Presbyterian College celebrates perseverance, purpose at 2026 Mosaic Ceremony

Annual event honors graduating students, first-gen scholars, and campus leaders

Presbyterian College celebrated perseverance, community, and achievement on May 1 during its annual Mosaic Ceremony in the Harper Center, honoring graduating students whose college journeys were often marked by challenge, perseverance, and personal growth.

The ceremony recognized graduating seniors connected to programs and organizations supported through the college’s Justice and Community Wellbeing division, including first-generation students, Jacob’s Scholars, and student leaders from a variety of campus organizations, including the PC NAACP, the Multicultural Student Union, Spectrum, and the Hispanic Appreciation Organization.

Throughout the afternoon, speakers reflected on resilience, mentorship, and the people who helped students believe in themselves along the way.

“You have arrived at this milestone carrying the story of perseverance, courage, and excellence,” said Janna Barnes, accessible education coordinator, in her opening remarks. “You have navigated your academic journey often as trailblazers, often as firsts. And you have done so with grace and determination.” 

Barnes described the ceremony’s “mosaic” theme as a reflection of the students themselves.

“Each of you represents a unique and irreplaceable piece of something far greater than any one of us alone,” she said. “Together, your backgrounds, experiences, and identities create a richer, more vibrant community.” 

Students Reflect on Growth and Support

Graduating seniors Autumn Channer of Greenville and Hayden Blalock of Columbia offered personal reflections on their experiences at PC and the relationships that shaped their time on campus.

Channer reflected on arriving at Presbyterian College unsure of what to expect before finding encouragement and support from faculty, staff, and fellow students.

“When I got here, I was welcomed with open arms,” Channer said. 

She recalled meeting Dr. Selena Blair, the Rogers-Ingram Vice President of Justice and Community Wellbeing during freshman orientation events and said the relationships she formed through campus programs and activities helped shape her experience.

“Overall, my experience here at PC has been really great,” Channer said. “All the faculty and staff, they were really important to me. They showed that they cared, and I know we will be able to go out into the world and spread that same care that they have given to us.” 

Blalock, the college’s first graduating Jacob’s Scholar impacted by foster care, delivered one of the ceremony’s most emotional reflections, speaking candidly about the challenges many students quietly carry with them into higher education.

“As someone impacted by foster care, college never felt like a guarantee,” Blalock said. “For students who have experienced instability, trauma, and difficult accountability, there’s often another layer that people don’t see.” 

Blalock said her experience at PC helped her redefine what it means to serve others while also learning to care for herself.

“I came to PC, and I was already serving,” she said. “Trying to help others emotionally, carry burdens quietly, and constantly putting other people before myself.” 

Over time, however, she said she learned an important lesson through the Jacob’s Scholars Program and the support systems she found at the college.

“Service cannot come at the expense of yourself,” Blalock said. “For the first time in my life, I began to understand that taking care of myself is not selfish. It was necessary.” 

Blalock credited the Jacob’s Scholars Program with providing not only financial support, but also mentorship, stability, and community.

“It gave me people who cared about me, about my success, and not just academically, but personally,” she said. 

She later reflected on the importance of encouragement and simply showing up for others.

“Sometimes people do not need you to fix everything,” Blalock said. “Sometimes they just need to know that they matter, and that you believe in them, even if they don’t believe in themselves.” 

Alumna Encourages Graduates to Believe in Themselves

Keynote speaker Cynthia Olley, a 2000 graduate and senior manager-environmental at U.S. Compliance, reflected on how her own time at PC shaped both her career and her confidence.

Olley, a chemist who also teaches biology courses as an adjunct instructor, spoke candidly about uncertainty early in her career and the professors, mentors, and supervisors who encouraged her along the way.

“For the last 26 years, I’ve had an amazing life because of coming here and meeting wonderful people who believed in me,” Olley said. 

She told graduates that belief from others often helped carry her through moments of self-doubt.

“They believed in little old me,” Olley said. “I didn’t believe I could do it.” 

Olley also encouraged students to embrace opportunities, remain adaptable, and celebrate their accomplishments as they move into the next phase of their lives.

‘You Are Forever a Part of This Mosaic’

In closing remarks, Blair urged graduates to reflect on both the people who supported them and the journeys that brought them to the moment.

“I want you all to look around this room,” Blair said. “Look at the faces of those people who showed up today, not just to witness this ceremony, but to celebrate who you are.” 

“You are deeply loved, fiercely supported, and incredibly needed in this world,” she added. 

Blair acknowledged that many graduates had navigated unseen hardships during their time in college.

“Some of you carried the weight of being the first,” she said. “Some of you navigated challenges that others never saw and never knew, and yet, here you are.” 

She encouraged students to carry their roots, purpose, and community with them as they move forward.

“The relationships that you built here … do not end today,” Blair said. “You are forever a part of this mosaic.” 

Undergraduate Students

Graduate Students

• Anna Lawton
• Shelbi Frederick
• Madeline Johnson
• Imani Hunt
• Cristina Gonzalez
• Stephanie Martinez
• Jessica Pea