Aiken Celebrates Alumni at Inaugural All Schools Gala
On a chilly evening filled with warmth and pride, the University of South Carolina Aiken kicked off its inaugural All Schools Gala on November 8. This exciting event brought together alumni and community members in a joyful celebration of accomplishments, connections, and inspiring stories. Held in Aiken, the gala showcased just how remarkable the USC Aiken family truly is.
Honoring Outstanding Achievements
The highlight of the night was the announcement of several distinguished alumni awards. Among the evening’s stars was Dr. Jeffrey Boswell, who took home the title of Alumnus of the Year. As the director of anesthesia services for Aiken Physicians Alliance and an assistant clinical professor at the USC School of Medicine, Boswell’s impact on the healthcare community is undeniable.
“It’s an unbelievable honor to have been considered among such a great company of highly qualified nominees. I’m overwhelmed that I happened to be selected,” said Boswell. With two degrees in nursing from USC Aiken under his belt, it’s clear that his journey has only just begun.
Recent Alumni Making Waves
Another inspiring winner of the evening was Tim Behling, who was named the Outstanding Recent Alumnus. As the founder and CEO of Successteam Foundation for Youth Development, he shared his journey as a first-generation college graduate. “Receiving this honor means a lot to me,” said Behling, who graduated in 2018 with a degree in business administration. “If you can graduate from college, pretty much you can do anything.”
A Round of Applause for Other Award Recipients
The spotlight didn’t stop there! The university also recognized outstanding alumni from its various colleges and schools:
- Jenny Gilmore was honored as Alumnus of the Year for the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences. Gilmore, a 2014 graduate now pursuing a PhD, expressed her gratitude, stating, “Aiken’s vast network of nonprofits helped me survive a lot of things and become resilient.”
- Theodius Oates III received honors for the College of Sciences and Engineering. Now a doctor of physical therapy for Veterans Affairs, he graduated in 2008 and emphasized the importance of helping others in his work.
- Briana Aaron, a nursing instructor and PhD candidate, was named Alumnus of the Year for the School of Nursing. “It feels great to be recognized for all the hard work,” she shared.
- Bridget Coleman was recognized for her achievements in the School of Education. Though she couldn’t attend the gala, her heartfelt statement was read aloud, highlighting her pride as a double legacy alumna.
- Allison Lanier, the director of client engagement for GMB, took home the award for the School of Business.
Building the Future
The evening was not just about honoring past achievements. Catherine Fanchette, president of the USCA Alumni Board, presented scholarships to two outstanding students: freshman Jovie Grace Brown and senior Jazavia Peeples. “In the past five years, we have grown exponentially in the opportunities that we afford students,” Fanchette remarked.
Dr. Dan Heimmermann, chancellor of USCA, emphasized the vital role of alumni support: “There are so many ways that our alumni can give back. Whether you’re interested in making financial contributions, mentoring students, or offering a few words of encouragement, every bit of support helps the future of our university.”
A Night to Remember
This inaugural gala in Aiken was a delightful mix of nostalgia and encouragement, reminding everyone present that the bonds formed at USC Aiken can lead to incredible journeys and accomplishments. As the night came to a close, attendees left with hearts a little fuller, inspired to continue the legacy of excellence that alumni before them have created. Here’s to many more celebrations of success and community!
