Henry E. Brown Jr.

May 2005 Commencement Speaker

Henry E. Brown Jr. was elected to the United States House of Representatives in 2000, representing the 1st District of South Carolina, which includes portions of Horry and Georgetown counties, as well as Berkeley, Charleston and Dorchester. He served on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, the Budget Committee and the Veterans Affairs Committee. After re-election to the 108th Congress in 2002, Congressman Brown was chosen to serve as chair of the Veterans Affairs Subcommittee on Benefits. Brown has been a strong advocate for the coastal environment of South Carolina.‌

Congressman Brown started his political career in Hannahan, South Carolina, serving on the Planning Commission and City Council. He was elected to the South Carolina House of Representatives in 1985, where he served continuously through 2000.

Brown urged graduates to consider a life of service, to hold on to their principles and to strike balance in all things. He invoked King Solomon, Albert Einstein and Ben Franklin in his remarks, telling students to reflect on their lives and where they are going, to not be obsessed with "acquiring stuff" and to "connect your life to a cause larger than yourself."

Brown was awarded the honorary degree Doctor of Public Service from Coastal Carolina University during the commencement ceremony.