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SMC Confers 152 Degrees During Spring Commencement 

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SPARTANBURG, S.C. –  Spartanburg Methodist College conferred degrees on 152 students at its spring commencement services Saturday, May 3.

College registrar Jill Johnson says it was the largest group to receive degrees at an SMC graduation in at least 13 years. 

Approximately 25 potential summer graduates also participated in the ceremony. 

Sophomore Abby Harper, of West Columbia, SC, the outgoing president of the Student Government Association, served as the student speaker, saying “SMC is not just a college, it’s a community. We aren’t just classmates, we’re friends. SMC has instilled within us values that are important in life … being truthful, respectful and possessing integrity are three traits that should be exhibited beyond the perimeter of this campus.” 

She challenged her fellow graduates to “live with a purpose” and “live with passion,” while telling them to “Never forget what you’ve learned here and always embrace who you are.” 

Randy Akers, executive director of the South Carolina Humanities Council, was the keynote speaker and expanded on that message. 

“This is your inheritance; this is your tradition. You are in a unique institution that has just prepared you to move forward and succeed. Instilled within you are the core values of faith, responsibility, and a zest for learning,” Akers said. 

“As you leave through the door of Spartanburg Methodist College … you may be nervous, scared, excited, happy or uncertain. But you’ve prepared yourself for the next step…This is a great time for you  to test and explore. What I’ve learned is if you put your heart into something, chances are that you will succeed. You really can’t lose. Whether or not you make a lot of money, if your heart is in it, you’ll have a wonderful time and no one will be able to take that away from you,” added Akers.

Mr. Akers has served in his current position since 1988. He is also an instructor at the University of South Carolina, in its Department of Religious Studies. He holds a Ph.D. in Early Church History from Northwestern University, along with a Masters of Divinity from Garrett Theological Seminary and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Illinois College. 

Sophomore Charles Matthews, of Athens, GA, received the Highest Honor Graduate Award at the commencement services. 

Graduation marshals for the event were Zach Dillard, of Easley, SC; Rachel King, of Spartanburg; and Ashley McKelvey, of Boiling Springs, SC. 

Spartanburg Methodist College is in its 97th 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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