The School of Information Science held its Summer and Fall Graduation Ceremony on Dec. 16, 2024, in Rutledge Chapel. While not all were present at the ceremony, 115 students earned a master’s or certificate from the iSchool in May and December.

School of Information Science Director Lyda Fontes McCartin gave the opening remarks, noting the resilience and determination of the graduates. She also acknowledged academic advisor Randy Heath for his role in guiding students to graduation.

Addressing the audience, McCartin said, “Thank you for supporting our students, being their support system, and pushing them to keep going when they needed it, and cheering them on to this day. They worked hard to get here, but they could not have done it without you.”

The hooding address was presented by Rayburne Turner, a Class of 2000 alumnus of the MLIS program. Turner is the branch manager of Otranto Road Library in North Charleston, South Carolina.

“Graduates, I also want to thank you for accepting this challenge to go out into the world as information specialists, to shape the world of libraries in the future,” said Turner. “There will be people who you will encounter who will rely on your skills and expertise.  You have been trained well to do so, because you have been at the School of Information Science in Columbia, South Carolina.”