The University of South Carolina Upstate officially welcomed its newest Spartans during the 2025 New Student Convocation, a tradition marking the beginning of students’ academic journeys.
Led by Chancellor Bennie L. Harris, the ceremony brought together university leaders, faculty, staff, community partners and families in a celebration of purpose, connection and transformation.
Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Engagement and Retention Initiatives Dr. Khrystal Smith opened the program, noting, “Students, this Convocation ceremony is about you. This is an opportunity for us to welcome you into this very special university community…and it marks the official start of your academic career at USC Upstate.”
The event included the recitation of the Spartan Creed, led by Student Government Association President Madisen Robinson-Miller, who told students, “You are in for an insightful and entertaining journey…it won’t always be easy…but you are now part of a community that truly wants you to succeed and has no problem going the extra mile to ensure it happens.”
Faculty Chair Dr. Allison Ellis led the faculty and staff commitment, declaring, “Students, we wholeheartedly welcome you as the newest members of our learning community. We pledge our time, our resources, our support and ourselves to your learning, growth and development, both inside and outside the classroom. We commit ourselves to teach and care for the students of this great University with skill and compassion.”
The keynote address came from Dr. Midas Hampton ’15, executive director of Strategic Spartanburg Inc., who shared his journey from an uncertain first-year student to a community leader and changemaker. With humor and heartfelt honesty, Hampton said, “You are not the future…you are the now. Your leadership doesn’t start after graduation. It starts today. With how you show up. With how you serve. With how you dream. This is convocation, a beginning. So begin boldly. Begin intentionally. Begin with joy. And know that you carry with you a lineage of brilliance. So go on. Ask better questions. Be the answer someone else is praying for. And never, never forget…you are more than enough.”
The ceremony concluded with a recessional, followed by a reception for students and families as they prepared to embark on their first semester at USC Upstate. You can find more photos from New Student Convocation on our Flickr album.
The Spartan Creed:
I will practice personal and academic integrity;
I will respect the dignity of all persons;
I will respect the rights and property of others;
I will discourage bigotry, while striving to learn;
I will demonstrate concern for others, their feelings, and their need to conditions which support their work and development.
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