Coastal Carolina University (CCU) celebrated 70 years of independent operation on Sept. 20 with speeches, bobbleheads and a large crowd of students, faculty and staff.
President Michael Benson, Chief of Staff Travis Overton and Student Government Association President Gabrielle Ryder were the main speakers for the event.
Ryder spoke about the positive growth the university has had in recent years, and expressed her gratitude for the efforts of the Chanticleer Regiment and the dance team.
“I can’t imagine what the next [5 years] will look like, let alone the next 70,” Ryder said.
Ryder also praised Benson for his love of the school and his cultivation of momentum and vision for the university.
Melissa Jefferson, an Olympic champion and alumni, was honored at this celebration. However, she could not attend in person as her flight was delayed. President Benson unveiled mementos for Jefferson on behalf of Coastal.
“And whereas [Jefferson] attended Coastal Carolina University, where she established new records at the University for the Sun Belt Conference and the Sun Belt Conference Championships,” Benson said.
Benson detailed Jefferson’s academic achievements, athletic accomplishments, and her history with the university. Jefferson was highlighted for her numerous collegiate athletic champion awards, such as 2022 and 2023 World Athletics Champion in track and field, and her Olympic bronze and gold medalist status.
Students and staff who attended the celebration were given raffle tickets for bobbleheads. With the help of the dance team and the Chanticleer Regiment, Overton announced the winners.
Chauncey, CCU’s mascot, was pictured handing out these bobbleheads to eager students and staff. These bobbleheads were inspired by the marching band uniforms. Overton announced the new bobblehead theme for next year, which will feature the new nursing program.
Freshman member of the Chanticleer Regiment Xiemena Mendoza’heredi said the marching band is more like a well-organized family. She enjoyed the environment of the celebration, which she believes they add to.
“I think we add to the ambient environment,” Mendoza’heredi said.
Sebastian Albert, a senior psychology major, had been to the previous year’s birthday bash. He thought this year had more decorations and enjoyed the bobblehead giveaway.
“It definitely was a lot more something that I look at as school spirit rather than just a flat event,” Albert said.
