WINTER COMMENCEMENT, December 20, 2003 --Honorary Degree: John Crosland, Jr., Doctor of Humane Letters--NOTE: Clay Aiken, the runner-up in the American Idol talent contest (2003) was a member of the graduating class. He received a degree in Special Education [College of Education]. He did not perform but received his degree last, then addressed his fellow graduates thanking them for allowing him to take part in the ceremony as a regular student.