Aiken Sunrise Rotary selects Vivica Birt as student of the month

The Aiken Sunrise Rotary Club selected Vivica Birt as its student of the month for March.

Originally from North Augusta, Birt is pursuing a dual path in vocal performance and biology at USCA and stands out as dynamic leader, scholar, and performer whose journey shows resilience, passion and purpose.

“I love both,” she said, explaining why she chose to major in both the arts and science fields. “There are moments where it feels like a lot, but I just remind myself why I started.”

Birt’s connection to USCA began even before she enrolled, inspired in part by her mother, a former Pacer who majored in nursing.

“She was already hyping me up about USCA before I was even accepted,” Birt said.

Still, her journey to campus wasn’t part of her original plan. After experiencing a difficult period marked by personal loss, she found herself reevaluating her path. Within days of returning home, she was accepted and enrolled at USCA, a decision she now describes as life changing.

“It just felt right,” she said. “I’ve grown so much here, and I don’t think I would have had the same opportunities anywhere else.”

Birt has taken advantage of a wide range of opportunities, including studying abroad twice and conducting laboratory research with Dr. William Jackson, the co-coordinator for USCA’s Center for Research Excellence. Research conducted in the lab focuses on the molecular biology of HIV and how it can be targeted for antiviral treatments. The goal is to stop the virus from replicating by disrupting key viral functions, such as transcription and infection.  

Her academic journey began in biology, but her lifelong love of singing, rooted in her church upbringing, eventually led her to add a second major in music. Encouraged by her voice teacher, Dr. Keely Rhodes, an associate professor of music at USCA, Birt realized that a career in music could take many forms beyond the spotlight. “I always loved to sing,” she said. “I just didn’t realize it was something I could truly pursue.”

In the classroom and beyond, Birt has worked closely with faculty mentors, including Dr. Jamel Hodges, the dean of students, and Dr. Jackson, gaining hands-on research experience and guidance that have helped shape her academic and career goals.

Among her proudest and most recent honors was being named Homecoming Queen during Homecoming weekend on Feb. 21. It’s an experience she describes as both humbling and affirming. “It made me feel like I’m making a mark on campus,” she said. “It’s a good feeling knowing people believe in you.”

She also credits being an Admissions Ambassador with helping her overcome a fear of public speaking while giving campus tours. “That really helped me to obtain the skills I needed to be a leader on campus,” she said.

Those skills would later become valuable beyond the classroom. Currently, Birt is a student coordinator for the PEAK Mentoring Program in the Office of the Dean of Students designed for freshman and transfer students to get acclimated to campus life. “Having that one-on-one interaction with a student leader on campus is beneficial for incoming students to make them feel comfortable,” she said.

Birt is also the vice president of the National Pan-Hellenic Council on campus and is a proud member of the Mu Lambda Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., where she serves in various roles.

In addition to her leadership involvement, she has earned numerous honors and awards, including the 2025 Dr. Sandra Jordan Trailblazer Award, the USCA National Pan-Hellenic Council Service and Highest GPA Award, and the Velice R. Cummings Servant Leader Excellence Undergraduate Award.

Adding to her list of accomplishments, Birt will deliver the invocation at USCA’s Commencement on May 6, where she will graduate with degrees in vocal performance and biology.

Looking ahead, Birt is keeping her options open. She has recently auditioned for graduate programs in music while also exploring opportunities in scientific research, including laboratory work and potential Ph.D. programs. Ultimately, she hopes to step beyond her hometown and gain new experiences while always keeping the Central Savannah River Area close to her heart.

A deep source of inspiration for Birt is her late grandmother, Vivian, for whom she is named. Although they never met, Birt says she feels a strong connection to her grandmother’s legacy. “I always hear how kind and loving she was,” she said. “I want to live up to that and carry that with me.”

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