Campus corner for Wednesday, March 3, 2021: Students in Sumter, Clarendon and Lee counties

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UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA BEAUFORT

BLUFFTON - Melisa Schuessler of Lynchburg has been chosen as a USCB Standout Student.

The Standout Student program at the University of South Carolina Beaufort identifies high-performing students selected by members of the USCB faculty and helps this elite group learn about opportunities to expand their educational experiences.

"What we're hoping to do is alert our students in various disciplines to internships, scholarships and fellowships," said Kim Ritchie, Ph.D., associate professor of genetics and prokaryotic cell biology in USCB's Department of Natural Sciences.

Dr. Ritchie is chair of the Students' Scholarship and Fellowship Committee, which facilitates the Standout Student program. The committee also includes Kim Cavanagh, Ph.D., assistant professor of anthropology in the Department of Social Sciences.

"To select our Standout Students, we didn't rely solely on grade-point average," Dr. Cavanagh said. "We were looking for a variety of things. Obviously, they excel in the classroom, but we also took into consideration things like enthusiasm, balance and perhaps showing big improvement over the course of a semester. We also looked at students who are involved in many different aspects of the USCB community-student groups, academic organizations, community service and more."

Each of the 41 students at the virtual USCB Standout Student celebration held on Jan. 27 was nominated by at least one faculty member. USCB Chancellor Dr. Al M. Panu congratulated the group and presented them with a list of internships, fellowships and other nationally competitive opportunities selected with their academic fields of study in mind.

"Many of our Standout Students from previous years have accomplished remarkable achievements," Chancellor Panu said. "With the mentoring and support of our faculty and staff, I believe that this trend will continue with this cohort."

COASTAL CAROLINA UNIVERSITY

CONWAY- Coastal Carolina University recognized nearly 700 students during its in-person fall 2020 commencement ceremony held Friday, Dec. 11, 2020, in Brooks Stadium.

Graduates include:

Edward Neiswonger of Dalzell, a Management major;

Aniya McQuiller of Sumter, a Political Science major;

Wynter Goings of Bishopville, a Marketing major;

William Dukes of Sumter, a Sociology major; and

Kishona Avant of Manning, a Interdis Studies major.