SMC Confers Degrees At Spring 2009 Commencement

05/12/09

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

SPARTANBURG, S.C. -  Spartanburg Methodist College conferred degrees on approximately 150 students on Saturday, May 9.

College President Dr. Charles Teague, who is retiring as the college's sixth president on June 30, served as the keynote speaker during the ceremonies.

He told the parents present that their graduates are "... not the same person today as they were two years ago.  Get to know these students again. They've changed. They are new persons today" and challenged the graduates to continue their education.

"The value of education lies far beyond money and material possessions. A liberal arts education teaches you to think. Thinking enables you to acquire information, to analyze it, to reach conclusions based on that analysis, and then communicate results to others. Education also enables you to discover your real self, set goals, to serve something greater than yourself, and to build your life on worthy values that exceed personal gratification. In order to do these things, you must be able to read, write, speak, compute mathematically, listen, learn, observe and study, These are precisely the intellectual activities that are common to a liberal arts education, and these are the substance of your SMC educational experience. You're now ready to put those skills to work so go to it," Teague said.

He also challenged graduates to set goals of pursuing excellence, discovering what motivates them, understanding commitments and achieving meaningful relationships in life, becoming a leader with honorable motives, making of difference in the world, choosing values to enable them to become persons of integrity, and cultivating joy in their lives and a relationship with God.

"This life is not a rehearsal.  It's the real thing, and you only get one shot at it, So, go for it!  But as you do, be a person of great integrity with honorable values lighting your way.  God has given you unique gifts and graces to become the person God created you to be.  Don't waste those gifts & graces. Use them to make a difference in the world!  Do these things and you will live well," he added.

He also expressed his gratitude to the graduating class, saying "Thank you for crossing my life's path and for allowing me to join your journey at SMC."

Graduating sophomore Harley Porter, of Columbus, NC, served as the student speaker for the commencement activities.

Jennifer Lamonica, of Toronto, Canada, was named Highest Honor Graduate for receiving the highest cumulative GPA - a 4.0 - among the graduating sophomores. As Honor Graduate, she received the 2009 Trustee Medal, a new award, which includes a gold medallion and a $500 gift.

Several retiring faculty and staff members were also recognized at the commencement services, including outgoing Dean of Students Art Hartzog, Vice President of Institutional Advancement Sterling Case, and Professor of Art Ann Wenz.

Along with President Teague, the retiring faculty and staff have served SMC for a combined total of more than 70 years.

Serving as marshals for the ceremonies were freshmen Jessica Howles, of Inman, SC; Dana Smith, of Boiling Springs, SC; and Ashley Whitfield, of Spartanburg.

Spartanburg Methodist College is in its 98th year of providing a 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, please contact Brian Fulkerson, director of public information, at (864) 587-4254.  

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