2012-2013 Year in Review

Photo of USC Aiken Quad and Fountain by Kayla Black, USC Aiken junior exercise sports science major and winner of our “Spring Snapshots” Social media contest. facebook.com/usca

C hoose Achie vement . C hoose

M y first year at USC Aiken is almost complete and what an exciting year it has been. I enjoyed getting to know the students, and I have taken great pride in their many accomplishments both on our campus and in the community. Due in great measure to the dedicated work of USC Aiken’s faculty and staff, the University received numerous awards and recognitions this year. Nonetheless, never wanting to rest on our laurels,

the University is in the process of strategic planning to determine our best path forward.

The visioning process, named Forward Together, gave approximately 750 people the opportunity to share their thoughts about the University. The process began in the fall and included input from faculty, staff, students, alumni and community leaders. The results gave an overview of what the University is doing well, as well as areas we could improve upon.

Task Forces were formed to help move the campus forward based on the results of the visioning process. Each Task Force was given specific issues to explore and was charged with making recommendations on those issues. Results of each Task Force were recently shared with the campus, and we are reviewing the suggestions to see where changes can be made.

I have been fortunate to join the USC Aiken family. It is a wonderful place, and I feel the University has the potential to become an even greater institution in the years to come.

Please take a few moments to view our 2012-2013 Year in Review and see the exciting things happening at USC Aiken.

Sincerely,

Sandra J. Jordan, Chancellor

USC Aiken S.E.E.D. Day, pg. 3

African Leaders Visit, pg. 4

Pacers in the Elite 8, pg. 9

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| August | September | October | November | December | January | February | March | April | May | page 12 |

Choose Quality, Choose USC Aiken 2

First Day of ServiceT he event was a collaboration between United Way agencies, who hosted approximately 175 students, the City of Aiken Parks and Recreation Department, who provided transportation for students, and USC Aiken.

The event was held the day before classes began so students could be available to volunteer. The goal of the program was to help the Aiken community and get students involved in volunteering for the community.

USC Aiken Named a “2012 Great College to Work For”

The University of South Carolina Aiken was named one of the best colleges in the nation to work for, according to a survey by The Chronicle of Higher Education. The results, released in The Chronicle’s fifth annual report on The Academic Workplace, are based on a survey of more than 46,000 em-ployees at 294 colleges and universities.

The University of South Carolina Aiken won honors in two categories:* Collaborative Governance* Confidence in Senior Leadership

August September | October | November | December | January | February | March | April | May |

Choose Innovation, Choose USC Aiken 3

| August September October | November | December | January | February | March | April | May |

U.S. News & World Report

USC Aiken Ranked Number One among Best Regional Public Colleges in the South by U.S. News & World Report

T he University of South Carolina Aiken was ranked first for the ninth time among top public regional colleges in the South in the 2013 edition of U.S. News & World Report’s guide, “America’s Best Colleges.” USC Aiken has been ranked first in this category for five consecutive years. Ever since U.S. News & World Report created this ranking category fifteen years ago, the University has been ranked in the top three public regional colleges every year - totaling fifteen consecutive years. USC Aiken has been ranked first nine times: 2002, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2013.

27th Annual Science Education Enrichment Day (SEED)held on the campus of USC AikenStudents across K-12 and their parents poured onto the USC Aiken campus to engage in activities designed to encouratge students and engage them in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Highlights of the 27th Annual S.E.E.D. included:• More than 60 hands-on exhibits

and activities.• Exhibitors such as the US Army,

WAGT 26 Meteorology Team, the American Chemical Society, the South Carolina Aquarium, the Red Cross and MANY more!

• Demonstrations of technologies and intriguing science phenomena including robotics, earthquakes, neuroscience, biodiversity and more.

More than 90,000 teachers and students visit the Ruth Patrick Science Education Center annually.

Choose Excellence, Choose USC Aiken 4

| August | September October November | December | January | February | March | April | May |

USC Aiken Hosts Visit for African Women Officials

T he University of South Carolina Aiken hosted a group of African women officials who visited the United States to learn about “Women as Political Leaders” in the U.S. The group of women represented several countries in Africa including the following: Burkina Faso, Democratic Republic of Congo, Djibouti, Guinea, Madagascar, Senegal, Niger, and Mauritius. The women were from different areas in Africa and provided a unique African perspective on their political participation in their respective countries.

The ladies visited the Aiken Chamber of Commerce, where they met current and past political leaders from our community. After touring Aiken and attending a luncheon, the ladies spoke to students at USC Aiken.

The University of South Carolina Aiken held International Education Week 2012, hosting a number of events that were planned to showcase and celebrate the diversity of our students. USC Aiken has 53 international students that represent 24 different countries, and many students with a multicultural background. More than 60 students participated in a study abroad program last year, with more planning to study abroad.Pictured: Parade of Flags on campus that showcased the countries from which our international students, faculty and staff come.

International Education Week

Choose Community, Choose USC Aiken 5

| August | September | October November December | January | February | March | April | May |

“As a gold level award recipient, you have not only recognized the importance of a healthy workplace for your employees but have taken important steps to create a culture of wellness by providing support to employees, and we commend you,”

-Nancy Brown of the American Heart Association

International Education Week

T he University of South Carolina Aiken has been recognized by the American Heart Association as a Gold Fit-Friendly Worksite. This is the second year the University has been granted this award for providing the USC Aiken campus community with healthy options at the workplace.

American Heart Association recognizes USC Aiken

USC Aiken Names URS/SRR Engineering Scholar Recipients

Nine students were named first year scholar recipients of the URS/SRR Engineering Scholars program. The program provided a $2,500 renewable scholarship each year for academically talented students that have declared engineering as entering freshmen.

The first year scholarship recipients were as follows: • Tamarra Anderson of Graniteville, SC• Kendall Bell of Columbia, SC• Cody Clester of Trenton, SC• Jake Corbin of Beech Island, SC• Max Hall of North Augusta, SC• Nicole Holmes of Beech Island, SC• Jackson Jones of Clearwater, SC• Zachary Smith of Williston, SC• Steven Coffey of North Augusta, SC

Choose Success, Choose USC Aiken 6

| August | September | October | November December January | February | March | April | May |

Savannah River Nuclear Solutions Funds Scholars at USC AikenSavannah River Nuclear Solutions (SRNS) gave a $50,000 gift to USC Aiken in support of the SRNS Scholars program. The SRNS Scholars program was established in 2009 and provides scholarships for academically talented students. The students and their parents were honored at a recent reception at USC Aiken with SRNS senior management.

The first year scholarship recipients are as follows: • Chivtravati Choony of Aiken, SC• Steven Coffey of North Augusta, SC• Carson Connor of Aiken, SC• Raymond Parkman of Trenton, SC• Bethany Sizemore of Beech Island, SC• Kayce Vanpelt of Aiken, SC• Madelyn Wasden of North Augusta, SC• Linda Zheng of Aiken, SC• Melissa Lane of Summerville, SC• Anna Holt of Aiken, SC• Samantha Lisek of Zebulon, SC• Shelby Simmons of North Augusta, SC

December 13, 2012USC Aiken Holds Convocation Ceremony T he University of South Carolina Aiken held its December Convocation Ceremony on Thursday, December 13, 2012 at 7pm in the Convocation Center. A total of 221 degree candidates were eligible to participate in the ceremony. Mr. Charles Barranco, a 1997 graduate of the University of South Carolina Aiken and Aiken’s Public Safety Director, delivered the Convocation address. Mr. Robert A. Murphy was named Outstanding Senior. He graduated with a bachelor of science degree in business administration with a concentration in management with cum laude honors. He came to USC Aiken as a non-traditional student after retiring from the military, and now leads the USC Aiken Veteran Student Success Center.

Choose Exploration, Choose USC Aiken 7

| August | September | October | November | December January February | March | April | May |

USC Aiken Holds Winter Nocturne Concert

T his year’s Winter Nocturne featured renowned Irish pianist, John O’Conor, with an evening of inspiring and entertaining pieces. USC Aiken was fortunate to host John O’Conor. His reputation for masterfully interpreting Classic and pre-Romantic repertoires is worldwide. He has toured in Europe, Japan, Korea, China, and the United States.

In addition to his performance, Mr. O’Conor spent three days working with current and potential students, providing an educational program for middle school students, and sharing his passion for the classics with many others.

Future City at USC AikenT he Future City competition is a national and project based experience where middle school students imagine, design, and build cities of the future. The Ruth Patrick Science Education Center at USC Aiken and Savannah River Nuclear Solutions (SRNS) hosted the South Carolina Regional Future City competition.

The competition for 6th, 7th, and 8th graders challenged the students to develop futuristic urban designs, first on computers, and then in large table top models with a budget of less than $100. Students worked as teams with an educator and engineer mentor, to plan cities using gaming software. Participants then wrote a city abstract and essay on using engineering to solve an important social need. Future City competitions are held in 39 regions across the country.

Choose Collegiality, Choose USC Aiken 8

| August | September | October | November | December | January February March | April | May |

USC Aiken Holds Sandy Rogers and Scotty Richardson Memorial Scholarship Fundraiser

The University of South Carolina Aiken created a new scholarship honoring two officers whose lives were taken in the line of duty. Officers Sandy Rogers and Scotty Richardson’s memory will live on through this scholarship and the students it benefits. A Memorial Scholarship Fundraiser was planned to raise money to help fund this scholarship at a Pacer basketball game, where there was a silent auction and donation drive. The event raised $2,600 that evening.

It has been a tremendous year both on the playing fields and courts as well as in the classrooms!

Out of 11 varsity sports, 3 have won PBC Championships

• Men’s basketball won the regular season and tournament championships

• Men’s golf won the PBC Golf Championship

• Baseball won the PBC regular season championship

Six of our 11 sports will have participated in NCAA Region Tournaments this year- Cross country, men and women’s basketball, men’s tennis, golf and baseball

Academically, the overall fall GPA was 2.959, 98 student-athletes had 3.0 or higher and 12 student athletes had a perfect 4.0.

• Seven of the 11 teams had overall GPA’s of 3.0 or higher.

• USCA has had 3 Elite 15 winners (highest GPA of any student competing in that sports conference tournament)

PACER ATHLETICS REVIEW 2012-2013

Choose Achievement, Choose USC Aiken 9

| August | September | October | November | December | January | February March April | May |

USC Aiken Chancellor Officially Installed During Investiture Ceremony

Aiken City Council Honors Pacers Basketball Team at Council Meeting The Aiken City Council honored the Pacers Men’s Basketball Team for winning the Southeast Regional Tournament for Division II and USC Aiken’s first visit to the Elite Eight in men’s basketball at a City Council meeting.

“Everyone in Aiken is excited that this year’s USC Aiken Men’s Basketball team has made history by taking the Southeastern Regional Title,” says Richard Pearce, City Manager for the City of Aiken. “Elite Eight does not begin to describe the depth of this team and the true, pure sports talent that will be representing Aiken and South Carolina in Kentucky. This team is an example for all of us and we are so proud of them!”

It was an exciting day at the University of South Carolina Aiken campus as the fourth Chancellor of the institution was officially installed during an Investiture Ceremony held at the USC Aiken Convocation Center on March 1, 2013. Dr. Sandra Jordan accepted the USC Aiken medallion, a symbolic mantel of authority for the University, from USC President Harris Pastides.

Record Family Fund Participation in

2012-13

USC Aiken’s Family Fund giving rate of 93% for 2012-13 was recognized by the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) with a Special Merit Award. USCA’s family fund participation rate continues to be the highest within the USC System.

Choose Distinction, Choose USC Aiken 10

| August | September | October | November | December | January | February | March April May |

The University of South Carolina Aiken held its annual Research Day on Friday, April 12th. USC Aiken’s Research Day is held each spring to showcase undergraduate student research and performances. It is open to students of all disciplines. Research findings may be presented via poster or oral presentations, and student’s creative projects may include visual art displays, theatrical or musical performances. A panel of judges awards prizes to the most outstanding presentations or performances. The public is invited to attend this free event to view displays and listen to presentations.

Students who participate in Research Day present findings from a research project they undertook in or outside the classroom, or to perform or display their artistic talents. The student must work with a faculty mentor who will review the final product before it’s presented.

Research Day 2013

Medal of Honor Recipient Michael Thornton attends USC Aiken’s Veteran Student Success Center Opening

C ongressman Joe Wilson, Medal of Honor Recipient Michael Thornton, and USC Aiken Student Veterans were among the honored guests when USC Aiken and the Aiken Warrior Project celebrated the creation of the Veteran Student Success Center. The event was held in the Memorial Room and Student Veterans Success Center in the Gregg-Graniteville Library on the campus of USC Aiken.

The Veteran Student Success Center at USC Aiken, in connection with the Aiken Warrior Project, is a centralized transition and resource hub for military veterans, military members, and their family member students. The Center is designed to offer support and assistance veterans need as they navigate their transition back into the civilian world, and to provide counseling to service members, assisting with academic preparedness regarding majors and career choices, health and wellness, and socialization issues.

Choose Honors, Choose USC Aiken 11

| August | September | October | November | December | January | February | March | April May

USC Aiken Music Professor Writes One Act Baseball Opera that was performed at USC and USC Aiken

D r. Richard Maltz, Professor of Music at the University of South Carolina Aiken, wrote a one act baseball opera . The opera is entitled Bambino and was performed in both Aiken and Columbia, SC.

Bambino revisits the Curse of the Bambino, a superstition that lasted for eighty-six years, from 1918 to 2004. The accounts of terrible calamities and misfortunes of the Boston Red Sox play out against the back drop of Fenway Park’s Green Monster, with guidance and warnings from the baseball legend Babe Ruth to the ultimate fate of one fictional player, Buck George.

New Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Named at USC Aiken

T he University of South Carolina Aiken named Dr. Jeff Priest as its new Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs. He has been acting as Interim Executive Vice Chancellor since July, 2012.

Chancellor Sandra Jordan states, “Dr. Priest brings a wealth of knowledge and experience

from his previous roles on our campus. I am confident in his ability to lead us forward with new initiatives and with commitment. I believe that his knowledge of the University, coupled with his intelligence, work ethic, integrity, and spirit of entrepreneurship will serve USC Aiken well.”

May 9, 2013USC Aiken Holds Commencement Ceremony T The University of South Carolina

Aiken celebrated its annual May Commencement ceremony on Thursday, May 9, 2013 at 7pm in the USC Aiken Convocation Center.

Mr. Martin Koffel, CEO of the URS Corporation and a stellar member of the community, delivered the Commencement address. Mr. Tomáš Greizinger of Slovakia, the Outstanding Senior Student, also spoke. He graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor of science degree in business administration. This year’s graduation had 13 Summa Cum Laude graduates, a record number for the school. There was a total of 123 students that graduated with honors.

Pictured: Summa Cum Laude graduates Tomáš Greizinger, Brittany Howell, Tripp Warrick, James Mock, Anna Blizard, Priscilla Simon, Madison Sweet, Jessie Corbin, Michelle Pakla, and Asheeba Baksh (not pictured: Taylor Reeves, Ashleigh Kimberlin, Maria Larocca).

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USC Aiken offers new equestrian classes online

The University of South Carolina Aiken is pleased to offer a variety of equestrian classes through the University’s Office of Continuing Education. There are 26 online classes from which to choose. Take one course or several courses at a time. In this innovative online program, students can tailor beginning

USC Aiken Faculty member Dr. Maureen Carrigan named 2012-13 Carolina Trustee Professor

Much of Dr. Carrigan’s scholarly work has been in the general area of health psychology. Her interest is in learning how people manage stress and other negative emotional states, and the factors that lead to the use of alcohol and nicotine to cope. Alcohol and nicotine dependence are major health issues today with both being associated with increased risk of disease and premature death. The focus of the research is to better understand the functions these substances

serve for individuals, with the hope it will eventually lead to the development of more effective treatment approaches. “I am pleased and proud that Dr. Carrigan received the Carolina Trustee Professorship,” says Dr. Jeff Priest, Interim Executive Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs. “Dr. Carrigan is a valued member of the USC Aiken family and the award is well deserved. Receiving the award is a testament to her dedication and hard work.”

and completion times for each course, which allows students to work at their own pace.

“With Aiken’s great equestrian history, and our interest in being a partner with all areas of our community, USC Aiken is very proud to offer this exciting new equestrian program,” said Dr. Sandra Jordan, chancellor. “This flexible, online format allows anyone – from the novice to the experienced equestrian – to expand their base of knowledge to become even more ‘horse-smart.”

Classes offered cover a wide range of topics including behavior modification techniques, health and disease management, equine massage, and stable management. Visit the website at http://web.usca.edu/conted-equine/.