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The Enterprise Mobility Foundation™ recently invested $10,000 in Pacers’ success, awarding a grant to USCA’s  that will be used to spruce up the hub of students’ workforce development and create innovative new programs.  “Supporting the USC Aiken Career Services Center allows us to uplift emerging talent, strengthen local career pathways, and continue building a workforce rooted in excellence, opportunity, and upward mobility. It’s a partnership we value deeply — and one we’re proud to continue investing in,” said Chelsey Roulier, Enterprise Mobility Group Talent Acquisition Manager.   The grant not only allows more professional development services for students, but it has also resulted in physical improvements to the career services office.   “As a small office with a limited budget, we are extremely grateful for the support. Our current student work counter, where students can utilize computers and other career services resources, was only possible because of this grant,” said Corey Feraldi, director of USCA’s Office of Career Services.   Career Services connects students with employers for internships or permanent jobs; assists with resume writing; conducts mock interviews; and offers career counseling. Additional programs like job fairs, career panels, the Leadership USCA program, and the College To Career Readiness program help students drive toward a successful future.  “At Enterprise Mobility, we believe it’s important to have strong partnerships — and our relationship with USCA is a perfect example of that. Investing in USCA students is an investment in the future of our workforce and our region,” said Roulier.  “By partnering with the Career Center and supporting its programs, we help ensure that students have access to the resources, guidance, and real‑world experience they need to confidently take their next steps. Preparation equips students with the professional readiness and leadership skills that make them strong candidates for employers across the state.”  The mission of the Enterprise Mobility Foundation is to strengthen the communities where Enterprise Mobility team members live and work by actively supporting a range of charitable   causes such as the environment, health and human services, education, military and disaster relief. The Foundation has contributed more than half a billion dollars to thousands of local nonprofits in the United States and made wide-reaching commitments — from global philanthropic initiatives to community focused projects.  Enterprise Mobility has been a longstanding university partner.  “We look forward to continuing our strong relationship,” Feraldi said. 

Ainhoa Colino, USCA’s Outstanding Senior Student addressed family, friends and fellow Pacers during the annual Academic Honors ceremony on May 5 in the Etherredge Center and during commencement rehearsal on May 6 in the Convocation Center. The international student from Spain, graduated May 6 with a 4.0 GPA. Carmen Williams, director of alumni relations, presented Colino the Outstanding Senior Student award during USCA’s spring commencement ceremony. Below are Colino’s remarks, and the video of her presentation is above. Thank you, to the Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs, Mr. Ahmed Samaha, and thank you to the committee for selecting me for this award.   It is an honor to be recognized as the 2026 Outstanding Senior Student. I transferred to USC Aiken as a junior, and from the moment I arrived, I was determined to make the most out of my time here. Over these past two years, I’ve had the opportunity to work on multiple research projects and present at conferences across the country, while also balancing my role as a cross-country athlete and serving in leadership positions as a resident mentor, Global Ambassador, athletics department assistant, and cardiac rehabilitation assistant. For those who don’t know me, I’m an international student from Spain.   Four years ago, I boarded a plane to South Carolina by myself, with just two suitcases and a head full of questions. At the time, four years felt like a lifetime, but standing here today, it’s hard to believe how quickly it all passed. And I know many of you feel the same way.   My journey wasn’t really a straight path. I spent my first two years at a school in Columbia, South Carolina, before transferring to USC Aiken. That transition meant starting over; making new friendships, connecting with new professors, and finding my place all over again.   There were moments of doubt, and yes, a lot of tears at the beginning. My parents and close friends are witnesses to that. But, somewhere along the way, this place became home.   USC Aiken has given me friendships and memories I will carry with me forever, and I will never be grateful enough for them. This university has seen me grow not only as a student, but as a person, and it is because of those experiences and opportunities that I am standing here today.  I would like to say a special thank you to both my professors and mentors,  Dr. [Adam] Pazda and Dr. [Brian] Parr, who have encouraged me to become the best version of myself and have made me realize that every opportunity is worth taking. Thank you as well to the exercise and sports science and psychology departments for pushing me beyond my comfort zone and opening doors I never imagined. And thank you to my research mentor, Dr. [Alexandra] Roach, for giving me my first opportunity in research and sparking my passion for the electrophysiology of pain.   To my cross-country coach, Jim Sprecher, thank you for helping me rediscover my love for the sport and for always taking such great care of me and my teammates.   To the faculty and students who make this campus feel like a second home for me, thank you.   And to all the friends I have made along the way, this award is just as much yours as it is mine. You welcomed me as one of your own, supported and loved me unconditionally, and became my family away from home.   I will be forever grateful.   Now, I want to turn to the most important people in my life, my family, who flew 4,300 miles just to be here with me today.   Aita y ama, quiero daros las gracias por haber estado siempre a mi lado y por creer en mí incluso cuando yo no lo hacía. Ha sido un camino de muchos altibajos, y muchas lágrimas, pero sé que todo ha merecido la pena. Me siento muy afortunada de teneros conmigo, sobre todo en un día tan importante como hoy.  Thank you again to everyone who has shaped my college experience in any way. I would not be standing here without you. I will carry everything this place has given me into whatever comes next.  Make the most of every moment in these final days; these are memories you will carry with you forever. While this chapter at USC Aiken might be coming to an end, it’s only the beginning of everything that comes next. I wish you courage, success, and happiness wherever your path leads. 

The operations grounds crew celebrated Earth Day on April 22 by planting 12 trees behind the Alumni House and one near the Convocation Center. The team chose specific species because they thrive in the region, particularly in Aiken’s climate. Little gem magnolia, red bud, Leyland cypress, willow oak, and Nuttel oak were planted behind the Alumni House to help create a natural buffer to the highway and powerline right of way. A tree was also planted at the Convocation Center to replace a decaying one. “We are being very strategic about where we plant the trees. We want them to be placed in areas where they will thrive, where it’s best for the long-term health of the tree and campus, and in keeping with our 10-year master plan,” said Brian Enter, director of operations. For several years, the Arbor Foundation has recognized USCA as a Tree Campus for its stewardship and intentional . 

USCA is designated a Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense by the National Security Agency, which means that when cyber majors graduated on May 6 in the Etherredge Center, they met NSA and Department of Homeland Security requirements. During the Cyber Student Association and Center for Cyber Initiatives, Awareness and Artificial Intelligence end-of-year program on May 5, 48 students received NSA/DHS CAE-CD certificates. Several other achievements were recognized during the event. Cyber accomplishments 2025-26 : The inaugural cohort of students in the Master of Computer and Information Sciences graduated this spring .  Cyber Pacers placed third in a Capture the Flag competition last fall .  Cyber Pacers placed 187th out of more than 8,700 teams in the picoCTF cybersecurity hacking competition hosted by Carnegie Mellon University.   Cyber students earned first place during Discover SC.  One undergraduate and two master’s program research teams were selected by the Fort Gordon Cyber Center from hundreds of highly competitive research posters competition to showcase their research at TechNet Augusta in August.   Students presented their cyber/AI research at numerous regional, national, and international conferences and symposia.   The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers’ Xplore published four cyber students’ research. 

USCA held its annual Academic Honors Ceremony on May 5 in the Etherredge Center, recognizing students from across the campus for their academic excellence.  “You have excelled in your studies, and we recognize your commitment to excellence,” Dr. Phillip Bridgmon, provost, told the students at the start of the ceremony.  Ainhoa Colino, originally from Spain, was chosen as the Outstanding Senior Student. She speaks five languages and graduated May 6 with a 4.0 GPA and a degree in psychology and exercise and sports science.   “It is an honor to be recognized as the 2026 Outstanding Senior Student,” she said. “USC Aiken has given me friendships and memories I will carry with me forever, and I will never be grateful enough for them. This university has seen me grow not only as a student, but as a person, and it is because of those experiences and opportunities that I am standing here today.  “Thank you again to everyone who has shaped my college experience in any way. I will carry everything this place has given me into whatever comes next.”  Multiple students were recognized by the deans of each college or school and for research conducted with faculty advisors.  “I’m extremely proud of each of you,” said Dr. Daniel Heimmermann, chancellor. “The journey does not end here. It’s the beginning.”  “Challenge yourselves, press on and embrace opportunities.”   Magellan Scholars   Emily Walker, “Syntheses and Analyses of Metal-Organic Frameworks for Separation of Water Isotopologues”   Austin Powell, “Is Tobacco Free Really Tobacco Free?”   Skylar Shirey, “Embracing LIFE: Examining the Attitudes about Individuals with Disabilities at a Comprehensive Institution to Promote Learning is For Everyone (LIFE)”   August Beltran, “What is Keeping Immigrant Families Resilient?”  Palmer McCay, “Vietnam Veterans Oral History Project: Wartime Expectations, Realities, and Reflections”   Samantha Keats, “Associations Among Childhood Emotional Maltreatment, Identity Disturbance, and Sexual Functioning”   Cassidy Green, “Examining Causality Between Cultural Mindsets and Help-seeking in Young Adults”  Winifred Branscum, “Examining Decision-Making and P300 Amplitudes in Individuals Exhibiting Successful Life Redirection Following Adverse Childhood Experiences”  Kamya Brooks, “Political Fandoms & Misinformation: Examining the Role of Fan Culture in Political Discourse”  Chloe Elizabeth Grigsby, “Write to Read: An Encoding-centered Approach for Teaching Students with Dyslexia”  William Garlick, “The Biological Carbon Pump in the Gulf of Mexico: Insights from Sediment Trap Fluxes”  Isabella Cardenas and Lucero Rodriguez Lopez, “Teasing apart egg development in Culicoides sonorensis midges.”   Tamea Chappelle and Emma Trotter, “Developers Assemble”  Addisen Alvanos and Laurie Collins, “William Gregg – Digital Edition”   Malia Tatyanna Patten, Allaina Rayne Szilveszter, and Ainhoa Colino, "Measuring mindfulness with electro-physiology: A pain perception study”  Samantha Owen, "Investigating the roles of rcor1 and rcor2 in zebrafish development"   Sanja Becnel, “The relationship between attachment anxiety and zero-sum thinking”     Honors Program Graduates     Emory Owens, biology  Alexa Carnahan, nursing  Andrew Towner, nursing  James Saxon, biology  Emily Walker, chemistry    Library Research Award  Caroline Wright, “The Graniteville Manufacturing Company’s Textile Worker Strike of October 1933”  Alexa Carnahan, “The Need to Please: People-Pleasing Tendencies in Prelicensure Nursing Students”     College of Arts, Humanities and Social Science  Imogen Veal, Mona L. Martin Prize in First-year Writing  Laurie Collins, Phebe Davidson Prize in Creative Writing  Laurie Collins, Virginia Kaplan Writing Award   Kirstie McElmurray, Outstanding Student in English  Kylie Michelle Burns, Ernestine B. Law Communication Student of the Year  Katie Carter, Outstanding Student of the Year in Emerging Media  Angela Grace Hayden, Outstanding Online Palmetto College   Sela Groomes, Albin Beyer Excellence in Art Award  Vivica Birt, Richard S. Maltz Excellence in Music Award  Beth Smith, Jack P. Benjamin Excellence in Theatre Award  Palmer McCay, Outstanding Student in History  Elenora Gazzelli, Outstanding Student in Political Science  Kylie Michelle Burns, Outstanding Student in Sociology     College of Sciences and Engineering  Lauren Strock, Outstanding Student in Biology  William Garlick, Outstanding Student in Geology  Emily Walker, Outstanding Student in Chemistry   Peri Rouillard, Outstanding Student in Physics  Savanna Spires, Outstanding Student in Exercise and Sports Science  Samantha Burns, Outstanding Student in Applied Mathematics  Denton Spivey, Outstanding Student in Applied Computer Science  Chadburn Wells Heath II, Outstanding Student in Cybersecurity  Aidan Clayton, Outstanding Student in Engineering  Sanja Becnel, Outstanding Student in Psychology  Jessica Ann Brannam, Outstanding Graduate Student in Psychology    School of Business Administration  Ian Dumas, Outstanding Student in Accounting  Logan Page, Outstanding Student in Management  Lindsey Greene, Outstanding Student in Marketing  Jenna Couch, Outstanding Student in Finance  Paula Gant, Outstanding MBA Student    School of Education   Skylar Davis, Outstanding Student in Early Childhood Education  Brenne Hoeven, Outstanding Student in Elementary Education  Bailey Davis, Outstanding Student in Middle Level Education   Kayla Cox, Outstanding Student in Secondary Education   Skylar Shirey, Outstanding Student in Special Education   Stephanie Bell, Outstanding Student in the Master of Education in Educator Leadership    School of Nursing  Alexa Carnahan, Outstanding Traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing Student  Philip Joel Harris, Jr., Outstanding RN-BSN Student 

For most students, graduating from college marks a personal milestone that’s years in the making. However, for triplets Sydney, Alex and Zane Yongue, it’s a shared achievement, one they’ve been working toward side by side their entire lives. On May 6, all three siblings will cross the stage together, each earning a degree from USCA. Sydney will receive her Bachelor of Science in Nursing, while Alex and Zane will graduate with degrees in applied computer science, with minors in business. Originally from Gilbert, South Carolina, the trio didn’t always plan to attend the same college. Like many of their peers, they initially considered larger universities. But after visiting USCA, they quickly realized it offered exactly what they were looking for: a close-knit community, strong academic programs and the opportunity to get involved. “It was the right fit for all of us,” Zane said. “Even if we had chosen differently at first, we’d still pick here again.” Despite sharing the same campus, their college experiences have been shaped by different academic paths. Sydney says it’s been tough to get involved on campus due to the rigorous course load from the nursing program, but it will all be worth it as she prepares for a healthcare career. After graduation, she will begin a nurse residency at Prisma Health Richland in Columbia, where she plans to work as a cardiac nurse caring for post-surgical patients. “It’s exciting to finally take that next step,” Sydney said. “There’s still a lot to learn, but I feel prepared.” Alex and Zane, meanwhile, pursued careers in technology. Both studied Applied Computer Science, though each carved out a slightly different focus, one in software development and the other in cybersecurity. As they prepare to enter the workforce, they are navigating a competitive job market while remaining optimistic about their future. “Getting your foot in the door is the biggest challenge right now,” Alex said. “But we’ve learned a lot, and we’re ready to apply it.” Outside the classroom, Alex and Zane made the most of their college experience by getting involved across campus. From Greek life and Campus Outreach to working together as caddies at Old Barnwell, a private golf club in Aiken, they built connections and developed skills that extended beyond academics. “The opportunities here really push you to get involved,” they said. “You start out unsure, but then you realize how much there is to do and how easy it is to make an impact.” Even with busy schedules, the siblings found ways to stay connected. Whether it was catching up during the week, working out, a shared hobby they all enjoyed, or supporting one another through challenges, their bond remained constant. “We didn’t see each other every day,” Sydney said. “But that made the time we did spend together more meaningful.” One of the most defining influences on their journey, they say, has been their shared faith. Through the ups and downs of college life, it provided a foundation of support and resilience. “That’s something that’s been important to all three of us. It’s helped us grow and get through difficult moments together,” Sydney said. Their impact hasn’t gone unnoticed. Faculty and staff describe the Yongue siblings as highly engaged students who have made meaningful contributions to campus life. “It’s special to see all three of them graduating together,” said Eric Fulwider, campus director of Campus Outreach at USCA. “That’s not something you can take for granted. They’ve also been very active on campus, which makes it even more impressive.” As graduation approaches, the triplets are embracing the moment, a rare and remarkable milestone that reflects years of shared experiences, individual growth and support for one another. “I never thought I’d be ready to leave,” one of them admitted. “But now, I’m excited for what’s next.”