Pacer Day, Mayoral Proclamation Honor Class of 2020
Aiken, SC (05/07/2020) — The University of South Carolina Aiken claimed May 6 as Pacer Day in honor of the members of the Class of 2020.
That's the day when the university was supposed to hold its spring commencement ceremony, which is now slated for Aug. 15.
"Graduation is a momentous occasion in the lives of our students, and we must celebrate," said Dr. Daren Timmons, executive vice chancellor for academic affairs and provost.
"Even though we could not gather in person at this time, we designated Pacer Day - celebrated virtually this year - as a day to recognize the many accomplishments of our USC Aiken graduates."
Aiken Mayor Rick Osbon, Class of '93, joined in the festivities and issued a proclamation on behalf of the city, also deeming May 6 as Pacer Day.
"I know this is an exciting time for you and your family. While this last semester offered many challenges that you certainly didn't expect, congratulations on persevering and showing exactly the character you are made of," said Osbon in a video message to graduates.
"You make all of us Pacers very proud."
In addition to the mayoral proclamation, the university launched a number of initiatives recognizing the accomplishments of the Class of 2020 on Pacer Day, which can be found at https://www.usca.edu/graduation . The series of virtual events culminated at 6 p.m., with a formal video from USC Aiken's leadership, which includes a list of all the graduates. That was the time the original ceremony was slated to begin.
"We are so proud of our students who stayed the course and know that this will make a lifetime of impact for them and their families," Timmons said.
The Class of 2020 includes the first students to graduate with degrees in clinical laboratory science, applied computer science, and communication and digital arts from the USC Aiken.
USC AIKEN CLASS OF 2020
Number of degrees awarded: 355 total graduating
Number of graduates: 35 graduate students
Number of international graduates: 12
Number of student athletes: 42
Number of graduates from Aiken: 72
Number of graduates from South Carolina: 301
Number of veterans or military students: 74
Number by degree and major:
Master of Education in Educational Technology: 2
Master of Science in Applied Clinical Psychology: 4
Master of Business Administration: 29
Bachelor of Arts: 72
- Biology: 1
- Communication: 18
- Communication and Digital Arts: 1
- English: 11
- Fine Arts: 13
- History: 1
- Music Education: 1
- Political Science: 8
- Psychology: 6
- Sociology: 12
Bachelor of Arts in Education: 26
- Early Childhood Education: 6
- Elementary Education: 14
- Middle Level Education: 2
- Secondary Education: 4
Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies: 1
Bachelor of Arts in Special Education: 6
Bachelor of Science: 105
- Applied Computer Science: 1
- Biology: 27
- Chemistry: 8
- Clinical Lab Science: 2
- Exercise and Sports Science: 37
- Industrial Mathematics: 1
- Industrial Process Engineering: 11
- Math and Computer Science: 4
- Psychology: 14
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration: 74
Bachelor of Science in Nursing: 38
Editor's note: To view the list of graduates, go to www.usca.edu/graduation .
Media Attachments
The City of Aiken and the University of South Carolina Aiken claimed May 6 as Pacer Day in honor of the members of the Class of 2020. To view the series of virtual initiatives related to Pacer Day, go to www.usca.edu/graduation.
The City of Aiken and the University of South Carolina Aiken claimed May 6 as Pacer Day in honor of the members of the Class of 2020. To view the series of virtual initiatives related to Pacer Day, go to www.usca.edu/graduation.