By HEATHER WALTERS
USC Salkehatchie recently held its 2021-2022 commencement exercises at the Allendale campus on April 30th. The school provided graduates with a smaller graduation ceremony due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
In all, the university awarded more than 115 associate degrees and approximately 32 bachelor’s degrees to 131 graduates. All of the degrees were earned through the University of South Carolina’s Palmetto College and in partnership with other regional campuses.
Those who graduated on April 30th represented seven states four countries, according to Stephanie Gruber, spokeswoman for USC Salkehatchie and coordinator for Communication and Marketing.
“Graduation is a special time for our graduates and their families, and we wanted to recognize their accomplishments after a difficult and challenging year,” said Gruber. “After consultation with public health experts the decision was made to have a traditional commencement ceremony.”
According to Gruber, some of the changes this year include having the ceremony outside. Masks were required, and there was no reception for the graduates or their families.
During the commencement exercises, Sherri Sullivan was recognized as the 2021 USC Salkehatchie Outstanding Professor and Chelsea Kuehler was recognized as the 2021 USC Salkehatchie Outstanding Student. Additionally, Dr. Susan Elkins, Chancellor of Palmetto College, awarded Ashlyn Langdale with the President’s Scholarship: this is a $5,000 award given to students who exhibit academic excellence and community service.
“The abbreviated ceremony included remarks from Dean Chris Nesmith and University of South Carolina President Bob Caslen who congratulated the graduates on their successes and commended them on their incredible perseverance and resilience,” said Gruber, in a written statement.
In his remarks during the graduation ceremony, USC President Caslen encouraged the Class of 2021 to commit to living a life of excellence.
“Excellence is more than earning top grades or getting promoted. It’s not about the things you own, how much money you have, or where you live. In fact, excellence is not an end state to be reached, but rather a way of living that you must choose again each and every day. It’s a decision to live at the uppermost levels of your potential – to act with character and compassion – and to live by a set of values that shape your character. Simply put, it’s up to you to determine what kind of person you want to become,” Caslen said.
Dean Nesmith also spoke to the graduates, explaining that commencement signaled the beginning of another journey. “Education is not only about learning--it is also about growing. And I trust that your time here has broadened your horizons, expanded your outlook, and made you curious to know more,” he said. “Remember that although you have reached an important milestone on your path, the truly educated person never stops learning,” Nesmith said.
