required to enter Finis Horne Arena. Graduates will receive up to six (6) tickets for guest seating in the arena during their ceremony. Guests without tickets will be directed to the overflow area, where a livestream of the ceremony will be playing.

The Registrar’s Office will provide printed tickets to each graduate. Please note that these tickets are assigned to specific ceremony times and cannot be exchanged for a different time. Official graduation tickets are only available through the Registrar’s Office, and virtual/online tickets are not valid for entry to the arena.

 Guest Arrival:

Doors to Horne Arena will open one (1) hour prior to each ceremony, and will close 15 minutes before the ceremony begins. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis and is not reserved. It is recommended that guests arrive early to allow enough time for parking, security screening and finding seating. Those who arrive late will be directed to the Abney Cultural Center, where the ceremony will be livestreamed in the auditorium.

 Parking:

Parking for commencement is free and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Find a parking map, and directions for accessible parking, by visiting www.lander.edu/graduation.

 Security:

The University’s clear bag policy will be enforced in Finis Horne Arena and the Abney Cultural Center Auditorium. Metal detectors will be used at all entrances and items are subject to search. Noisemakers, airhorns and similar items are not permitted inside Horne Arena. Additionally, balloons, banners and other items that obstruct guests’ views of the stage are prohibited.

 Additional Information:

For more information about Lander’s commencement exercises, including a link to livestream, visit www.lander.edu/graduation.

About Lander University:

Lander University is a comprehensive public university in Greenwood, South Carolina, that focuses on preparing today’s students for tomorrow’s workforce. Lander offers high-demand and market-driven programs in business, education, nursing and STEM within a rich liberal arts tradition that equips graduates for responsible participation in their communities and their future careers. For more information, visit www.lander.edu.