University of South Carolina Aiken celebrated more than 400 graduates in this year’s spring commencement ceremony on Wednesday evening, May 1.
With hundreds of attendees excitedly seated in the college’s convocation center, USC Aiken said goodbye and good luck to 379 undergraduates and 83 successful graduate students.
MORE: City leaders meet with panel of experts to discuss redeveloping 401 Walton Way
Prior to handing out diplomas, USC Aiken Chancellor Daniel Heimmermann said he was proud to witness many students achieve their dreams and step into their next phase of life.
“The class of 2024 represents our renewed hope for the future of our community, nation and world,” he said. “After tonight, our graduates will embark on the next chapter of their professional careers, taking the talents they have displayed here into their communities.”
Wherever life meets graduates after their time at USC Aiken, Heimmermann said he was deeply proud of each individual’s accomplishments, and is eager to see everyone grow as a leader.
“Graduates, tonight we celebrate you,” he said. “… use your strengths to positively impact the lives of those around you. Knowledge is of little value unless you put it into practice for the greater good.”
Asking seniors to remember their time at Aiken and their “extraordinary education,” Heimmermann also said he hopes this year’s graduates make the most of life’s upcoming opportunities as they venture into different paths.
Following a performance of the National Anthem by music major Ansleigh Tudder, Cadet Courtney Owens swore an oath of enlistment as part of his commissioning ceremony amidst the college’s graduation.
After audience members thanked Owens’ future service with a standing ovation, Catherine Alexander-Fanchette, president of the USC Aiken Alumni Association, announced Leanna Bryant as this year’s spring recipient of the college’s Outstanding Senior Student award.
Chosen for her extremely high amount of intrinsic motivation, as a student Bryant was very active within her role in the admission ambassador program and served as the current president of the college’s Psi Chi chapter.
Succeeding Bryant’s award acceptance, keynote speaker Sen. A. Shane Massey advised students to live life to the fullest, while taking strides to be hardworking and persistent.
“Don’t let the career consume you. When you are with your family – your spouse, your children – be present. Show them you care,” he said. “Be engaged. I encourage you to show up, and be part of the solution to the problem.”
Wanting students to learn traveling, reading and listening to others, Massey said he hopes every graduate prioritizes becoming great American citizens and one day contributing in some manner – great or small – to one’s community.
“This country is incredible and it’s all so very different … you will learn immensely from being curious,” he said. “We might not be able to change the world, but we can make our little parts of the world a little bit better – do that.”
Ending his speech with words of congratulations, graduates then took turns walking across the stage to receive diplomas as families cheered and applauded, before singing the college’s alma mater to end the ceremony.
“Fair shrine of high honor and truth, thou shalt still blaze forth as a beacon, thy mission fulfill,” attendees and graduates sang. “And be crowned by all hearts in a new jubilee; here’s a health, Carolina, forever to thee.”
Graduate Ashlyn Hill said she was proud of herself for earning her bachelor’s degree in nursing, and looking forward to entering the workforce to help others.
“I worked really hard for this, so I’m excited,” she said. “I’ll miss the environment. It’s a really nice, small school, where everybody knows each other.”
Hill’s older brother, Dexter Miles, said he felt proud to watch his sister accept her degree as he knew firsthand how hard one works to receive their college degree.
“Graduating college is a big accomplishment … and she’s got a long journey ahead of her with her career,” he said.
Taking celebratory photos outside and saying goodbye to fellow students, families and graduates left USC Aiken with a smile on their face and looking forward to the endless opportunities ahead.
