Kristen Smith graduates from Coastal Carolina University

2017 Aug 7

Kristen Smith, of Myrtle Beach, SC, graduated with a Master of Arts in Teaching in education during commencement exercises held Aug. 4, 2017, at Coastal Carolina University.

More than 390 students were candidates for graduation in the ceremony held at the HTC Student Recreation and Convocation Center on campus.

In his remarks, commencement speaker John Hutchens, biology professor and ecologist, encouraged graduates to take time in the future to interact with nature and with other people.

"In today's high tech world we are often racing along at breakneck speed, but being outside slows you down and allows you to experience the rhythms of nature," said Hutchens. "You can actually hear yourself think and you can be a part of something bigger than yourself."