Presbyterian College hosted its baccalaureate service for its graduating class on Friday, May 12.

“I hope that this occasion will serve as a springboard for each of you to live an inspired life,” President, Bob Staton told the class. Tonight is a special time to share those moments and memories, but tomorrow you will go separate ways.

The class was addressed by the Rev. Dr. Danny C. Murphy, general presbyter for Trinity Presbytery. He earned a Doctor of Ministry from Columbia Theological Seminary in Decatur, Ga.; a Master of Divinity from Johnson C. Smith Theological Seminary in Atlanta, Ga.; and a Bachelor of Arts from Concordia University in Mequon, Wis.

Murphy is also a member of the general field staff for the General Assembly of Congregational Transformation, a coach for new worshipping communities of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), a member of the ecumenical refugee advisory board of the Lutheran Family Service, moderator for the General Assembly Nominating Committee of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), and a member of the Columbia Area Justice Ministries.

He began his service on Presbyterian College’s board of trustees January 1. He resides in Columbia, S.C., with his wife Judy. Together they have two children and are the proud grandparents of two grandchildren.

Murphy addressed the graduates, telling them of the “Five Keys to Success,” based on the service’s new testament lesson Luke 18: 1-8.

Be willing to go where you haven’t gone before, be a dreamer, be goal oriented, be positive, and be persistent, Murphy told the students.

“Don’t ever allow criticism to discourage you,” Murphy said. “Don’t ever allow failure to stop you.”

Presbyterian College is located on a striking 240-acre campus in Clinton, between Columbia and Greenville, S.C. Offering challenging academics and a culture of honor, ethics, and service that prepares students to be leaders in communities, PC offers its students the benefit of engaging with an exceptional faculty who take individual interest in their students’ well-being, both personally and in the classroom. The Presbyterian College School of Pharmacy is dedicated to the ideals of leadership, honor to the profession, and service to the community. For more information about Presbyterian College, visit www.presby.edu.