"Don't be afraid to fail and if you do fail, try again, but do it strategically," North Carolina Governor Patrick L. McCrory '78 told an audience of graduates and their families and friends at Catawba College's 10 a.m. Commencement Exercise on May 11.

There was celebration and remembrance at Catawba College's Commencement Exercises on May 11. Three graduates and one alumnus received awards during the two ceremonies, while one student who died just five credit hours away from completing the coursework for his bachelor's degree was honored with a special tribute.

It was a very familiar figure who delivered the homily at Catawba College's Baccalaureate Service on May 10. On the eve of their graduation, College Chaplain and Senior Vice President, the Reverend Dr. Ken Clapp '70, advised the graduates to "Take wing by giving God that place of greatest importance in your lives and allowing God to direct you and call the shots."

Catawba College recognized three retiring faculty members at its May 11 Commencement Exercises. Drs. James "Jim" Beard, John B. "Jack" Green and Cynthia B. Osterhus '73 were cited for their contributions to the institution at the 10 a.m. ceremony held in Keppel Auditorium.

Dr. W. Richard "Rick" Stephens, Jr. will step down as provost of Catawba College at the end of this academic year. He has accepted a position as provost and academic vice president at Alfred University in Alfred, New York, and starts there July 1.