NGU graduating class look to set, act on mission statement
Brashier Graduate School graduates mother, daughter in first official class

Tigerville, SC - North Greenville University graduated 142 students, both undergrad and graduate, on Thursday, December 6, making it the largest December graduating class in school history. Dr. J. Lee McCormick, retired educator and former NGU Vice President, delivered the commencement address.  
    “Today my thoughts are for the graduates. You have made some serious decisions in your life to achieve this goal to become a graduate of North Greenville University,” stated McCormick, who began work at the institution in 1996. “You have been advised by your parents and loved ones all of your life so be sure to thank them for their guidance.”
    He implored the graduates to give back financially to a school that has given to them. "Make certain your school can continue to provide a Christian education,” said McCormick, of York.
    McCormick shared four areas that he wanted the 114 undergraduates and 28 graduate students to take with them: 1) set a mission statement for your life; 2) establish short and long term goals to follow your mission statement; and two practical things: 3) center your marriage in the Lord; and 4) be responsible with your money.  
    Many graduates are already following McCormick's advice and have set a mission statement for their life and have taken steps toward beginning their career path.
    Justin Pitts, of North Augusta, finished his course work this past summer and is currently working with a non-profit, faith-based humanitarian organization, Heart for Africa, that works to bring "hope to Africa in the areas of hunger, orphans, poverty and education." He spent this fall in Kenya, Malawi and Swaziland.
    “North Greenville has invested in my life and has taught me how to invest in the lives of others,” stated Pitts.
     In addition to graduating its first official class, the T. Walter Brashier Graduate School offered another first for the university by graduating Alillian Trull and her daughter, Julie Ann Powers, both from Travelers Rest, both from the MBA program in the same graduating class.  
    The T. Walter Brashier Graduate School opened its doors at the Fairview campus in Greer in 2006 by offering two master degree programs in Business Administration and Christian Ministry. Although the school graduated its first graduate last December and six more this past May, among this group of 28 were the first to complete all their graduate work at NGU.  
    Erin Wall, of Greer, a 2000 NGU undergraduate and now MBA graduate, found that opportunities rely heavily on education.
    “By continuing my education through the MBA program, I have expanded my opportunities. I have the satisfaction of knowing that by attaining my degree through the MBA program, that wherever God calls me, I will be equipped to answer His call and carry out His mission to impact the world as an educated professional and still remain true to my Christian walk,”said Wall.
    Before the graduates were awarded their degrees, McCormick was awarded an honorary doctor of Christian Leadership at the conclusion of his address and was hooded by NGU President, Dr. Jimmy Epting.
    “You (Dr. Epting) have been my mentor for the past eleven years, you just thought that I was yours,” stated McCormick.
    As a surprise, McCormick’s wife, Barbara, was awarded an honorary doctorate of humane letters. She has served in numerous official and unofficial capacities at the South Carolina Baptist school.
     McCormick and his wife are 1955 North Greenville graduates. He finished his undergraduate studies at Furman University in 1957. He attended Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary from 1957-1959 and graduated in 1971 with his masters degree in education from Winthrop University. He completed his E.D.S. in 1978 also from Winthrop and his Doctorate in Education in 1986 from South Carolina State University.
    Prior to coming to North Greenville, Dr. McCormick began his working career as co-owner of a furniture company in Rock Hill. His first teaching experience was teaching math to seventh and eighth grade students at Finley Road Elementary School in Rock Hill. The excitement in the classroom created a desire in him to leave the furniture business to remain in the education field. He served in many capacities in the state education system as teacher, assistant principal, and principal. He was my assistant principal when I attended Rock Hill High School. He was Superintendent of Dorchester District One in St. George South Carolina from 1980-1985, Secretary’s Regional Representative with the U.S. Department of Education in Atlanta, Georgia from 1985-1988, Superintendent of East Clarendon School District 3 in Turbeville, South Carolina from 1988-1989, Assistant Superintendent with the Clover School District Two in Clover, South Carolina from 1989-1996.
    Lee served on the North Greenville Board of Trustees before starting as an employee. Since that time, he has been awarded the Alumni Service Award in 2002 and the 2007 Distinguished Alumnus of the Year Award.