Tigerville, SC - Charles W. “Buddy” Freeman encouraged the 250 North Greenville University graduates to “bring sanity back into an insane world” at May commencement on Thursday, May 1. This graduating class marks the single largest class in the school’s 116 year history.

Freeman, who recently retired after a ten-year tenure as Vice President for Admissions and Financial Planning, was the keynote speaker.

“I consider this opportunity of speaking to you today to be one of the greatest privileges and honors received in my 68 years of living and 33 years of working with college students,” said Freeman.

“Graduates, remember to always keep God’s commandments so He will bless and lead you. You can be an instrument of God in helping bring sanity back into the insane world we find ourselves living in today,” stated Freeman. “When you follow in His steps, then will only be happy serving your Creator. You will find a life with purpose, fulfillment, meaning and success.”

At the conclusion of his address, Freeman was presented with an honorary doctor of Christian Leadership degree awarded by NGU President, Dr. Jimmy Epting, and board of trustees chairman, Dr. Don Ward.

“There are countless people that this man has touched,” stated Epting. “I appreciate you touching my life with encouragement.”

Freeman thanked Dr. Epting and the administration and faculty, “for the honor you have bestowed upon me today. I shall never forget this day and I will never forget you my friends.” He concluded by saying, “Let’s give out some diplomas to some very deserving students,” which was greeted with thunderous applause.

Freeman, born in Kings Mountain, NC, received his Associate of Arts in 1962 from Gardner-Webb Junior College, his Bachelor of Arts in 1964 from Carson-Newman College and Master of Divinity in 1967 from Southeastern Theological Seminary.

He was responsible for recruiting some 7,000 students to North Greenville and starting the Christian Ministry Scholarship Fund which provides tuition assistance to ministerial students. Under his leadership, this endowment grew from nothing to over $2 million and currently offers $50,000 of scholarships to approximately 45 students annually.

Prior to coming to North Greenville University, Freeman served in pastorates in churches in North Carolina and as Campus Minister and Dean of Admissions at Gardner-Webb University over a twenty-year span.

Buddy is married to Dr. Gayla Lowery, Radiation Oncologist with Iredell Memorial Hospital in Statesville, NC. He has a son, Charles M. Freeman and a daughter Deborah Freeman Harris and one grandson.

In addition, Dr. Epting recognized two retiring professors: Dr. Malinda Willard, who has taught English and courses in the Interdisciplinary Studies program for 16 years and Dr. Gayle Cheesbro, who is retiring after 31 years of service in the School of Music.

A special moment took place in the commencement service when the president recognized the parents of Brittany Lynne Fogg, a North Greenville student killed in a 2006 Valentine’s Day automobile accident. Brittany’s former classmates began a standing ovation for her parents which was continued by the entire audience. This would have been her graduation ceremony.