Key Takeaways
- Lander University’s College of Business and Technology held its annual academic awards ceremony in early April, highlighting student readiness for professional careers.
- Dean Dr. Lloyd Willis emphasized that graduates are prepared not only to enter the workforce but to innovate and redefine it.
- Awards were presented across three academic units: Department of Applied Computing, Department of Media and Design, and the School of Business, recognizing discipline‑specific excellence and outstanding internships.
- Additional honors included recognition for the School of Business Student Advisory Board, graduate assistants, and new inductees into the Beta Gamma Sigma honor society.
- The ceremony underscored the college’s commitment to fostering innovation, leadership, and real‑world experience among its students.
Academic Awards Ceremony Overview
In early April, Lander University’s College of Business and Technology hosted its annual academic awards ceremony, an event designed to celebrate the achievements of students who exemplify career readiness and innovative thinking. The ceremony served as a public affirmation of the college’s mission to prepare graduates not merely to join existing industries but to reshape them through creativity and leadership. Faculty, staff, family members, and peers gathered to honor the recipients, creating a atmosphere of pride and anticipation for the future impact these students will have in their respective fields. Dr. Lloyd Willis, dean of the college, opened the proceedings with remarks that highlighted the spirit of innovation carried by the awardees, setting a tone of optimism and encouragement for the next generation of business and technology professionals.
Department of Applied Computing Honorees
The Department of Applied Computing recognized outstanding performance in three core disciplines. Albert Magarire, hailing from Mazowe, Zimbabwe, received the CIS Software Development Discipline Award, showcasing his prowess in creating robust software solutions. Lauren McGuirt of Rock Hill was honored with the Cybersecurity Discipline Award, reflecting her expertise in safeguarding digital infrastructures against evolving threats. Joshua Grant from Aiken earned the Data Science Discipline Award, acknowledging his ability to extract meaningful insights from complex datasets and apply them to real‑world problems. These awards highlight the department’s commitment to cultivating technical excellence and preparing students for high‑demand roles in computing and information security.
Department of Media and Design Recipients
Creativity and experiential learning took center stage in the Department of Media and Design, where several students were celebrated for their artistic and communicative talents. Matthew Tomczyk of Honea Path received the Graphic Design Discipline Award for his innovative visual compositions and mastery of design principles. Killian Cook, a dual honoree from Greenville, secured both the LUX Experiential Learning Discipline Award and the Media and Communication Discipline Award, demonstrating his ability to blend hands‑on learning with effective media storytelling. Kimberly Sipanela of Harare, Zimbabwe, was recognized with the XLR Experiential Learning Discipline Award, underscoring her success in applying classroom knowledge to practical, industry‑relevant projects. Together, these honorees exemplify the department’s focus on nurturing versatile creators who can thrive in dynamic media environments.
School of Business Discipline Awards
The School of Business presented a broad array of discipline‑specific awards, reflecting the diversity of its academic offerings. Allen Laymon Jr. of Greenwood was honored with the Accounting Discipline Award for his meticulous financial acumen. Christopher Smalley from Sarasota, Florida, received the Bachelor of Applied Science Discipline Award, recognizing his interdisciplinary approach to business challenges. Sydney Lafayette of Charleston earned the Entrepreneurship Discipline Award, highlighting her innovative mindset and venture‑building skills. Glen Oran Decker Jr. of Little River was awarded the Financial Services Discipline Award for his proficiency in financial analysis and client services. Palak Patel of Lexington received the Healthcare Management Discipline Award, underscoring her readiness to navigate the complexities of healthcare administration. Samantha Cedilote of Florence was honored with the Hospitality Management Discipline Award, reflecting her expertise in delivering exceptional guest experiences. Derek Torres of Rock Hill was recognized in Information Technology Management, while Harlin Jane Mason of Greenwood received the Management Discipline Award. Campbell Gulledge of Turbeville earned the Marketing Discipline Award, and the Sport Management Discipline Award was shared by Amani Melendez of Woodbridge, Virginia, and Braylon Barbour of Central. Finally, Diamond White of Bradley received the MBA Discipline Award, and Elaina Carrell of Martinsville, Indiana, was honored with the MSM Discipline Award. These accolades collectively illustrate the school’s success in preparing students for leadership across a wide spectrum of business sectors.
Outstanding Intern Awards
In addition to academic excellence, the college celebrated students who distinguished themselves through practical internship experiences. Maddie Farmer of Greenwood received the Accounting Outstanding Intern Award, demonstrating her ability to apply accounting principles in a professional setting. Albert Magarire, already recognized for his software development achievements, also earned the CIS Outstanding Intern Award, reinforcing his dual strengths in academia and industry. Carter Lanier of Beech Island was honored with the Healthcare Management Outstanding Intern Award, while Sara McGee of Donalds received the Business Administration Outstanding Intern Award. Liam Hall of Clover earned the Financial Services Outstanding Intern Award, and Mia Orams of Greer was awarded the Graphic Design Outstanding Intern Award. Bradey Hedden of Abbeville received the Media Outstanding Intern Award, and the Sport Management Outstanding Intern Award was shared by Christian Hatley I of Nottingham, United Kingdom, and Bastian Wishart of Moncks Corner. These internship accolades underscore the college’s emphasis on integrating classroom learning with real‑world work experience, ensuring graduates are immediately productive and adaptable.
School of Business Student Advisory Board
The ceremony also recognized the contributions of the School of Business Student Advisory Board, with Jasmine Scott of Piedmont appointed as a representative. This body serves as a vital link between students, faculty, and administration, providing insights that help shape curricula, extracurricular opportunities, and career services. Jasmine’s appointment reflects her leadership qualities and commitment to enhancing the student experience within the business school. The advisory board’s work ensures that academic programs remain responsive to industry trends and student aspirations, fostering an environment where innovation and practical relevance thrive.
Graduate Assistants Recognition
Graduate assistants play a crucial role in supporting faculty research, teaching, and administrative functions, and the college acknowledged three outstanding individuals in this capacity. Ryann Dobbs of Westminster, Ethan Richardson of Greenwood, and Charlotte Schultz of Lexington were honored for their dedication and scholarly contributions. Their responsibilities often include facilitating laboratory sessions, mentoring undergraduate students, and assisting with data analysis or project management. Recognizing these assistants highlights the college’s investment in developing future scholars and professionals who can bridge the gap between theory and practice while contributing to the academic community’s overall vitality.
Beta Gamma Sigma Inductees
Finally, the ceremony celebrated the induction of several students into Beta Gamma Sigma, the international honor society recognizing academic excellence in business programs accredited by AACSB International. The new inductees—Hunter Algood of Waterloo, Peyton Bibbee of Centreville, Virginia, Tal Torgeman of Greenwood, Myra Grant of Columbia, and Mandi Werts of Greenwood—have demonstrated superior academic performance, leadership potential, and a commitment to ethical business practices. Membership in Beta Gamma Sigma signifies a mark of distinction that can open doors to networking opportunities, scholarships, and career advancement, reinforcing the college’s goal of cultivating high‑achieving, principled leaders.
Conclusion: A Testament to Innovation and Readiness
The annual academic awards ceremony at Lander University’s College of Business and Technology served as a vivid illustration of the institution’s dedication to fostering career‑ready, innovative graduates. By honoring achievements across computing, media design, and various business disciplines—alongside recognitions for internships, advisory leadership, graduate assistance, and honor society membership—the college showcased a holistic approach to student development. Dean Dr. Lloyd Willis’s opening remarks aptly captured the sentiment: students are not merely prepared to enter the workforce; they are equipped to redefine it. As these awardees embark on their professional journeys, they carry with them the knowledge, skills, and spirit of innovation cultivated at Lander, promising to make meaningful impacts in their chosen fields and beyond.