In recognition of graduating, the Coastal Carolina University College of Graduate and Continuing Studies gave each doctoral candidate an exclusive gift. The college recruited local artist and CCU alumnus Joshua Knight ’14 to create a commissioned drawing of the Atheneum. Graduating students each received a signed, individually numbered print during the Ph.D. hooding ceremony on April 29.

“We hope our graduates see this gift as a cherished memento of their doctoral studies, but also a charge to continue the pursuit of knowledge wherever it may take them,” said J. Lee Brown, Ph.D., dean of the College of Graduate and Continuing Studies.

The Atheneum is the recognized architectural symbol of Coastal Carolina University. It’s derived from Athena, the Greek goddess of knowledge.

The aim of graduate education is to foster new ways of thinking while in the pursuit of knowledge within a given discipline. To Coastal students, the Atheneum visually encapsulates their commitment of that pursuit.

“The graduate college establishes and articulates the standard for intellectual excellence for the University,” said Brown.

Knight, who is building his career as a portrait artist and an adjunct instructor in Department of Visual Arts within the Thomas W. and Robin W. Edwards College of Humanities and Fine Arts, said he was excited to take part in this project.

“To me, the Atheneum represents truth and freedom. The freedom to search and obtain knowledge through education and truth,” Knight said.

This is the first time Knight sketched the Atheneum, and he said the challenge was making sure he embodied the meaning behind the structure.

“I hope graduates feel a sense of achievement through their endeavors and time spent at CCU,” said Knight.