News Summary
Wofford College held its 171st Commencement ceremonies, awarding degrees to 452 students. The weekend included various festivities to honor graduates, with notable leadership changes announced for the future of the college. President Nayef Samhat plans to step down after a successful tenure marked by significant milestones.
Spartanburg, South Carolina – Wofford College celebrated its 171st Commencement exercises on May 18, awarding a total of 452 Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts degrees to its graduates. Among those celebrating their achievements were local students David Wiley from Statham and Kai Beckett from Hoschton, who were part of the graduating class.
The Commencement weekend kicked off on May 17 with various festivities designed to honor the graduating seniors. Family members, parents, and friends were invited to participate in a series of events, including a senior picnic, a Baccalaureate service, a class party, and the official commencement ceremony held on the college’s main lawn.
Wofford College, which was established in 1854, is home to approximately 1,800 undergraduate students and offers a broad range of academic disciplines, with a total of 27 major fields of study available for students to choose from. The college remains active in fostering a vibrant educational environment, with metrics indicating growth in academic rigor, student enrollment, retention rates, and graduation numbers.
In a noteworthy announcement, Wofford College’s president, Nayef Samhat, revealed that he plans to step down following the 2025-2026 academic year after serving in his role since 2013. Under his leadership, the college achieved significant milestones, including a record-breaking increase in its endowment, which has grown to over $300 million, more than doubling since his arrival. This growth has included the impactful gift of $150 million from Wofford alum and former Carolina Panthers owner Jerry Richardson in 2021.
During Samhat’s tenure, Wofford College has also seen the construction of eight new facilities, which have enhanced campus life and educational opportunities. Notable constructions include the Jerry Richardson Indoor Stadium and the Rosalind Sallenger Richardson Center for the Arts. The board of trustees has already initiated a search for the next president, with plans for the process to include insights and participation from various community members, including trustees, faculty, staff, students, and alumni.
As Wofford College transitions to new leadership, the institution is poised to continue thriving based on its impressive achievements in educational quality and student success. The Commencement exercises this year not only celebrated the hard work of graduating students but also highlighted the strong community support and institutional commitment to excellence in higher education.
Wofford College’s Commencement weekend serves as a reminder of the importance of academic achievement and community celebration, marking a milestone in the lives of many individuals who are now ready to embark on new journeys. With a solid foundation and ongoing support from alumni and community members, Wofford College remains dedicated to producing impactful graduates prepared to succeed in their respective fields.
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Additional Resources
- WSPA: Wofford College Hosts Commencement Ceremony
- Wikipedia: Wofford College
- Greenville Online: Graduation Ceremony Details
- Google Search: Wofford College Commencement
- Go Upstate: Wofford College President to Step Down
- Google News: Wofford College
Author: STAFF HERE SPARTANBURG
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