Speeches and Writings
Speeches and writings are listed below in descending order by date of release.
Click headline for the full text in PDF format.
May 09, 2009
Opening Remarks 2009 Undergraduate Commencement
P. George Benson, President of the College of Charleston, addresses the family members, friends, and guests of the 2009 College of Charleston graduates in the Cistern Yard.
March 26, 2009
2009 Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce Economic Outlook Conference Remarks
President Benson addressed the 2009 Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce Economic Outlook Conference with a speech titled "South Carolina Higher Education: At the Precipice." His remarks cautioned that unless the state makes public colleges and universities a top financial priority, we risk permanently diminishing their value and their ability to grow our state and local economies.
May 04, 2008
The Citadel Graduate College Commencement
President Benson delivered his commencement address, “The Lowcountry’s Opportunities and Challenges as a Gateway for the Southern Cross,” to the graduating class of The Citadel’s Graduate College on May 4, 2008. He also received a Doctor of Humane Letters degree at the ceremony.
April 11, 2008
State of the College Address
President Benson delivered his first State of the College Address to the campus community on April 11, 2008. Visit the President's multimedia page for the online video.
March 20, 2008
Chamber of Commerce Economic Outlook Conference
President Benson discusses Charleston's potential to tap into the regional economic corridor known as the "Southern Cross."
March 10, 2008
President Benson's Statement on UNC and Auburn Student Deaths
President Benson expresses sadness on the deaths of Eve Carson, a family friend and senior at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and Lauren Burk, a freshman at Auburn University, and asks College of Charleston students to be aware of campus safety measures.
February 15, 2008
President Benson's Message Regarding the Northern Illinois University Shootings
President Benson sent this message to the campus community in response to the Febuary 14, 2008 tragic shooting incident.
January 11, 2008
Opening Remarks 40th Desegregation Anniversary
President Benson’s speech at the January 11, 2008 commemoration ceremony marking the fortieth anniversary of the desegregation of the College.
December 16, 2007
Opening Remarks 2007 Winter Commencement
P. George Benson, President of the College of Charleston, addresses the family members, friends, and guests of the 2007 College of Charleston graduates at the North Charleston Coliseum.
October 29, 2007
President Benson's Statement Regarding S.C. Students Killed in Oct. 28 Fire
President Benson expresses sadness over the loss of seven South Carolina students killed in a beach house fire in North Carolina.
October 15, 2007
Inaugural Address
President P. George Benson's address during the October 5, 2007 Inauguration Ceremony at the Sottile Theater.
August 20, 2007
Opening Remarks 2007 Convocation Ceremony
President P. George Benson addresses the Members of the Class of 2011, transfer students, graduate students, family and friends during the August 21, 2007 convocation.
June 19, 2007President Benson's Message Regarding Charleston Firefighters
President Benson expresses the College's condolences to the Charleston community on the loss of nine Charleston firefighters in a Sofa Super Store fire, June 18, 2007.
May 13, 2007
Opening Remarks 2007 Undergraduate Commencement
P. George Benson, President of the College of Charleston, addresses the family members, friends, and guests of the 2007 College of Charleston graduates in the Cistern Yard.
January 16, 2007
Keynote Speech Seventh Annual Martin Luther King, Jr.
President Benson's keynote speech delivered at the 7th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Professional Breakfast, Gaillard Municipal Auditorium, Charleston, South Carolina.
