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Dr. Jeffrey Boswell, director of anesthesia services for Aiken Physicians Alliance and an assistant clinical professor at the USC School of Medicine, was named USC Aiken's Alumnus of the Year at the university’s inaugural All Schools Gala on Nov. 8.
“It’s an unbelievable honor to have been considered among such a great company of highly qualified nominees. I’m overwhelmed that I happened to be selected,” said Boswell, who holds two degrees in nursing from USC Aiken. Tim Behling, founder and chief executive officer of Successteam Foundation for Youth Development, was named Outstanding Recent Alumnus.
“Receiving an alumni award as a first-generation college graduate, growing up in a household where college wasn’t necessarily preached or advocated for, is amazing. Receiving this honor means a lot to me. To go from first-gen to alumni award recipient means a lot,” said Behling, who graduated with a degree in business administration in 2018.
“If you can graduate from college, pretty much you can do anything. Any challenge that you take on that isn’t familiar to you, it really just sets you up for success,” Behling said. Awards also were presented to an outstanding alumnus from each of the university’s two colleges and three professional schools.
Jenny Gilmore, an instructor, PhD student and research assistant at North Carolina State University, was named Alumnus of the Year for the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences. A 2014 graduate with a degree in English, she now studies public administration at the doctoral level. She teaches an introductory class about nonprofits and researches nonprofit service delivery to vulnerable populations, particularly survivors of intimate partner violence.
“Aiken’s vast network of nonprofits helped me survive a lot of things and become resilient and become a public servant,” Gilmore said. “It feels surreal,” she said about receiving the award. “I cried when I was walking to the stage.
” “We drove all the way down from Raleigh yesterday to come celebrate with the community,” said Gilmore, who previously served on the university’s Alumni Board. Theodius Oates III was named Alumnus of the Year for the College of Sciences and Engineering. A doctor of physical therapy for Veterans Affairs, he graduated in 2008 with a degree in exercise science.
“When you’re doing things in life, you kind of just do it because you want to help people, and to know that people are noticing that, it’s always a blessing,” Oates said. He said it was gratifying to see “how great people can do in their careers..
. even from a small school.” “As long as you have the drive and the will, you can pretty much accomplish anything,” Oates said.
Briana Aaron was named Alumnus of the Year for the School of Nursing. A 2014 graduate, she is a nursing instructor at USCA and is pursuing a PhD in nursing at the Medical University of South Carolina. “It feels great to be recognized for all the hard work,” Aaron said.
“I think as a faculty member and as a nurse, too, it’s really good always to give back.” Bridget Coleman was named Alumnus of the Year for the School of Education. Coleman is a professor at USC Aiken and a dual graduate, receiving a bachelor’s degree in secondary education in 1991 and a master's in elementary education in 1999.
As president of the National Association of Professors of Middle Education, she was attending a conference in Nashville, Tenn., and was unable to be at the awards ceremony but provided a statement that was read to the audience. “I take pride in being a double-legacy USCA alumna.
Thank you for honoring me and the accomplishments of my career. It all started right here at USC Aiken,” she said. Allison Lanier was named Alumnus of the Year for the School of Business.
She is director of client engagement for GMB, which provides marketing, branding, architectural, engineering and consulting services to educational institutions. She is a 2010 graduate of USCA. Catherine Fanchette, president of the USCA alumni board, presented scholarship to two students, freshman Jovie Grace Brown and senior Jazavia Peeples.
“In the past five years we have grown exponentially in the opportunities that we afford students as well as the events including our alumni and recognizing them. I’m very happy to be a part of it,” said Fanchette, who is coordinator for educator effectiveness, recruitment and for the Colleton Country School District. Dr.
Dan Heimmermann, chancellor of USCA, said alumni support is a crucial component of the university’s success. “There are so many ways that our alumni can give back," he said. "Whether you’re interested in making financial contributions, mentoring students, or offering a few words of encouragement, every bit of support helps the future of our university, and the future of our community, state and nation.
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