SMC Confers Nearly 350 Diplomas for 2025 Graduation
Jeremy Handel
Staff Writer
Caps were decorated, smiles were wide, and a few tears even flowed as hundreds of new college graduates walked across the stage at Spartanburg Methodist College’s 114th commencement ceremony.
“You’ve worked hard; you’ve persevered. There have been some good moments, there have been some great moments – with a few moments we’d like to forget scattered in between,” SMC President Scott Cochran told the graduates about the moment they were in at commencement. “When you walk across this stage in a few minutes and receive your diploma, it will all be worth it.”
Thousands of family and friends filled Viking Arena to recognize the new graduates. The college recognized its largest class of bachelor’s degree graduates since introducing the four-year degrees in 2019 with 76 degrees conferred. More than 270 students received their associate degree.
Student commencement speaker Victoria Farr shared her inspiring story of tragedy, perseverance, and triumph on her journey to earning her degree and being chosen the Yandle Class Leader and commencement speaker by her peers.
“I believe there is power in being open and honest about the struggles we face as individuals,” she said as she talked of a rare health condition that robbed her of most of her eyesight in just three weeks at the age of 20. “You never know what person might be in the same room as you, experiencing their own personal struggle and could possibly find hope in your testimony.”
The loss of her sight was devastating, ending her career in the military and changing her life trajectory. Farr lost confidence in herself and wasn’t sure what was next. She turned to her faith and leaned on it to move forward. Attending SMC gave her the direction and foundation she needed for her next steps.
“Enrolling at Spartanburg Methodist College was one of the scariest and most exciting decisions I have ever made,” she said. “What I found here was more than just classrooms and textbooks, I found a community.”
Farr earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology and criminal justice and plans to start a nonprofit in the Upstate focused on helping others overcome adversity and take their next steps.
In addition to the Yandle Class Leader, President Cochran also recognized the Archie Vernon and Margaret Wannamaker Huff Faculty Award Winner, Dr. Jennifer Hyder. He also acknowledged the 11 winners of the Trustee Medal for highest GPA as an associate graduate and the two recipients for highest GPA as bachelor’s graduates; all of whom earned a perfect 4.0.