Spartanburg Methodist College is pleased to announce Victor Durrah, Jr. as the keynote speaker at its annual Convocation ceremony marking the beginning of the new school year. The event takes place Wednesday, Sept. 6, at 11 a.m. at Jesse L. Bridges Arena on the SMC campus. It is open to the public and is free of charge.

The keynote speech will touch on Durrah’s personal journey and his connection to SMC, which established the foundation for his lifelong work in the nonprofit sector.

“SMC provided me an opportunity to grow and see the world differently,” Durrah says. “The school broadened my horizons as a student, an athlete, a Christian and even as a productive citizen. I remember having direct access to counselors, teachers and even the president.”

Durrah will tell the story of how SMC influenced not just him, but helped his younger brother, Tavares, who was struggling at another school. Durrah took charge of bringing his brother directly to the school president, who offered a school transfer. Years later, the Durrah family remains dedicated to giving back.

Victor Durrah, Jr. is an SMC alumnus with a sterling record of community outreach and fundraising experience. With over 10 years of experience in nonprofit youth development, Durrah currently serves as director of multicultural markets at the Boy Scouts of America, where he has raised youth membership rates and strengthened community ties. Durrah also co-founded Brothers Restoring Urban Hope, a nonprofit focusing on group mentoring for young men.

“Each year, as the official start of the academic year, the convocation serves to affirm SMC’s commitment to our mission and the rich history behind our college,” said Ann Bowles, Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs. “Victor’s own experience at SMC and his subsequent accomplishments will serve as an inspiration to students and faculty alike as we herald in the 2017-2018 year.