Exciting Developments and Celebrations in Aiken!
Aiken, South Carolina is buzzing with excitement lately! The weather has turned a bit cloudy, but that’s not dampening the spirits of our community. With a high of around 70°F today, it seems like a perfect time to grab your umbrella just in case, as there’s a slight chance of rain showers. As the day winds down, we’ll cool off to a cozy 39°F under clear skies. Winds from the west-northwest could pick up, so hold onto your hats!
A Glimpse into History with a New Publication
In a wave of inspiration, local authors Walter Curry Jr., Anusha Ghosh, and Beverly Aiken Muhammad have come together to launch an insightful new book titled “South Carolina’s Matilda Evans: A Medical Pioneer.” This book shines a spotlight on the remarkable life of Matilda Arabella Evans, who was born just four years after the abolition of slavery. She became the first African American woman in South Carolina to get a medical license, proving that determination and passion can indeed change the world.
Matilda Evans was not just a physician; she was a fierce advocate for better healthcare, especially for children and underserved African American communities. With a rich background in political science and a drive for education, author Walter Curry founded Renaissance Publications LLC to honor and explore African American history. Joining him are co-authors Aiken Muhammad, who is deeply connected as Evans’s granddaughter, and Anusha Ghosh, a budding physician dedicated to improving healthcare access for marginalized groups. You won’t want to miss this historical gem!
Campus Life Heats Up at the University of North Georgia
In other community news, the University of North Georgia recently welcomed its 220 newest cadets during the Freshman Recruit Orientation Group (FROG) Week, held from August 4-10. This engaging week mixed earthy challenges with workshops that helped the new recruits learn about the exciting services available to them as they embark on their cadet and academic journeys. Aiken native Michael Bryce was among the proud freshmen who completed this rigorous orientation!
Spotlight on Local Business Leadership
Meanwhile, over at SRP Federal Credit Union, there’s a buzz about Nick Snellings, who has just been promoted to director of member experience continuous improvements. After spending over two years as the branch manager of SRP’s North Augusta branch, Nick is ready to roll up his sleeves and dive into improving team member experiences and processes at the credit union.
With 18 years of experience in the financial industry under his belt, including roles as a teller and loan officer, Nick is passionate about helping SRP’s members achieve their financial goals. His new responsibilities promise to elevate the member experience across various channels, from in-branch interactions to phone and online services. Eric Jenkins, CEO of SRP, believes Nick’s dedication will lead to significant improvements and commendable service to all credit union members. We can’t wait to see what changes he brings!
Celebrating Academic Achievements
As the academic year continues, we have wonderful news from Georgia State University. Iyonia Dunbar of Beech Island has proudly earned a spot on the Summer 2024 president’s list! Congratulations, Iyonia — your hard work is truly inspiring!
And let’s not forget about Keisha Gonzalez-Diaz from Aiken, who recently received a prestigious Gilman Scholarship! This amazing opportunity will allow her to study abroad in Spain as she pursues her degree in computer information systems, with a minor in data science at the College of Charleston. We’ll be cheering her on as she embarks on this incredible adventure!
With dynamic events and inspiring accomplishments occurring, Aiken is showing that community spirit is alive and flourishing. Here’s to the vibrant lives of our local heroes, scholars, and advocates making waves in the world!
