Convocation Marks Start of Academic Year At SMC

09/11/08 — Dean of Students Art Hartzog Addresses Students, Poynter Installed As SGA President

SPARTANBURG, SC - Spartanburg Methodist College marked the official start of the 2008-2009 academic year with its annual convocation on Wednesday.

SMC Dean of Students Dr. Art Hartzog, who served as the keynote speaker, addressed the students on the concepts of "making the most of your life" and "dealing effectively with the inevitable interruptions that will occur."

"Convocation marks the beginning of the academic year, and graduation marks the end. But the beginning and the end are not nearly as important as what goes on during that interval of time - your "dash". And we can be certain there will be unexpected interruptions," he said.

Hartzog, who has served as Dean of Students since 1999, recently announced his retirement from SMC effective at the end of the 2008-2009 academic year.

Hartzog added that "life is full of unexpected twists and turns. We must learn to deal with the unexpected, solve problems in unusual ways, and move on with life."

He reflected on his nearly 40-year career in higher education, saying "Time and again we have seen students meet the love of their life, discover careers they never knew existed, emerge from low self-esteem into an accomplished life of leadership, and simply experience the thrill of learning. I remember times of grief and pain; I remember times of elation and pride."

Danielle Poynter, of Greer, SC, was installed as the President of the Student Government Association at SMC during the convocation ceremonies. Poynter, a sophomore, is the daughter of Cliff and Lyla Poynter.

Spartanburg Methodist College is in its 98th year of providing quality education to students in a Christian environment. More than 90 percent of SMC graduates continue their education at other institutions of higher learning.

For more information, contact Brian Fulkerson, director of public information, at (864) 587-4254.