Aiken University Honors Alumni Achievements at First All Schools Gala

Aiken Celebrates Alumni Achievements at Inaugural Gala

Aiken, SC – The University of South Carolina Aiken (USCA) recently recognized the outstanding achievements of its alumni during the inaugural All Schools Gala held on November 8, 2024. This prestigious event took place on the USCA campus and aimed to celebrate those who have made significant contributions in their respective fields.

Who Was Honored?

Among the honorees was Dr. Jeffrey Boswell, named Alumnus of the Year. Dr. Boswell is a prominent figure in the medical field, serving as the director of anesthesia services at Aiken Physicians Alliance and as an assistant clinical professor at the USC School of Medicine. Reflecting on the honor, he stated, “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.” Dr. Boswell holds two nursing degrees from USC Aiken.

Tim Behling, founder and CEO of Successteam Foundation for Youth Development, received the award for Outstanding Recent Alumnus. Behling, who graduated in 2018 with a degree in business administration, expressed his joy, stating, “Receiving an alumni award as a first-generation college graduate means a lot to me.” He emphasized the importance of education and its potential to empower individuals.

Specialized Awards Across Different Colleges

The gala also included awards for exceptional alumni from various colleges within the university. Jenny Gilmore, a PhD student and instructor at North Carolina State University, was named Alumnus of the Year for the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences. Gilmore, a 2014 English graduate, highlighted her emotional response, saying, “I cried when I was walking to the stage.” Her work focuses on nonprofits and helping vulnerable populations.

Theodius Oates III was honored as the Alumnus of the Year for the College of Sciences and Engineering. He holds a Doctor of Physical Therapy position with Veterans Affairs and graduated in 2008. Oates stated, “When you’re doing things in life, you kind of just do it because you want to help people, and to know that people are noticing that is always a blessing.”

Honors Continue in Nursing and Education

The School of Nursing awarded its Alumnus of the Year title to Briana Aaron, a 2014 graduate and current nursing instructor at USCA. Aaron expressed her gratitude by stating, “It feels great to be recognized for all the hard work.” She is currently pursuing a PhD in nursing.

In the educational field, Bridget Coleman received recognition as the Alumnus of the Year for the School of Education. Coleman, a dual graduate with degrees in secondary and elementary education, sent a statement from a conference in Nashville, expressing her pride in her alma mater.

Industry Impact and Engagement

Allison Lanier, Alumnus of the Year for the School of Business, currently serves as the director of client engagement for a consulting firm. A 2010 graduate of USCA, Lanier’s role emphasizes the importance of education in the business sector.

In addition to the awards, the gala featured the presentation of scholarships to current students by Catherine Fanchette, president of the USCA Alumni Board. Scholarship recipients included freshman Jovie Grace Brown and senior Jazavia Peeples. Fanchette remarked, “In the past five years, we have grown exponentially in the opportunities that we afford students.”

University Leadership Extols Support

Dr. Dan Heimmermann, chancellor of USCA, addressed the importance of alumni support in ensuring the university’s success, stating, “Every bit of support helps the future of our university, and the future of our community, state, and nation.”

The inaugural All Schools Gala served as a heartwarming reminder of USC Aiken’s commitment to fostering excellence and recognizing the accomplishments of its graduates in a spirit of community and support.