Each October, the SMC Student Government Association sponsors a Founder’s Day Program. The program celebrates the vision, passion, and purpose of SMC’s founder, David English Camak, and those who have followed his lead over the years to continue to propel Spartanburg Methodist College as a driving force in higher education.
Typically a speaker is chosen from the college’s prestigious alumni. However, this year the Student Government Association is taking a different route…they have selected Gabriel Redding as the 2013 Founder’s Day speaker. A pioneer, in the simplest form, is an ordinary person who does extraordinary things. This year’s speaker is just that. He is a musician, community advocate, entertainer, athlete, world record holder, and most definitely a pioneer.
From June 7th to July 19th, 2013, Redding ran across America from Santa Monica, CA to St. Simons Island, GA in 42 days, breaking the world record for the fastest crossing of America on foot, and raising over $8,000 for the Alzheimer’s Association. As a musician, Redding has opened for Boys Like Girls, Hinder, Lady Antebellum, Jason Aldean, Jason Mraz, Bo Bice, Joan Jett, Gin Blossoms, KC and the Sunshine Band, and has performed in the middle-east for the troops on a USO tour. He performs at colleges and military bases all over the US, coffee shops and movie theaters, and wherever else he finds to play. From June 29th to August 10th, 2009, Redding bicycled across the continent, from Virginia Beach, Virginia to Seattle, Washington, totaling 43 days and 3204.3 miles to raise money and awareness for the Multiple Sclerosis Society.
Redding will discuss his record breaking run across America, what inspired him to take on this challenge and share his rich experiences interacting with Americans across the states. The Spartanburg Methodist College Student Government Association believes Gabriel Redding is a pioneer in many ways, and after the Founder’s Day event, he will be an honorary SMC Pioneer.
The Spartanburg Methodist College Student Government Association Founder’s Day program will take place on Monday, October 28th at 4 pm in the Mission Davis Chapel on the campus of SMC. The general public is welcomed to attend this uplifting program. For more information, please contact Yvonne Harper, harpery@smcsc.edu, 864-587-4278.