USCBe Informed: News & Happenings

Every spring, it is USCB’s privilege to recognize exceptional students in the graduating class at the annual Academic Awards Ceremony. 

My vision for USCB is that it is a place of first choice for best-in-class students…who would thrive at any highly competitive institution. Over the last four years, every one of you has embodied this vision by reaching new heights of success. I commend you for your achievements and I thank you. — USCB Chancellor Al M. Panu

These are the outstanding students of the Class of 2024.

Caelean James Sammy 
Outstanding Biology Student of the Year

A 21-year-old from Ottawa, Canada, Caelan came to USCB to study Biology and compete for USCB in golf, along with his friend, Skyler. As a Biology major (Psychology minor), he’s maintained a superior GPA and aspires to medical school. He reports, “I believe USCB prepared me well for medical school… I scored very high on the MCAT, 92nd percentile with a 95th percentile in critical analysis…reasoning…and the biology/biochemistry sections.” As a result, Caelan had two medical school interviews: the University of Ottawa and McMaster University (a top 50 global university for medicine). In his free time, he enjoys going to USCB sporting events, playing intramurals, and hanging out with “the amazing friends I've made at USCB.”

Jonas Demant
Outstanding Business Student of the Year

For Hamburg, Germany native Jonas Demant the past four years have been about personal growth. After visiting the USCB campus in 2019, he knew that it was the place he wanted to spend the next four years pursuing his education and his passion for golf. With the support of family, professors, coaches, and friends he has learned many life lessons and in his own words “has grown from young boy to young man.” Jonas will graduate as a USCB Honors Student with a degree in Business Administration and concentrations in Management and Marketing. After graduation, Jonas plans on returning home to Germany where he intends to attend an elite business school for his Master’s degree while continuing his pursuit of a career in professional golf.

Haley Massenburg
Pamela J. Cooper Communication Studies Student of the Year

Haley Massenburg’s commitment to academic excellence, scholarly research, and service to the university and the greater community reflects the core values instilled by Dr. Cooper, founder of the Communication Studies program at USCB. A proud member of the Alpha Delta Sigma chapter of Lambda Pi Eta National Honor Society, Haley was heavily involved in charitable work with her Public Relations class. She assisted a local food bank, helped with the campus intramurals programs throughout her career here at USCB, and was a leader on the university’s softball team from 2020-2023. Haley will continue her legacy of excellence as she advances her education this fall at the Elon University School of Law in Greensboro, North Carolina, with the goal of practicing family law. Haley is incredibly grateful for the support of her parents, Rob and Tracie Bailey, as well as her siblings, friends, and her extended family.

Cassy Cooper
Outstanding Computational Science Student of the Year

Cassy Cooper is a non-traditional student who has demonstrated exceptional perseverance and dedication by balancing full-time work as a software developer with superior classroom performance. Cassy's contributions to our departmental community include organizing a shuttle service for USCB students to the USC STEM Career Fair, leading résumé workshops, collaborating with Gulfstream and USCB Career Services to bring recruiters to campus, developing software for The Children’s Center, and serving as a mentor and role model to younger female students in our computing majors. Her achievements—including multiple awards received at USCB—reflect her hard work, leadership, and commitment to excellence.

Tgaja Johnson
Information Science and Technology Student of the Year

Tgaja Johnson graduated in December 2023 with a B.S. in Information Science and Technology and a minor in Studio Art. A former Marine with top-secret clearance, she excelled both in and outside of the classroom. Tgaja balanced full-time study with raising a family, was president of the Sand Shark Veterans and volunteered for STEM outreach events. She secured scholarships to attend prestigious computing conferences and was an exceptional student technician for USCB IT Support Services, where she now works full-time as Applications Manager. Tgaja's unwavering commitment earned her the university’s "Unsung Hero" Student Life Award in 2023.

Devon Weller
Outstanding Early Childhood Education Student of the Year

A quote by Brazilian soccer great Pelé surmises Devon Weller as an education student, student-athlete, and all-around high-achiever: “Success is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice and most of all, loving what you do...”. Devon personifies perseverance, sacrifice, and love and her success is due to hard work. Her tenacity in her coursework, in the classroom as a student teacher, and on the softball field is remarkable. Her high expectations and persistent positive attitude are evident in her interactions and actions. Devon is a thoughtful and reflective educator who cares deeply about each student she works with. After graduation, she plans to pursue a Master’s degree while continuing her athletics.

Eugene McLaurin
Outstanding Elementary Childhood Education Student of the Year

Eugene McLaurin has a passion for learning, reflection and growth. Throughout his coursework and as a recent graduate, he is an eager and active participant who is ready to pay forward his experiences and is continually looking to learn and improve. Recently, Eugene returned to campus (on a Saturday morning) to collaborate with faculty from the Beaufort County School District and USCB to reflect on the university’s programs. There he was one of the most thoughtful and informative participants, making many connections and offering constructive feedback. This exemplifies Eugene’s constructive outlook and growth mindset. He constantly pushes himself, and subsequently, those around him, to learn and develop. And he does all of this with incredible tact and grace. Eugene is now a fourth-grade teacher at Red Cedar Elementary, where he is fostering in his students this same love of learning and perseverance. Eugene communicates from such an optimistic and forward-thinking place that you can’t wait to see what happens next. His energy is contagious, and his desire to learn, grow, and lead is an inspiration to all.

Alex Clark
Tombe/Eby Outstanding English Student of the Year

Alex Clark began to combine her passion for secondary English education and theater immediately upon arriving at USCB. Together with English and Theater faculty, Alex developed a research agenda that investigated the potential for arts integration across the curriculum. In the fall of 2024, Alex was awarded the Sand Shark Voyager Award to support her participation as a presenter at the Palmetto State Arts Education Annual Arts Integration Conference. Alex questions (almost) everything, always doing so in service of understanding not just what a text or an idea means but also how to apply what she learns to pedagogy. She is an outstanding example of an English major who will take her experiences at USCB and begin a rich and rewarding career.

Kayt Pierce
Madison Riley Adkins Award for Outstanding Secondary English Education

Kayt Pierce has excelled in her journey as a pre-service English teacher. Her professors describe her work as imaginative and sharp. In classroom discussions, Kayt’s unique point of view allows her to find meaning and voice interpretations that are often unexpected but always valuable to everyone in the room. In the high school classroom, Kayt has been willing to try different pedagogical approaches in service of discovering what is in the best interest of her students. Her rapport with students and classroom management skills are further indicative of a willingness to meet students where they are. Through her commitments to education and to service, Kayt exemplifies the combination of empathy and pedagogy that we continually strive for in the secondary English education major.

Sierra Watkins
Governor Paul Hamilton Sons of the American Revolution Outstanding Student in History

Sierra Watkins is from Blythewood, South Carolina. She is graduating summa cum laude with an honors History degree on the Pre-Law track. While at USCB, she was the inaugural president of the Honors Student Association for two years and a resident assistant for three years. She has also been a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success. Her article on the systemic underfunding of South Carolina’s only Black land grant university was recently published in The Macksey Journal. This coming fall, she plans to attend law school at Elon University in Greensboro, North Carolina.

Maya Stovcsik
Outstanding Hospitality Management Student of the Year

Maya Stoncsik is an Honors Hospitality student from Clover, South Carolina. She has been employed in the hospitality industry almost her entire college career, working in USCB’s hospitality research initiatives and for event planners in the area. Maya serves as the vice president of the Student Ambassadors, a very active student organization that supports the USCB Admissions office. She loves to work behind the scenes and put smiles on others’ faces, making sure they are having the best experience possible. Maya’s career plans include working in corporate events or human resources.

Sandrea Park Welch
Outstanding Online Hospitality Management Student of the Year

Sandrea Park Welch is a non-traditional student who, in addition to earning her bachelor’s in hospitality management online at USCB, teaches at the Culinary Institute of Charleston in North Charleston, South Carolina. She is a wife and mother of two and creates custom specialty and wedding cakes. Sandrea started college at the University of Georgia in 1998 but decided to go into management for several years before returning to school in 2007. She obtained an associate degree in baking and pastry arts in 2011. It was not until 2023 that she was able to return to higher education to complete her bachelor’s degree at USCB. She adores learning, being creative, meeting inspiring people, and being supportive, so has decided to pursue a career in education. Sandrea intends to begin a Master’s program in Adult Education in fall 2024.

Allison McElveen 
Outstanding Public Health Student of the Year

Allison McElveen, a graduating senior majoring in Public Health, demonstrates exceptional academic aptitude and a keen ability to leverage resources and establish connections within the Public Health domain. Her internship experience at Sumter School District involved contributing to community health initiatives on a school-wide scale. Motivated by her interest in working with Women, Infants, & Children (WIC), Allison actively pursued an internship with the Department of Health & Environmental Control (DHEC). Her efforts helped facilitate USCB’s agreement between the Department of Public Health & Human Services and DHEC, ensuring internship opportunities for all students until 2028. Allison’s dedication to professional development, resilience, and strong work ethic make her suitable for a career in Public Health at the highest level.

Natajisia Smith
Lynn M. Mulkey Human Services Program Outstanding Student of the Year

Natajisia Smith, a graduating senior majoring in Human Services, exemplifies Dr. Mulkey’s commitment to making a difference in the lives of others. In addition to completing 360 internship hours, Natajisia served on the Sand Shark Activities Board and as the vice president of the African American Student Association. During her 2024 spring break, she volunteered as a cabin captain at Camp Blue Skies in Rutledge, Georgia. The organization helps people living with developmental disabilities experience recreational activities. Natajisia is proud that she helped one of her campers overcome a fear of heights when she led by example and braved the zip line. Natajisia is respected as a diligent, thoughtful, and dependable leader. She maintains steady composure under pressure, handling disappointments with graceful resilience. Natajisia has been accepted into Winthrop University's Master of Social Work program.

Jasmine White
Palmetto College Human Services Outstanding Student of the Year

Jasmine White is a senior in the online Human Services Program. After graduating from USCB she plans to create programs that integrate therapy and the creative arts. She is passionate about encouraging the use of writing and the arts to provide peace and comfort through hard times. Employers describe Jasmine as hard-working, highly intelligent, and respectful. She always displays a desire to learn and to help others. She has been a volunteer at Rock Hill Hope which provides crisis intervention for those in need and has interned at Be Great Academy in Rock Hill where the focus is on achieving academic success, healthy lifestyles, and character development.

Anthony Aiden Driscoll
Sadusky-Gordon Haist Interdisciplinary Studies Outstanding Student of the Year

During his time at USCB, Aiden Driscoll has been a model scholar and athlete. In his coursework, he has followed his curiosity to explore new and diverse fields of study and has excelled in all of them. Aiden’s scholastic interests evolved as he pursued learning not just with diligence but also with joy. He has consistently shown excellence and leadership as a member of the USCB Baseball team. And through his employment on campus, he has shown dedication in making and keeping USCB beautiful and inviting for students, faculty, staff, and guests. With his quiet persistence and discipline, Aiden elevates every terrain he traverses. His sense of loyalty and generosity permeates, best showcased by his leadership on the field, his fierce advocacy for his peers, and his remarkable commitment to embodying the ideal of a scholar-athlete.

Iyinda Kirkland
Outstanding Nursing Student of the Year Award

Iyinda Kirkland was chosen for the Outstanding Student Award for the 2024 BSN graduating class because of her determination, perseverance, integrity, compassion and strong clinical skills. Her campus activities include membership in the Student Nursing Association and host of the USCB nursing community health fair. She has held intern/externship positions in the Post Anesthesia Care Unit, Emergency Department and Trauma ICU. She finds inspiration in a quote by Mary Mahoney, “We hold space by creating safe, comfortable environments where our clients can be heard. We physically hold our clients through supportive and nurturing touch.” Iyinda is a native of Irmo, South Carolina, and will work as an RN resident in the Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit at Emory University Hospital Midtown.

McKayla Malaythong
Outstanding Sociology Student of the Year

Mckayla Malaythong is from Spartanburg, SC. She graduated in spring of 2019 with a BS in criminal justice from USC Upstate and in the summer of 2023 with a Master of Arts in Criminal Justice from UMass Lowell. This semester Mckayla is earning her third degree from USCB, a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology. Makayla also has a Graduate Certificate in Victim Studies from UMass Lowell and hopes to merge her criminal justice and sociology background to help others in need, ultimately pursuing a PhD.

Brianna Wells
Charles L. Spirrison Psychology Outstanding Student of the Year

Brianna Wells is a senior psychology student originally from New Jersey. She is a member of the Beaufort College Honors program, the Psychology Club, the International Honor Society in Psychology (Psi Chi), and The National Society of Leadership and Success. She is graduating this year with summa cum laude honors and is beyond grateful for all the opportunities she was given during her years at the University of South Carolina Beaufort. After graduation, she plans on spending some time traveling and expanding her professional pursuits, with plans to eventually attend graduate school.

Anna Szalc
Outstanding Studio Arts Student of the Year

Anna Szalc joined the USCB Studio Art program after completing her associate degree at Brookdale Community College. She has contributed greatly to USCB’s program through her exemplary artwork, cheerful participation, encouragement of her peers, and tireless professionalism as an intern at the Sea Islands Center Gallery. Her artwork in watercolor, graphite, printmaking, and oil has been featured (and awarded) in juried exhibitions at USCB and in The Pen, as well as in SEISMA Magazine, the All Things Considered show at Las Laguna Art Gallery, and Small Works 2023 at Main Street Arts in Clifton Springs, New York. Aside from art, Szalc enjoys birdwatching, listening to audiobooks, and examining the little patterns found throughout nature. The Studio Art faculty is honored to have shared in this part of Anna's journey and know it is only the beginning of a great career.

Mattie Wolff
Newman Civic Fellowship Award

Six years ago, Mattie Wolff was able to get clean and in recovery after fighting 17 years of drug addiction, thanks to her involvement with Lexington/Richland Alcohol and Drug Abuse Council (LRADAC). Last April, Mattie was asked to share her story with LRADAC through a video used on their various media platforms in hopes of helping others struggling with addictions. In the past six years, Mattie became a mother, earned her GED, and enrolled in Midlands Technical College where she was invited to join Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society for excellence in the classroom. Mattie has been an outstanding student both at Midlands Tech and at USCB. Currently, Mattie participates with the MOMs group which is a part of LRADAC. The purpose of the group is to celebrate other mothers in recovery. Mattie’s strength is clearly in giving back to the community. She has consistently demonstrated an ability to contribute to many roles with her sincerity and strong leadership. Her motivation and commitment to improving other’s lives are of the highest distinction

Sierra Watkins
Darwin B Bashaw Student of the Year

Sierra Watkins is from Blythewood, South Carolina. She is graduating summa cum laude with an honors History degree on the Pre-Law track. While at USCB, she was the inaugural president of the Honors Student Association for two years and a resident assistant for three years. She also has been a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success. Her article on the systemic underfunding of South Carolina’s only Black land grant university was recently published in The Macksey Journal. This fall, she plans to begin law school at Elon University in Greensboro, North Carolina.