Presidential Signature Series established

The Presidential Signature Series, established by President Michael T. Benson, supports events ranging from lectures and performances to art displays and community celebrations. During the spring semester, Benson welcomed to campus Katharine Hayhoe, an accomplished atmospheric scientist who studies climate change and why it matters, and acclaimed actor Taye Diggs, and hosted a Hurricane Readiness Expo.

Hayhoe was the keynote speaker during CCU’s inaugural Sustainability Symposium in April. Her presentation was titled “Mitigate, Adapt – or Suffer: Connecting Global Change to Local Impacts and Solutions.” The symposium, hosted by the President’s Council for Sustainability and Coastal Resilience, is CCU’s newest sustainability initiative to connect the community with local, regional, and national environmental experts. 

Hayhoe serves as chief scientist for the Nature Conservancy and a distinguished professor and chair at Texas Tech University. She has been named one of TIME’s 100 Most Influential People, United Nations Champion of the Environment, and the World Evangelical Alliance’s Climate Ambassador. 

Diggs spoke to a sold-out crowd of CCU students, faculty, and staff in Wheelwright Auditorium during an hour-long session. 

“College is a great opportunity to watch each other and learn who you are without the life pressures of the real world,” he said. “It helped socialize me and was a safe space. Embrace these moments.”

Diggs, who most recently appeared in the series All American on The CW, has performed in various TV, Broadway, and film roles. He is known for his recurring role as Angelo Dubois in the hit FOX drama, Empire. His film credits include How Stella Got Her Groove Back, Brown Sugar, The Best Man, and The Best Man Holiday.

Held in the HTC Center, the Hurricane Readiness Expo included information on pre-hurricane preparation tactics and post-storm response. It also featured vendor booths, family-friendly activities, and presentations from WPDE chief meteorologist Ed Piotrowski and Horry County emergency management director Sam Hodge.

Acclaimed actor Taye Diggs spoke on campus as part of the Presidential Signature Series.