SMC Graduates Encouraged to Take Root and Grow Strong

More than 200 new college graduates are planting their seeds and taking root in the next stage of their lives as they received their diplomas at Spartanburg Methodist College’s (SMC) commencement ceremony today.

As they turned their tassels, they were encouraged to establish strong roots by seeking out those who give them peace by commencement speaker Dr. Russell Booker.

“You are about to enter a world full of noise,” he said. “For you to be rooted like a sturdy oak, I challenge you to learn to tune out the distractions of life and begin to dial the frequency to yourself.”

Booker, a long-time educator and CEO of the Spartanburg Academic Movement, turned to his years as an educator to encourage students to face difficult times by turning to their strength and finding peace. SMC President Scott Cochran echoed the challenges they will face and expressed his confidence in their readiness to meet them.

“Life is full of tests, challenges, and pressures,” Cochran said. “We cannot wait for you to show the world what you can do.”

“Today is a pivotal point in our lives, and it means so much to us that our supporters are here to witness this achievement,” said Joshua Golden, of Columbia, South Carolina, the student speaker, and continued with a message to his fellow graduates. “Be loud and proud about this accomplishment.”

Golden expressed his gratitude to the faculty, staff, and classmates for the guidance and direction they gave him as a first-generation college graduate. “SMC, thank you for bestowing four of the most unforgettable years of my life.”

The 2023 commencement ceremony marked the 112th in the college’s history and the third year of its bachelor’s degree program.

Booker left the students with a new challenge: “Be the true Pioneers that you have been called to be.”