2 Clarendon students graduate from Coastal Carolina University

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Two Clarendon area students were among more than 1,145 candidates for graduation at Coastal Carolina University on May 5-6 at the HTC Student Recreation and Convocation Center in Conway. Those from Clarendon included Turbeville resident Brandon Shaw, who received a bachelor of arts in elementary education, cum laude; and Summerton resident Phyllis Watford, who received a bachelor of science degree in nursing. Commencement speaker Amber J. Campbell encouraged graduates to be true to themselves and their own course in life, instead of relying too much on conventional wisdom. "Don't listen to 'they,' because 'they' will tell you all kinds of things," said Campbell, an Olympic athlete and 2004 CCU graduate. "'They' don't always have your best interests at heart. 'They will try to talk you out of your dream. 'They' will tell you that what you're pursuing doesn't make sense or that the career you chose is too obscure. Meanwhile, you might end up a three-time Olympian and travel the world." CCU offers baccalaureate degrees in 73 major fields of study. Among CCU's 21 graduate-level programs are 18 master's degrees, two educational specialist degrees, and the doctorate in marine science: coastal and marine systems science. The most popular undergraduate majors are marine science, management, exercise and sport science, communication and psychology. More than 10,000 students from across the country and the world interact with a world-class faculty, and enjoy a nationally competitive NCAA I athletic program, an inspiring cultural calendar, and a tradition of community interaction that is fueled by more than 180 student clubs and organizations.