A Day Nearly 100 Years in the Making: Inauguration of President Keith Kicks Off SMC’s Centennial Celebration

09/10/10 — College Also Holds Annual Convocation To Open Academic Year

SPARTANBURG - Friday was one of the biggest days in the history of Spartanburg Methodist College.

The institution not only inaugurated Dr. Colleen Perry Keith as its 7th president - and its first female president -but opened its 100th academic year and kicked off its centennial celebration all in one afternoon.

Dr. Keith, who has served as president since July 1, 2009, was in great spirits as she welcomed students, alumni, and special guests to help celebrate the college's history and role in the Spartanburg Community College.

Her inauguration was performed by Rev. Dr. Norman E. Dewire, the President Emeritus of Methodist Theological School in Ohio and a close personal friend of Dr. Keith's.

Following her inauguration, she was introduced to the SMC community by her son Tim Hogan, 21, who is a senior at Miami University of Ohio and is majoring in Political Science.

Dr. Keith, who is currently battling breast cancer after a diagnosis in June, said during her inaugural address that despite challenges she has faced in recent months, she remains focused and determined on the institution's health and strength along with her own - and that she is proud of the history of SMC and optimistic of its future.

She is currently undergoing chemotherapy, with a  second round on Monday Sept. 13, and is scheduled for surgery in December.

Dr. Keith spoke of how higher education in American has changed over the past 100 years and of the challenges facing not only SMC but higher education in the 21st century.

"We cannot bury our heads in the sand, though, or rest on our laurels. We have to recognize and respond to the challenges and opportunities of changing trends. We have to be prepared to expect the unexpected - and to always stay alert for new niches that will keep us both vibrant and relevant,"  she commented.

She also issued a challenge to the SMC community.

"I would like to challenge each of you to abandon the idea that Spartanburg Methodist College is a best-kept secret. I challenge us instead to go against the grain and turn away from the humility and modesty that have characterized Spartanburg Methodist College. Instead, I ask you to celebrate SMC and its ideals. I ask that we begin now to claim our position as a shining light in the higher education community of the Upstate and one that will lead the way in the 21st century and beyond," Dr. Keith said.

Spartanburg Mayor Junie White and Dr. Jon Schwartzbauer, president of Sherman College of Chiropractic, each offered greetings to attendees and the SMC community on behalf of the community and College Town consortium.

Bishop Mary Virginia Taylor, of the South Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church, also addressed those in attendance.

This was SMC's first presidential inauguration since that of former president Dr. Charles P. Teague, in October 1998. Dr. Teague and his predecessor Dr. George Fields, were both in attendance at Dr. Keith's inauguration.

"We each stand on the shoulders of those who came before us, and I owe these two leaders a great debt of  gratitude for stewarding this College so that I inherited an institution that could accept the gifts that I have to offer. The United Methodist Church's mission in higher education and campus ministry is to 'unite the two so long divided, knowledge and vital piety.' In keeping true to our United Methodist heritage, I think Spartanburg Methodist implements this mission exceptionally well," Dr. Keith stated.

In only one year under Dr. Keith's leadership, SMC has implemented a new mission statement, instituted new fundraising programs and initiatives including the 1911 Societies and the SMC Tuition Partners, developed a series of alumni events across the state, drawn up plans for a 40,000+ square foot academic building, and launched a $15 million campaign for that new building, along with student scholarship programs. The campaign, called "Pioneering the Future: The Centennial Campaign for Spartanburg Methodist College" has already secured its first $4 million in campaign commitments.

Before coming to SMC, Dr. Keith served as Executive Director of Development at Ohio University in Athens, OH. A native of upstate New York, she has more than 20 years of experience in higher education, in capacities such as student service roles, program development, teaching, fund raising, and administration.

Prior to Dr. Keith's inauguration, the College officially opened its academic year with its 2010 convocation Friday afternoon as well.

Dr. Bruce Yandle, a member of the SMC Board of Trustees and dean emeritus of the College of Business and Behavioral Science at Clemson University, served as the keynote speaker for convocation.

During his speech, Dr. Yandle referred to SMC as "...a precious place."

He described to students those that have come before them and the people of SMC, saying "We are standing on sacred ground.  Not because saints were here before us, but because ordinary people came before us, people so dedicated to the idea that inspired this college that they let nothing stand in the way of achieving the dream that built this place.  Included are those who kept the dream alive by working here, teaching and counseling students, tending the grounds, caring for the community.  These were and are ordinary people who do saintly things."

He spoke of the first time he heard of SMC nearly 40 years ago, when he met former SMC president Dr. Fields, and of his profound impression of him and the experience.

Dr. Yandle added, "Inspired by the saints who came before us, Spartanburg Methodist College goes forward under new leadership, with a full head of steam, and a sense of purpose that is wrapped in a mantle of love."

Internationally-known Korean violin virtuoso Eun-Sun Lee  and Steinway artist Fabio Parrini, professor of music and piano coordinator at the Cline School of Music at  North Greenville University, performed Cannon in D by Johann Pachelbel.  The Spartanburg Philharmonic Brass Quintet performed a three-piece processional and a two-piece recessional.

SMC was founded on October 25, 1911 by Dr. David English Camak as the Textile Industrial Institute. Over the next 15 months, the College will be celebrating its Centennial with a series of events and activities for students, alumni and the entire community.

"In a world where we are presented with competing philosophies, political stances, and clashing cultures, we still know one thing for sure: the words of Christ rarely divide us. Spartanburg Methodist College stands as a testament to the passionate and courageous leadership of people like David English Camak, our founder; and members of the South Carolina Conference of The United Methodist Church, who have held us in trust when necessary and lovingly supported us as we spread our wings," Dr. Keith added during her remarks.

For more details on the College's Centennial Celebration, visit our www.smcsc.edu/centennial

For additional information, contact Brian Fulkerson, director of public information, at (864) 587-4254 or publicinfo@smcsc.edu