SMC Names Yandle Senior Class Leader Award
Dr. and Mrs. Bruce Yandle have been committed supporters of Spartanburg Methodist College and its students for many years. In 2013, the Yandles were so moved by the story of our student speaker that they established and endowed a new award, the Yandle Class Leader Award to honor future student speakers. This award is to be given to the individual who is selected as the Student Speaker at commencement and carries a $1,000 scholarship.
Student Excellence -
May 18
Olin D. Johnston Good Citizenship Award
Given in memory of the late Senator Olin D. Johnston to the student regarded as having rendered the greatest contribution to SMC.
Student Excellence -
May 18
Travis Eiler General Excellence Award
Given to a graduating student on the basis of citizenship, character, scholarship, and athletic ability.
Student Excellence -
May 18
American Legion Award
Given to graduating students (one male and one female) who display qualities of honor, courage, scholarship, leadership, service, and character.
Student Excellence -
May 18
Outstanding Freshman of the Year
The purpose of this award is to provide recognition of an outstanding freshman student at Spartanburg Methodist College. The student receiving the award must be classified as a freshman, having completed specific academic requirements (including being on track to have completed at least 24 credit hours with a 2.5 GPA). The outstanding freshman should have a positive image among students, faculty, and staff and with no disciplinary record. The student participates in extracurricular life in the college in a manner that reflects their leadership potential. Additional considerations include participating in community service, being a role model for other students, and representing the college in a positive light.
Student Excellence -
May 18
Heart of the Pioneer Award
The Heart of the Pioneer Award was established to recognize student leaders who embody a pioneering spirit and who have made a significant positive difference on campus.
Student Excellence -
May 18
Ella Jordan Lynn Award
Given in memory of Ella Jordan Lynn of Jefferson, SC, this award is presented annually to a female student judged to be representative of Christian qualities of compassionate care, loving devotion, and unselfish service to others. The Chaplain selects the recipient.
Student Excellence -
May 18
Pioneer Ambassador Rising Star Award
This award will be given to a first-year Pioneer Ambassador who has shown increased levels of leadership and responsibility.
Student Excellence -
May 18
Reverend Samuel Haywood Poston Award
Given in memory of Samuel Haywood Poston of Spartanburg, SC, a 1951 graduate of Spartanburg Junior College, former Chair, and faithful member of the Alumni Council, this award is presented annually to a male student judged to be representative of the Christian qualities of compassion, forgiveness, justice, loving care of others, and service to the community. The Chaplain selects the recipient.
Student Excellence -
May 18
Pioneer Ambassador Superior Senior Award
This award recognizes a senior student who has completed all four years of the Pioneer Ambassador Program.
Student Excellence -
May 18
Biology Award
This award is given annually for academic achievement in biology courses at SMC. Winners must have completed at least two semesters of biology classes or be currently enrolled in their second biology course. Winners are chosen from those with the highest grades in their biology coursework. Consideration is given to the following additional information: taking biology courses from more than one biology professor, acting as a tutor for the biology courses, taking the Zoology or Botany course and providing in-class leadership.
Student Excellence -
May 18
Charles Moss Award for the Outstanding Graduate in Criminal Justice - Associate Program
This award is given annually. Winners must be graduating from the Criminal Justice program with the Associate in Criminal Justice degree and hold the highest grades in their criminal justice coursework. Additional consideration may also be given to the following information: work or volunteer experience in the criminal justice field while also pursuing the degree; outstanding performance in Sociology coursework; providing in-class leadership in criminal justice and/or Sociology courses; and demonstrating outstanding commitment and/or service to the SMC community.
Student Excellence -
May 18
2026 Business Award - Associate in Business
This award is given annually by SMC on the recommendation of the business faculty to an outstanding student in the Associate of Business degree program. The recipient must meet the following criteria: Completed at least three of the following business courses: BSAD 201: Principles of Macroeconomics BSAD 202: Principles of Microeconomics BSAD 205: Accounting I BSAD 206: Accounting II Earned scores within the top 5% of the courses listed above. Have an overall GPA of 3.0 or above. Demonstrate community involvement on campus or off (Sports, Student Government, Clubs, Church, or other community organizations) Contribute to a positive classroom environment and exemplify a high standard of ethics.
Student Excellence -
May 18
Olin D. Johnston Good Citizenship Award
Given in memory of the late Senator Olin D. Johnston to the student regarded as having rendered the greatest contribution to SMC.
Student Excellence -
2025 May 16
Travis Eiler General Excellence Award
Given to a graduating student on the basis of citizenship, character, scholarship, and athletic ability.
Student Excellence -
2025 May 16
American Legion Award
Given to graduating students (one male and one female) who display qualities of honor, courage, scholarship, leadership, service, and character.
Student Excellence -
2025 May 16
Outstanding Freshman of the Year
The purpose of this award is to provide recognition of an outstanding freshman student at Spartanburg Methodist College. The student receiving the award must be classified as a freshman, having completed specific academic requirements (including being on track to have completed at least 24 credit hours with a 2.5 GPA). The outstanding freshman should have a positive image among students, faculty, and staff and with no disciplinary record. The student participates in extracurricular life in the college in a manner that reflects their leadership potential. Additional considerations include participating in community service, being a role model for other students, and representing the college in a positive light.
Student Excellence -
2025 May 16
Heart of the Pioneer Award
The Heart of the Pioneer Award was established to recognize student leaders who embody a pioneering spirit and who have made a significant positive difference on campus.
Student Excellence -
2025 May 16
Ella Jordan Lynn Award
Given in memory of Ella Jordan Lynn of Jefferson, SC, this award is presented annually to a female student judged to be representative of Christian qualities of compassionate care, loving devotion, and unselfish service to others. The Chaplain selects the recipient.
Student Excellence -
2025 May 16
Pioneer Ambassador Rising Star Award
This award will be given to a first-year Pioneer Ambassador who has shown increased levels of leadership and responsibility.
Student Excellence -
2025 May 16
Reverend Samuel Haywood Poston Award
Given in memory of Samuel Haywood Poston of Spartanburg, SC, a 1951 graduate of Spartanburg Junior College, former Chair, and faithful member of the Alumni Council, this award is presented annually to a male student judged to be representative of the Christian qualities of compassion, forgiveness, justice, loving care of others, and service to the community. The Chaplain selects the recipient.
Student Excellence -
2025 May 16
Pioneer Ambassador Superior Senior Award
This award recognizes a senior student who has completed all four years of the Pioneer Ambassador Program.
Student Excellence -
2025 May 16
Biology Award
This award is given annually for academic achievement in biology courses at SMC. Winners must have completed at least two semesters of biology classes or be currently enrolled in their second biology course. Winners are chosen from those with the highest grades in their biology coursework. Consideration is given to the following additional information: taking biology courses from more than one biology professor, acting as a tutor for the biology courses, taking the Zoology or Botany course and providing in-class leadership.
Student Excellence -
2025 May 16
Charles Moss Award for the Outstanding Graduate in Criminal Justice - Associate Program
This award is given annually. Winners must be graduating from the Criminal Justice program with the Associate in Criminal Justice degree and hold the highest grades in their criminal justice coursework. Additional consideration may also be given to the following information: work or volunteer experience in the criminal justice field while also pursuing the degree; outstanding performance in Sociology coursework; providing in-class leadership in criminal justice and/or Sociology courses; and demonstrating outstanding commitment and/or service to the SMC community.
Student Excellence -
2025 May 16
Business Award - Associate in Business
This award is given annually by SMC on the recommendation of the business faculty to an outstanding student in the Associate of Business degree program. The recipient must meet the following criteria: Completed at least three of the following business courses: BSAD 201: Principles of Macroeconomics BSAD 202: Principles of Microeconomics BSAD 205: Accounting I BSAD 206: Accounting II Earned scores within the top 5% of the courses listed above. Have an overall GPA of 3.0 or above. Demonstrate community involvement on campus or off (Sports, Student Government, Clubs, Church, or other community organizations) Contribute to a positive classroom environment and exemplify a high standard of ethics.
Student Excellence -
2025 May 16
SMC Students Presented with Achievement in Athletics Award
The Achievement in Athletics Award is given annually to graduating student or students who have made significant contributions to the SMC community in the area of athletics.
Student Excellence -
2024 Apr 26
SMC Student Presented with Biology Award
This award is given annually for academic achievement in biology courses at SMC. Winners must have completed at least two semesters of biology classes or be currently enrolled in their second biology course. Winners are chosen from those with the highest grades in their biology coursework. Consideration is given to the following additional information: taking biology courses from more than one biology professor, acting as a tutor for the biology courses, taking the Zoology or Botany course and providing in-class leadership.
Student Excellence -
2024 Apr 25
SMC Students Receive Charles Moss Award for the Outstanding Graduate in Criminal Justice Associate Program
This award is given annually. Winners must be graduating from the Criminal Justice program with the Associate in Criminal Justice degree and hold the highest grades among their peers in their criminal justice coursework. Additional consideration may also be given to the following information: work or volunteer experience in the criminal justice field while also pursuing the degree; outstanding performance in Sociology coursework; providing in-class leadership in criminal justice and/or Sociology courses; and demonstrating outstanding commitment and/or service to the SMC community.
Student Excellence -
2024 Apr 25
SMC Students Win Business Award - Associate in Business
This award is given annually by SMC on the recommendation of the business faculty to an outstanding student in the Associate of Business degree program. The recipient must meet the following criteria: Completed at least three of the following business courses: BSAD 201: Principles of Macroeconomics BSAD 202: Principles of Microeconomics BSAD 205: Accounting I BSAD 206: Accounting II Earned scores within the top 5% of the courses listed above. Have an overall GPA of 3.0 or above. Demonstrate community involvement on campus or off (Sports, Student Government, Clubs, Church, or other community organizations) Contribute to a positive classroom environment and exemplify a high standard of ethics.
Student Excellence -
2024 Apr 25
SMC Students Win Business Award - Associate in Business
This award is given annually by SMC on the recommendation of the business faculty to an outstanding student in the Associate of Business degree program. The recipient must meet the following criteria: Completed at least three of the following business courses: BSAD 201: Principles of Macroeconomics BSAD 202: Principles of Microeconomics BSAD 205: Accounting I BSAD 206: Accounting II Earned scores within the top 5% of the courses listed above. Have an overall GPA of 3.0 or above. Demonstrate community involvement on campus or off (Sports, Student Government, Clubs, Church, or other community organizations) Contribute to a positive classroom environment and exemplify a high standard of ethics.
Student Excellence -
2023 Apr 27
