Serving Barnwell County and it's neighbors since 1852
Graduate Emma Hodge (right) of Barnwell is greeted by USC President Michael Amiridis, Dean April Cone and Chancellor Susan Elkins during the conferring of degrees.
The University of South Carolina Salkehatchie celebrated its 51st commencement exercises at its Allendale campus on April 28.
The University awarded 115 degrees including 92 associate degrees and 23 bachelor’s degrees, which were presented through the University of South Carolina’s Palmetto College and in partnership with other USC campuses. The graduates represented 6 countries, 5 states, 37 cities and included 3 high school students.
The ceremony included remarks from Dean April Cone and University of South Carolina President Michael Amiridis who congratulated the graduates on their successes.
“Commencement marks a special day in the lives of our students and families. We are proud of our graduates and the thousands of Salkehatchie graduates who have gone before them who are making a difference regionally, nationally and abroad,” Dean April Cone said.
President Amiridis said he expects great things from the class of 2023. “Each and every one of you have worked hard to reach this day. Many of you are among the first generation of your family to earn a college degree,” President Amiridis said. “With your degree comes responsibilities. We expect all USC graduates to step into the world as contributors to the greater good. Regardless of the career path you follow, we look to you to be innovators, thinkers, helpers, collaborators, problem solvers, builders and most importantly – leaders in your fields.”
Dr. David W. Dangerfield, assistant professor of history, was recognized as the 2023 USC Salkehatchie Outstanding Professor and Lucas Augusto Montandon was recognized as the 2023 USC Salkehatchie Outstanding Student.
Dr. Cone awarded Jabari Washington with the President’s Scholarship, a $5,000 award given to an incoming freshman who exhibits academic excellence and community service. The Faculty Organization Award for Excellence in Scholarship was awarded to Dr. Justin Mogilski, assistant professor of psychology and the Dr. Ann C. Carmichael Faculty and Staff Excellence Award was given to Dr. Kirsten Iden, assistant professor of English.
As part of the early college partnerships with local school districts, three high school seniors, Alyssa Hanna (South Carolina Connections Academy), Jayda Risher (Wade Hampton High School) and Faizah Rivers (Wade Hampton High School), earned their associate degrees.
Mr. F. Holbrook Platts was recognized for 40 years of dedicated service to the greater University and the Salkehatchie community. Mr. Platts served on the Western Carolina Higher Education Commission since 1983, during which USC Salkehatchie’s enrollment grew to a high of 1,200. He has served as commission secretary and treasurer for many years. Additionally, he and his wife, Martha, have supported USC Salkehatchie through scholarships programs.
USC Salkehatchie is a regional campus of the University of South Carolina established to encourage higher education in Allendale, Bamberg, Barnwell, Colleton and Hampton counties.
