MEDIA ADVISORY

USC Aiken Graduation Week Ceremonies

AIKEN, SC (05/03/2018) Media outlets are invited to cover the following graduation-related ceremonies at the University of South Carolina Aiken. Those interested in covering these events are asked to contact: news@usca.edu.

TUESDAY, MAY 8, at 7 p.m., in the Etherredge Center

Academic Honors Ceremony

USC Aiken's top scholars will be awarded and the Outstanding Senior Student named during this annual awards ceremony.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 9, at 1 p.m., in the Etherredge Center

Nurse Pinning Ceremony

Graduating USC Aiken nursing students will be recognized during this annual ceremony. As part of this traditional ceremony, nursing graduates received their nursing pins, which symbolize the students' health care achievement. This tradition in the United States dates back to 1880 when the first Nightingale school, named for the renown Florence Nightingale, was established. Nightingale is generally considered the founder of modern nursing. In addition to receiving their nursing pins, graduates will light a candle and recite the "Nightingale Pledge" during the ceremony.

WEDNESDAY, May 9, at 4 p.m., in the Etherredge Center

Masters Hooding Ceremony

USC Aiken graduate students who have earned a master's degree will receive their hoods for their academic regalia. USC Aiken offers master's degrees in applied clinical psychology, business administration, and educational technology.

WEDNESDAY, May 9, at 6 p.m., in the Etherredge Center

Commencement Exercises

Retired Vice Adm. Charles Munns will be the guest speaker. For more, go to: http://usca.meritpages.com/news/munns-to-address-usc-aiken-class-of-2018/3568 .

USC AIKEN CLASS OF 2018 BY THE NUMBERS

Number of graduates: 412

Number of international graduates: 9

Number of student athletes: 48

Number of graduates from Aiken: 158

Number of graduates from South Carolina: 352

Number of veterans or military students: 28

Number by degree and major:

Master of Science in Applied Clinical Psychology: 16

Master of Business Administration: 6

Bachelor of Arts: 110

Biology: 1

Communication: 30

English: 12

Fine Arts: 12

History: 3

Political Science: 1

Psychology: 25

Sociology: 25

Music Education: 1

Bachelor of Arts in Education: 25

Early Childhood Education: 13

Elementary Education: 7

Middle Level Education: 4

Secondary Education: 1

Bachelor of Arts in Special Education: 6

Bachelor of Science: 115

Biology: 41

Chemistry: 10

Exercise and Sports Science: 45

Math and Computer Science: 9

Psychology: 4

Industrial Process Engineering: 6

Bachelor of Science in Business Administration: 103

Bachelor of Science in Nursing: 31