The University of South Carolina Salkehatchie honored the Class of 2026 during its commencement ceremony on Friday, May 1, marking the conclusion to the institution’s 60th anniversary celebration. Since its founding in 1965, the campus has served as a cornerstone of the Lowcountry, and this year’s graduation highlighted six decades of academic excellence.
The ceremony saw the conferral of 127 degrees through USC’s Palmetto College and in partnership with sister USC campuses. The Class of 2026 reflected a diverse student body, with graduates hailing from 41 different cities and 4 states, while the international cohort included 11 students representing 8 different countries.
"As we close our 60th year, this commencement ceremony is the perfect reflection of how far we have come," said Dean April Cone. "From our humble beginnings in 1965 to today, where we celebrate 127 graduates from across the world, our mission remains the same: to provide transformative opportunities for our students. This class embodies the spirit of resilience and excellence that has defined USC Salkehatchie for six decades."
A Distinguished Gathering
The event was attended by University President Michael Amiridis and Palmetto College Chancellor Craig Wilson. Chancellor Wilson praised the graduates for their rigorous effort, noting the perspective of Leonardo da Vinci that "learning is the only thing the mind never exhausts, never fears, and never regrets".
Also in attendance to support the graduates were members of the USC Board of Trustees, including the Honorable Rick Bonnoitt, the Honorable Hank Jolly, the Honorable Rose Buyck Newton, and the Honorable Reid T. Sherard.
The university also welcomed representatives from the South Carolina Legislative Delegation, including Representative Bill Hager and Representative Lonnie Hosey, as well as members of the Western Carolina Higher Education Commission: Reid Boylston, Chair; Lari Gooding, Vice Chair; Neil Sanders, Secretary; Ernie Avant; Angela Cotton; Randy Maxwell; and Rose Ann Mixson.
Honoring Community and Academic Excellence
The university recognized several individuals and organizations for their exceptional contributions to the campus and region:
- Friend of the Campus Award: Presented to Camille Nairn. A tireless advocate, Ms. Nairn was instrumental in creating the Bachelor of Science in Nursing partnership program and continues to steward support for its sustainability.
- Outstanding Contribution to Community Award: Awarded to the Coastal Empire Community Mental Health Center, accepted by Executive Director Angie Salley. The center was honored for bringing essential services directly to campus via their innovative mobile mental health unit.
- Dr. Ann C. Carmichael Faculty and Staff Excellence Award: Presented to Amy Stanley, a fiscal analyst who has been a cornerstone of university operations for over 20 years. She was recognized for her precision, accountability, and unwavering focus on excellence.
- Professor of the Year: Voted on by the student body and awarded to Julia Johnson, a first-year English instructor. Students praised her innovation, kindness, and her ability to create a positive, judgment-free learning environment.
- Student of the Year: Awarded to Jesse Bunton, an Early College student who earned Graduation with Leadership Distinction in Research. A physician-scientist in training, Bunton maintained a 4.0 GPA while conducting extensive work in biology and mathematics.
- Commencement Scholarship: Awarded to Tanner Shaw, a graduating senior from Jefferson Davis Academy. An accomplished student leader and editor, she will enroll in the nursing program at USC Salkehatchie this fall.
These graduates now join a distinguished network of thousands of alumni who continue to make significant contributions both regionally and globally. Whether they are entering the professional workforce or transitioning to four-year degree programs, the Class of 2026 embarks on this next chapter of their lives equipped with the knowledge and experience to achieve their personal and professional goals.