Two graduates receive FMU’s prestigious Blackwell Award

Francis Marion University graduates Presley Hucks and Courtney Smith received  the William H. Blackwell Award during the spring commencement exercises at the Smith Center on Saturday, May 4.

The Blackwell Award is named in memory of the founding chairman of the FMU Foundation and is presented to the undergraduate student, or students, in a particular graduating class with the highest academic achievement, as reflected through grade point average, for all academic work undertaken at FMU of those graduating. The award reflects the work of seniors who graduate at any time during an academic year.

Frank J. Brand, chair of the FMU Foundation Board of Trustees, presented the awards at Saturday’s commencement.

Hucks, from Myrtle Beach, majored in biology at FMU. She was a member of Phi Kappa Phi and Beta Beta Beta honor societies. She was a member and executive board member of Alpha Delta Pi. Hucks has been employed as a medical assistant at Beach Family and Urgent Care since graduating in December. Hucks will begin studies in FMU’s  Physician Assistant Studies graduate program in August.

Smith, a native of Hartsville, majored in visual arts, with a specialty in graphic design. She was the recipient of  the Peggy Love McLaughlin Art Award, the FMU Academic Distinction Scholarship and the Fine Arts Scholarship. She served as a member of the Art Club and participated in University recruiting events. Smith will pursue a career in advertising.