Francis Marion University presented more than 300 degrees Saturday morning during its spring commencement ceremony.
The degrees included 290 undergraduate degrees and 18 graduate degrees. The undergraduate recipients included one of the largest classes of engineering and physics students in University history.
Students tell News13 this is a moment they’ll never forget. “It’s bittersweet. I’ve really enjoyed my time here at FMU. They’ve become like my family, so the fact that I have to leave it’s kinda sad, but I’m also excited about the next step,” said biology major, Connor Graham.
Presley Amber Hucks, a biology major from Myrtle Beach, and Courtney Madison Smith, a graphic design major from Hartsville, received the Blackwell Award as the top academic achievers in the class. Hucks will enter FMU’s Physician Assistant program this fall. Smith is pursuing a career in advertising.
The graduates included 288 South Carolinians, but also graduates from as far away as Sweden, Norway and Morocco.
Francis Marion University also awarded honorary degrees to S.C. Representative Gilda Cobb Hunter, retired Francis Marion University professor of English Ted Whisnant, and FMU Vice President for Business Affairs John J. Kispert, who is retiring in July.
