51品茶

The Honors College student will graduate from SC State on Thursday, Dec. 12.

ORANGEBURG, S.C. 鈥� Luka Stefanovic, an international student from Serbia and a graduating senior at South Carolina State University, has redefined excellence both on and off the tennis court.

As a business economics major with a perfect 4.0 GPA throughout his academic journey, Stefanovic exemplifies the balance of athletics and academics that SC State fosters in its scholars.

鈥淚t鈥檚 been an honor to represent SC State both academically and athletically,鈥� Stefanovic said. 鈥淏alancing these two aspects of my life has taught me discipline and resilience, qualities I will carry forward into my career.鈥�

Stefanovic will be among the seniors who cross the graduation stage during SC State鈥檚 Fall Commencement Ceremony at Smith-Hammond-Middleton Memorial Center on Thursday, Dec.12.

A proud member of the Dr. Emily England Clyburn Honors College, Stefanovic has thrived in an environment that challenges students to achieve their highest potential. The prestigious Honors College has provided him with unique academic opportunities that have shaped his future aspirations and solidified his position as a leader among his peers.

鈥淟uka is a remarkable scholar-athlete who embodies the values of South Carolina State University,鈥� said Dr. William Whitaker, dean of the Honors College. 鈥淗is unwavering pursuit of excellence, both in academics and athletics, serves as an inspiration to his peers and a testament to the transformative power of a well-rounded education.鈥�

Stefanovic鈥檚 athletic accomplishments are equally impressive. As a core member of the , he has played an integral role in the team鈥檚 historic four consecutive MEAC Conference Championships from 2021 to 2024. has earned him a spot on the MEAC All-Tournament First Team Singles every year, reflecting his consistency and excellence as a competitor.

A scholar-athlete's dedication

Stefanovic鈥檚 list of academic accolades is equally impressive. He has been a Presidential Scholar for four consecutive years, exhibiting his commitment to academic excellence. Additionally, as a member of the National College Athlete Honor Society, Stefanovic has demonstrated a rare ability to maintain the highest standards in both academics and athletics. He holds the distinction of having the Highest GPA on the Men鈥檚 Tennis Team.

鈥淟uka鈥檚 achievements reflect the mission of the Honors College: to cultivate leaders who excel in every facet of their lives,鈥� said Dr. Windy Stephenson, the Honors College鈥檚 executive director of academic and scholarship services. 鈥淗e is a shining example of what determination, focus, and opportunity can achieve, and his journey sets a high standard for all of our scholars.鈥�

In addition to his coursework, Stefanovic has pursued practical experience through internships, including a role with Zeus Industrial Products and a position as an 1890 Student Intern, where he collected and analyzed data and contributed to a local farm project in Orangeburg.

Beyond the classroom and the court

Stefanovic鈥檚 journey has not been limited to academics and sports. Fluent in English and Serbian, he has cultivated a global perspective that will undoubtedly benefit him in his future endeavors. His hobbies, including playing basketball, soccer, chess, and listening to music, keep him grounded and well-rounded.

鈥淚鈥檝e always believed in the importance of pursuing passions outside of academics and athletics,鈥� Stefanovic said. 鈥淭hese experiences help me stay balanced and enrich my perspective.鈥�

Looking ahead

As Stefanovic prepares to graduate, his objective is clear: to enroll in an internship program that will allow him to leverage his expertise in mathematics, economics, and finance while gaining new research experience. His coursework, which includes quantitative analysis, financial accounting, and mathematical modeling, has equipped him with a robust skill set to excel in the professional world.

鈥淟uka鈥檚 story is a proud chapter in the legacy of the Dr. Emily England Clyburn Honors College,鈥� Whitaker. said 鈥淗is contributions, both on and off the court, leave a lasting impact that inspires others to strive for greatness.鈥�

Stefanovic鈥檚 story is one of perseverance, excellence, and the pursuit of greatness. From his hometown of Ni拧, Serbia, to the tennis courts and classrooms of SC State, Luka has left an indelible mark on the university community. His legacy as a scholar-athlete will undoubtedly inspire future generations of SC State Bulldogs to strive for greatness in all their endeavors.

For more information about SC State鈥檚 Clyburn Honors College, contact Dr. William Whitaker, dean, at wwhitak3@scsu.edu or 803-536-8992 or Dr. Windy A. Mack Stephenson, the college鈥檚 executive director of academic and scholarship services, at wmack3@scsu.edu or 803-516-4610.

51品茶 the Honors College鈥檚 webpage at https://scsu.edu/honors-college.php.