Newberry College announces Bachman Scholars

Fourteen seniors inducted into prestigious honor society; Ceremony postponed due to COVID-19

Newberry College has announced the 14 newest members of the prestigious Bachman Honor Society.

Each year, the society inducts seniors in the top 8% for GPA, and membership is one of the highest academic honors awarded by the college.

The society has welcomed the following students:

• Briana Clontz, an elementary education major from Hickory, North Carolina
• Chelsey Cunningham, a biology major from Franklinton, North Carolina
• Robert DuBose, an accounting major from Chapin
• Luke Gibson, an accounting major from Albemarle, North Carolina
• Kelly Gunter, a biology major from Batesburg
• Mariah Lee, a biology major from Seaford, Delaware
• Claus Lehland, a business administration major from Bergen, Norway
• Vojin Manojlovic, a business administration major from Podgorica, Montenegro
• Sikander Nielsen, a biology major from Skodsborg, Denmark
• Dragana Petkovska, a mathematics major from Kriva Palanka, Macedonia
• Tara Pittman, a criminal justice major from Chapin
• Kayleigh Riser, a music education major from Chapin
• Phoenix Roberts, a physical education major from Lavonia, Georgia
• Elise Utne, an accounting major from Yorktown, Virginia

The society was founded in 1962 by members of the Newberry College faculty who were also members of the Phi Beta Kappa honor society. The society is named for the principal founder of Newberry College, the Rev. John Bachman.

The honor is usually presented at the college’s Awards Convocation in April, but due to the ongoing spread of COVID-19, the inductees will receive their certificates by mail and receive recognition at commencement later this year.

The date for the spring commencement ceremony, postponed from May 9, is to be announced.

About Newberry College

Newberry College is a private, residential, co-educational institution with a diverse student population. Founded in 1856 by the Lutheran Church, Newberry College continues to be ranked among the Best Regional Colleges in the South by U.S. News & World Report, capturing the No. 1 ranking in the region for Social Mobility, and appearing on the Best Value (No. 6), Best Colleges (No. 16) and Ethnic Diversity (unranked) lists. Offering baccalaureate degrees in 32 majors, online degree-completion programs and five dual-degree programs, the College’s foundation remains grounded in the liberal arts. In addition, the College offers 20 NCAA Division II sports, cheerleading, dance, and a recently launched esports program. Newberry College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, the Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation and the National Association of Schools of Music.