Southwestern Michigan College recognized 109 students who will graduate with honors at the college’s 44th commencement ceremony on May 7.

The annual SMC honors reception April 14 in the Fred L. Mathews Conference Center East showcased students who earned a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or higher.

“Every year Southwestern Michigan College takes pride in the quality of education it is able to give its students,” said college President Dr. David Mathews, who welcomed the students and their families and friends to the event. “This quality speaks for itself by the number of students graduating with honors each year. It is SMC’s goal to insure its students have a solid educational foundation when they transfer to another university or enter the workforce.”

Honor student Jacob Prahlow, of Galien, was named to the All-Michigan Academic Team and was recognized for his scholarly achievement.

Prahlow, 19, is the son of Dr. Joseph Prahlow Sr. and Tamara Prahlow.

Prahlow was nominated by the SMC chapter of Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society for his outstanding academic performance and service to the college and community.

He will graduate with a 3.979 grade point average in liberal arts. He will receive an All-Michigan Academic Team medallion and was also nominated to the USA Today All-USA Community College Academic Team.

Currently, Prahlow is studying at the University of Oxford-Trinity College in England. Prahlow is studying development of early Christian doctrine, English literature: John Milton, and C.S. Lewis. He is also a member of the Summit Oxford Study Centre, learning about and discussing world views, comparative religions, theology, philosophy and current events.

Prahlow plans on seeking a bachelor’s degree in theology/philosophy or Christian studies.

Carl Ross, SMC faculty, was guest speaker for the event. Ross is an honors graduate, Phi Theta Kappa, from SMC. He received his Bachelor of Arts, graduating magna cum laude, and his Master of Arts, from Western Michigan University. Ross is the WMU recipient of the Thurgood Marshall Fellowship Award.

Musical entertainment was provided by the college’s Select Voices, directed by David Carew, SMC’s director of choral music.