A total of 385 students marched in Coastal Carolina University's fall commencement ceremony today at the University's HTC Center; 516 students were eligible to receive degrees.

Commencement speaker Michael F. Clayton, recognized as one of the leading intellectual property attorneys in the nation, received the honorary degree Doctor of Humane Letters. In his address, he challenged graduates to aim beyond traditional concepts of success.

"Suceess is not enough," he said. "There is a misplaced emphasis on commercial success in our culture." Clayton described the sense of meaning and personal satisfaction he has derived as a result of his pro bono and volunteer services. He was instrumental in establishing the Women in Military Service for America Memorial in Washington, D.C., and is a close adviser to the Newman's Own Foundation, which supports programs for children with serious illnesses.

Clayton urged graduates to balance their drive for success with a goal to serve others. "Slow down, listen, and don't overlook opportunities to serve others -- even small opportunities, because you never know where small things will lead."

Two students received the President's Award for Academic Achievement, which recognizes students with the highest cumulative grade point averages. Caitlyn MacKenzie Rhodes, a history major from Loris, and Anne Iris Perrotti, a Spanish language major of North Myrtle Beach, each had perfect 4.0 grade point averages.