Accomplished Alum to Speak at USC Aiken's December Graduation

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AIKEN, SC (11/30/2018) The University of South Carolina Aiken announced that Antonio D. Evans, Class of 2001, will be the keynote speaker for the Convocation Ceremony, Dec. 13.

"It is such an honor to come back to USC Aiken and address the graduates. I hope that I can share a few life lessons the graduates can take with them as they transition," he said.

Each year, the university invites an alumnus or alumna to address its December graduates. This marks the first time an exercise and sports science major has had the honor.

"This is a very significant event for me, both in terms of how it reflects on the Department of {Exercise and Sports Science] and on Antonio," said Dr. Chris DeWitt, chair of the department who mentored Evans during his collegiate career.

"This is a great accomplishment for [exercise and sports science] and for Antonio. I am proud of Antonio, and I am confident that he will deliver an outstanding presentation, replete with important information.

Evans is a fitness entrepreneur and motivational coach who has spent almost 20 years in the fitness industry, inspiring people from all walks of life. Currently, he mentors young men in the greater Charlotte N.C., area using fitness, baseball, and entrepreneurship as teaching tools.

The Laurens, S.C., native who now calls Charlotte home is the founder of several fitness brands, including: Plank Life, Power Wheel Race, Hustle your Health, and San Fitcisco. Additionally, he is the owner of ReShape Fitness, LLC. Through this program, he has provided fitness and wellness services to communities, organizations, and individuals for 14 years. Evans also created the Making Fitness Fun and Educational program geared toward middle school kids.

Before bolstering national attention on the power and benefits of fitness and before creating unique health and wellness programs for all ages, Evans first earned his degree at USC Aiken.

According to his on-campus mentor and professor, the entrepreneur-to-be was a good student during his freshman and sophomore years, but he "blossomed into an outstanding student in his junior and senior years, full of critical thinking questions."

"USC Aiken provided Antonio with a knowledge-base and skill-base that has enabled him to achieve remarkable professional accomplishments and to undergo a continuing stellar career," DeWitt said.

"This is consistent with our core values in terms of how USC Aiken has provided the initial preparation for Antonio and all our graduates, setting them up for long-term success."

Evans agrees and credits the university for the foundation on which he's built his personal success.

"My education from USC Aiken has helped shape my career as a fitness entrepreneur," said the passionate and energetic speaker.

"I firmly believe my classes in exercise science, combined with my business courses, have proven to be invaluable."

Throughout his career, Evans has spoken at various colleges, presented at different conferences, and inspired many groups. He currently serves on the board of the Make an Impact Foundation, a nonprofit organization that helps disadvantaged youth. Through these venues, he takes the opportunity to share lessons he's learned since graduating from USC Aiken.

"One of the great lessons I learned while being at USC Aiken is small can be more efficient than big," Evans said.

"I had a chance to be the big fish in the small pond, and that has served me very well in life."

In addition to the speaking circuit, Evans has authored hundreds of inspirational quotes and several motivational books, including the motivational book 100 Things to Ponder, and his upcoming book Funny Workout Stories. One of his quotes is now part of the labelling for GT's Kombucha, which can be found in retail outlets. He was featured in the book How to Open and Operate a Financially Successful Personal Training Business. Evans also appeared in a television commercial for "Visit Pittsburgh," which aired throughout the country.

"Antonio is a sincere, honest, humble, and impressive individual," said DeWitt.

"It is an honor to me that we have had a confluence of our lives."