Columbia Southern University Commencement Ceremony
The event was the 2025 Commencement Ceremony at 2 p.m. The session included welcoming remarks, acknowledgments of the university's board of trustees, president (Dr. Ken Styron), commencement speaker (Rick Riggsby), academic leadership, and the mace bearer (Dr. Misty K). A special recognition was given to a graduate, the king of a province in Ghana, and later to Trustee Dr. Nelson Tisan, who received a double hooding for earning two doctoral degrees. The ceremony also acknowledged October as breast cancer awareness month and honored those affected by breast cancer. Recognition was extended to the US Armed Forces Honor Guard and the Horizon String Quartet for the presentation of colors and the national anthem. The invocation was delivered by Dr. Mike Perry. Discussions included congratulating graduates on their accomplishments, emphasizing the importance of family support, and recognizing the resilience required for adult learners balancing work and family. Awards were presented for outstanding faculty contributions, including the Robert G. May Senior Distinguished Faculty of the Year Award across various colleges. Further recognition included military service members, veterans, their spouses, public servants, first responders, healthcare professionals, graduating CSU faculty/staff members, and long-time employee Tara Collins who earned her bachelor's degree.