COLUMBIA, S.C. — Hundreds of students at The University of South Carolina turned their tassels during the winter commencement ceremony on Monday.
According to university staff, over 1500 degrees were awarded to students from USC campuses statewide.
Every graduate had their reason for why the day was special. For many, that was the hope for employment.
Regina Baker, who was the first in her family to graduate college, said Monday was particularly special because of her dad.
"My dad got sick in 2010 and he made me promise him that I would go to college and that I would graduate, so I made that promise," Baker said. "When he got sick and passed away, I had to keep my promise no matter what it took."
Baker crossed the stage with a photo of her dad in-hand. Her goal is to be in rehabilitative services helping those transitioning from the prison system.
"It's an emotional ride because I know he would've been so proud and would've loved to yell and cheer for me as I walked across the stage, but I know he's here with me in spirit, so I brought his picture as a reminder of why I did what I did," she said.
Adam Everett, a former Gamecock infielder and major league baseball veteran also received his degree Monday, according to University staff.
A big congratulations to all of the 2019 graduates from the News 19 team.