USCA celebrates milestone moments for Class of 2026 at commencement

Hundreds of graduates officially became alumni after the University of South Carolina Aiken held its annual spring commencement ceremony on May 6. 

“To the Class of 2026, this is your moment, and it’s one you’ve truly earned. Some of you will step into new careers, taking everything you’ve learned into communities near and far,” said Dr. Daniel Heimmermann, chancellor of USCA. “Each of you came to USCA with your own story, strengths, and goals. Along the way, you’ve grown through long nights, challenging classes, and the encouragement of faculty who believed in you.” 

The ceremony featured several notable moments, including the commissioning of graduating seniors Elenora Gazzelli, Sairielys Hernandez-Cruz, Irvon T. Malcolm, Tyrell D. Robinson and Ali Samaha into the United States Army. According to Robert Murphy, director of military affairs and external studies at USCA, this is the largest commissioning of students in the school's history.  

Another highlight included the awarding of an honorary Doctor of Public Service degree to Dr. Elizabeth Stewart, president of the Aiken Partnership Board. Stewart is chair emerita of Stewart and Associates, a national management training and survey consulting firm celebrating 40 years. She holds undergraduate degrees in French, Spanish and education, as well as master’s and doctoral degrees in psychology and economics and a law degree, all from the University of Florida. 

During her remarks, Stewart shared that she had been a competitive surfer for nearly 60 years and offered graduates three life lessons she learned from surfing. “First, know that the first wave you ride will probably not end up being the last wave. Second, most really good surfers become good surfers because they find better surfers to learn from. And third, success is not how many trophies you have won or how much you have.” 

The university also recognized Ainhoa Colino as its May Outstanding Senior Student. Originally from Spain, Colino graduated with a 4.0 GPA and degrees in psychology and exercise and sports science. During her time at USCA, she presented at four research conferences, earned recognition as a Magellan Scholar, and became a member of Psi Chi, the International Honor Society in Psychology. 

Beyond the classroom, Colino was a member of the cross-country team and an All-American race walker, served as a resident mentor in student housing, and worked as a global ambassador for the university’s International Program. She is also fluent in five languages. 

Colino delivered remarks during the rehearsal session prior to commencement. “USCA has given me friendships and memories I will carry with me forever, and I will never be grateful enough for them,” Colino said. “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.” 

Other noteworthy moments included USCA LIFE (Learning Is For Everyone) celebrating the graduation of its second cohort of students with intellectual disabilities. Among the graduates were best friends Julianna Gray and Ava Shahabhrami, who gained national attention after enrolling in the program together in fall 2024. 

Gray said she plans to return to USCA LIFE’s Leadership & Civic Engagement program, an extension of the USCA LIFE initiative. Shahabhrami said she will work at the Lantern Hotel in Columbia, South Carolina, while also serving as a coordinator at Joy in the Journey Pediatric and Speech Therapy Services. In both roles, she will help prepare rooms and welcome clients.  

Local media outlets also covered USCA’s commencement ceremony: 

• USCA celebrates May commencement - FOX54 News Now 
• USCA celebrates spring commencement with more than 400 graduates - WRDW News 12 
• ‘Give your best from the very beginning’: USCA’s newest grads are ready to take on the world  - Aiken Standard 
• USCA graduates celebrate 2026 commencement - Augusta Chronicle 

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